How to Become an RN in Georgia (A Complete 2023 Guide)

So you decided to become an RN in Georgia. 

Great choice!

Georgia actually ranks 11th in Nurse Journal’s list of the best states for nurses.

That said, you need to earn your RN license. 

And this is where we come in.

Today, we’re going to give you a complete 2023 guide on how to become an RN in Georgia. In this guide, we’ll give you ALL the steps, as well as all the details. 

This can be your roadmap to your new journey. 

So let’s begin!

The 5 Steps to Becoming an RN in Georgia

Here are the 5 steps to becoming an RN in Georgia:

1. Set your nursing career goal
2. Establish a solid pre-college education 
3. Choose a nursing degree
4. Choose a nursing school
5. Earn your RN license

Let’s go through these steps in detail. 

Step 1: Set Your Nursing Career Goal

Before anything else, you need to already set your nursing goals. This will help you choose which nursing degree to get later on. 

To do this, you might want to ask yourself questions. 

Where do you see your career going? Is there a specific area you prefer for your practice?

Do you want to focus on monitoring patients and maintaining their records? Or would you prefer to step into a leadership role someday? 

As we said, If you know your nursing goal, you’ll have an easier time choosing a nursing degree. 

Step 2: Establish a Solid Pre-College Education 

A nursing career requires solid groundwork, and it begins even before you go to a nursing school. 

This is why nursing schools often have pre-requisites. Of course, these vary between colleges, so it’s best to check them out once you’ve decided on a school.

Generally, these are the subjects you’ll need:

• 4 years of English
• 3 to 4 years of Math, including algebra and geometry
• 2 to 4 years of science, including botany and chemistry; taking physics and computer science is an advantage
• 3 to 4 years of Social Studies
• 2 years of Foreign Language

Step 3: Choose a Nursing Degree

There are 2 types of nursing degrees in Georgia. 

The first one is an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). The other is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

Whichever you decide to take, it will help you earn an RN license in the state. So there’s no difference there. 

But remember when we said your long-term goals could help you choose a nursing degree? 

Let’s see why.

But first, here is a quick rundown of the differences between ADN and BSN:

• Are you in a hurry to start working and earning? You can complete an ADN in 2 years or even less, which allows you to find employment sooner. In comparison, a BSN takes 3 to 4 years to finish. That delays your entry into the workforce.

• Are you on a low budget? Since ADN is a lot shorter, you don’t have to spend so much to get your nursing degree. 

• Are you looking for prestige? Holding a bachelor’s degree comes with prestige. So if that’s important to you, you may want to consider a BSN.

• What are your career aspirations? A BSN qualifies you for more opportunities, such as teaching, working in public health, or holding a leadership role.

• Do you plan to work at a Magnet hospital? Magnet hospitals are institutions where nurses drive innovation and changes in institutional healthcare. They’re also empowered to take the lead in their patients’ care. The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) certified 12 facilities in Georgia as of 2021. A Magnet hospital requires you to have a BSN.

Step 4: Choose a Nursing School

Now that you know which nursing degree you want, it’ll be a lot easier to choose a nursing school. 

However, just make sure that the school is accredited by the Georgia Secretary of State. 

Click here for a list of accredited nursing schools in Georgia. 

Nurse.org conducted a study ranking various approved nursing schools in Georgia. Their top picks were as follows:

• Georgia Southwestern State University
• Emory University
• Georgia State University
• Mercer University
• Augusta University

They used the following criteria in their evaluation:

• Reputation
• NCLEX pass rate
• Tuition
• Acceptance rate

If you decide to do your own research, you can use similar criteria. However, try to consider the following as well:

• Class size or student-to-teacher ratio
• Availability of financial aid
• Available technology for hands-on training
• Job placement assistance after you graduate

Step 5: Earn Your RN License

Once you’ve graduated, it’s time for the last step. 

You’re finally applying for your RN license!

Here are the steps to earn your RN license in Georgia:

1. Register for the NCLEX-RN exam with Pearson Vue through their website. 

2. Pass a background check. Complete this by registering with GAPS/Gemalto. They do fingerprinting and criminal background checks (CBC).

3. Submit the necessary documents online or through the mail (address: Georgia Board of Nursing, 237 Coliseum Drive, Macon, Georgia 31217). Here are the documents you need:
   1. A filled-out application form (click here for the form)
   2. A fee of $40, plus $10 for processing
   3. completed CBC
   4. Official nursing school transcript 
   5. Affidavit of citizenship
   6. NCLEX eligibility 
   7. Any other information requested by the Nursing Board

4. Take and pass the NCLEX. You must pay a $200 testing fee directly to Pearson Vue to take the test.

Note: It’s best that you complete steps 1 and 2 48 hours before you begin your application. This is because it could take some time to fulfill it. 

And that’s it!

Once you complete the last step, you’ll be able to practice as an RN in Georgia.

Congrats!

Frequently Asked Questions

To help you even further, let’s take some time to answer the most frequently asked questions about RN nurses in Georgia. 

Is Georgia a compact state?

Yes, Georgia has been part of the Nurse Licensure Compact for 5 years. This means you can practice in other compact states as long as you hold a multistate license.

If you have a single-state license, you can upgrade it to a multistate one by meeting the 11 Uniform Licensure Requirements and complying with the state’s conditions. The application fee is $50.

How much do RNs earn in Georgia?

Registered Nurses in Georgia earn $75,380 per month on average. That’s 8% lower than the national average of $82,750.

Georgia is a state where nurses with BSNs have an advantage since they usually receive higher pay than those with ADNs. 

Where do nurses usually work?

Hospitals remain the most common workplace for nurses. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 61% of nurses find employment in this environment. It includes state, local, or private institutions.

Other areas of opportunity:

• Ambulatory healthcare services — 18%
• Residential care facilities — 6%
• Government — 5%
• Educational services, whether state, local, or private — 3%

Helpful Resources for Georgia RNs

• Georgia Board of Nursing Website (Official)
• Information for RN Applicants (Official)
• Georgia RN Continuing Education Requirements (Official)
• Associate Degree Programs (ADNS) Approved by Georgia BON
• Baccalaureate Degree Programs (BSNs) approved by Georgia BON

List of Associate Degree Programs (ADNs) in Georgia

Here’s a list of ADN programs approved by the Georgia BON:

Visit the Georgia BON website for updates.

List of Baccalaureate Degree Programs (BSNs) in Georgia

Here’s a list of BSN programs approved by the Georgia BON:

Visit the Georgia BON website for updates.

In Conclusion

To be sure, there are a lot of details in the 5 steps. 

However, if you put your heart into it, you’ll be an RN in no time. 

So why delay any more?

Go set out your nursing career goals and start working towards them. 

Good luck!