3 Best Direct-Entry MSN Programs in Georgia – 2025
Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org
Is a Direct Entry MSN program in Georgia worth it? It is if you’re an RN in the Peach State who earned a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing and wants to become an advanced practice RN. Direct Entry MSN programs in Georgia are accelerated programs that combine elements of a BSN curriculum with the traditional MSN curriculum. Just like a traditional MSN, a Direct Entry MSN will enable you to become a nurse practitioner, nurse executive, or nurse educator in the Peach State. In Georgia, graduates of Direct Entry MSN programs earn $111,910 annually. Interested in finding out more? Review the following guide to the 3 best Direct Entry MSN programs in Georgia for 2025.
WHAT ARE THE BEST DIRECT-ENTRY MSN PROGRAMS IN GEORGIA (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025?
Based on our Ranking Methodology, the following are the 3 Best Direct-Entry MSN programs in Georgia (Online & Campus).
1. Emory University - Atlanta
Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care, and Women’s Health/Gender-Related Studies
About Emory University: Emory University is a great place to launch your career in nursing. Offering one of the best direct-entry MSN programs in Georgia, Emory can transform you from a non-nurse to a healthcare leader. With thoughtfully planned classroom and hands-on experiences, the school has consistently produced high-quality nursing professionals who have addressed the state’s healthcare needs.
Emory University Direct-Entry MSN Program Details: Emory University’s direct-entry MSN program begins once a year in the summer. The first 15 months of this direct-entry MSN program in Georgia entail completing pre-licensure courses, after which you’ll earn a Master of Nursing and gain the eligibility to take the NCLEX-RN exam. After obtaining your RN license, you can work as an RN, while continuing with the program to complete the MSN and NP-related courses. You can choose a specialization from the options, including adult gerontology primary care, family health, pediatric primary care, or women’s health.
Some of the classes you’ll attend include health assessment, pathophysiology, pharmacology, nursing research, nursing leadership & management, advanced nursing practice, healthcare policy & advocacy, and advanced health promotion & disease prevention. Thereafter, you’ll complete the NP-related courses within your chosen population focus. Upon graduation, you’ll earn an MSN and you will be prepared to take the NP certification exam.
Emory University Direct-Entry MSN Admission Requirements: To be considered for Emory University’s direct-entry MSN, you must have a bachelor’s degree in another field. Your GPA must be at least 3.0. To fulfill the admission requirements, you are required to submit your official transcripts, a resume, and an optional personal statement. Also, applicants must complete pre-requisite courses with a minimum grade of C.
Interesting Highlights For Emory University Direct-Entry MSN Students
• Emory University’s master’s in nursing education ranks among the nation’s top MSN programs, according to the U.S. News & World Report.• Emory University direct-entry MSN students can apply for financial assistance. The school offers generous financial assistance and it's good to know that more than 92% of students receive some sort of financial assistance.
• Emory University direct-entry MSN students need not worry about securing clinical placements. With an extensive clinical network in Atlanta and across the world, the school coordinates suitable placements, all of this, at no extra cost!
• Emory University’s direct-entry MSN program boasts of an excellent employment rate, having most graduates find jobs within three months of placement.
2. Augusta University - Augusta
Specialties Offered: Clinical Nurse Leader
About Augusta University: If you are a non-nurse who finds a calling in nursing, then Augusta University provides you with an excellent foundation to embark on a career in nursing. By offering one of the most well-known direct-entry MSN programs in Georgia, the school prepares you through rigorous didactic and clinical training under the close mentorship of an expert faculty.
Augusta University Direct-Entry MSN Program Details: Augusta University’s direct-entry MSN program stands out for offering an innovative and accelerated program for non-nurses. Leading to the NCLEX-RN and CNL certification the program prepares you to take on leadership roles in various types of healthcare settings.
This direct-entry MSN program in Georgia requires the completion of 60 credits and a total of 1020. The curriculum teaches you concepts in pathophysiology, epidemiology & biostatistics, healthcare delivery models, economics & policy, nursing therapeutics, and evidence-based practice in nursing & healthcare. In the second year of this two-year program, you’ll learn about concepts in population health, the promotion of health quality & safety, and the role of a clinical nurse leader. Graduates will also be well-versed in the healthcare management of women, children, and families.
Augusta University Direct-Entry MSN Admission Requirements: To be considered for Augusta University’s direct-entry MSN program, you must have a baccalaureate degree in a non-nursing field and a GPA of at least 3.0. Also, prerequisites, including anatomy & physiology, the foundation of microbiology, chemistry, statistics, general psychology, and human development must be completed. To complete the application, you must be prepared to submit your official transcripts, a current resume, three letters of recommendation, and an essay.
Interesting Highlights For Augusta University Direct-Entry MSN Students
• Augusta University direct-entry MSN students have the advantage of expanding their learning experience by collaborating with other healthcare students in the region’s only academic health center. The school’s interprofessional health environment opens learning opportunities in the latest healthcare innovations and advances.• Augusta University direct-entry MSN students participate in community outreach programs where they not only gain real-world experience but also serve the health needs of vulnerable and underserved populations.
• Augusta University’s master’s in nursing education has won recognition for its high-quality teaching and even ranks among the nation’s best MSN programs as per the U.S. News & World Report.
3. Brenau University - Gainesville
About Brenau University: Brenau University offers another of our featured direct-entry MSN programs in Georgia. With an excellent quality education, the school empowers non-nurses to transform their lives and make a difference in the health of their communities. Over the past 140 years, the school constantly evolved to meet the changing needs of the world. Whether you seek a supportive learning environment or a well-rounded education, here, you will be equipped to improve health outcomes.
Brenau University Direct-Entry MSN Program Details: Brenau University’s direct-entry MSN program is an accelerated program designed for non-nurses. The 75-credit coursework takes 20 months to complete. The program begins with foundational courses and advances to complex topics in registered nursing.
While the first semester of this direct-entry MSN program in Georgia requires you to attend classes in professional nursing, the foundation of nursing practice, and health assessment, the second semester entails completing courses in advanced adult health nursing and behavioral health nursing. In the third semester, you’ll learn about maternity & women’s health nursing and child & adolescent health nursing, whereas, the other courses in the fourth, and fifth semesters include advanced nursing research, population health, and evidence-based practice. Upon completion of this program, you’ll be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam.
Brenau University Direct-Entry MSN Admission Requirements: As an applicant for Brenau University’s direct-entry MSN program, you must have a baccalaureate degree with a GPA of at least 3.0. Additionally, you must submit all your transcripts and recommendation letters to complete your application.
Interesting Highlights For Brenau University Direct-Entry MSN Students
• Brenau University direct-entry MSN program offers several types of financial aid, including financial aid, scholarships, loans & grants.• Brenau University direct-entry MSN program emphasizes clinical training and provides ample learning experiences through its advanced simulation lab and clinical affiliates.
• Brenau University direct-entry MSN students gain individualized mentoring in its small-sized classes under the expert guidance of an expert faculty.
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