8 Best DNP Programs in Georgia – 2025


Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org

If you’re someone with a passionate commitment to evidence-based nursing practice and a desire to influence the future of the nursing profession, DNP programs in Georgia may be the right option for you. DNPs in the Peach State find work at the very highest echelons of the nursing profession, as clinical practice leaders, as professors and as crafters of healthcare policy. DNP-prepared nurses in Georgia earn $123,690 a year on average. Many Georgia-based DNP programs are offered online so that you don’t have to put your job and family responsibilities on hold. This list of the 8 best DNP programs in Georgia for 2025 is a good starting point.


WHAT ARE THE BEST DNP PROGRAMS IN GEORGIA (ONLINE & CAMPUS)?

Based on our Ranking Methodology, listed below are the 8 Best Doctor of Nursing Practice programs in Georgia (Online & Campus).


1) Emory University - Atlanta


Programs Offered:

Post-BSN DNP, Post-Masters DNP, and DNP (Nurse Anesthesia)

Are you looking at completing your doctoral education from one of the best DNP programs in Georgia? Emory offers this terminal nursing degree for which you can apply, either after completing a BSN or an MSN. Regardless of the path you enter, you will graduate as a clinical leader with unparalleled leadership skills to make the change happen in the delivery of health care.

Post-BSN DNP Tracks:
Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult/Gerontology Acute and/or Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Emergency Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute and/or Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner, and Nurse Midwife

As a registered nurse, wouldn’t it be great if you could earn two nursing degrees seamlessly by entering one program? Well, with this BSN to DNP pathway you not only graduate with a DNP but also earn an MSN. To be eligible for this program you must hold an active RN license and complete your BSN coursework with a minimum GPA of 3.5. Depending on your interest, you can choose from the eight concentrations, out of which seven are nurse practitioner tracks and one is for nurse-midwife. The number of credits required to graduate will be around 78, added to which you must complete 750 clinical hours.

Post-Masters DNP Tracks:
Health Systems Leadership and Population Health

This post-masters DNP program in Georgia is a hybrid program that facilitates working nurses to balance academics with their professional and personal commitments. This degree can be earned either with a specialization in Health Systems Leadership or Population Health. While the former is offered only as a full-time option, spanning over four semesters, the latter is offered in both, part-time and full-time schedules. The health systems track mainly prepares you for leadership roles that transform healthcare systems, whereas the population track is designed to provide you with an in-depth understanding of various factors that influence health.

DNP Tracks:
Nurse Anesthesia

The DNP-Nurse Anesthesia program is open to BSN graduates, who hold an active RN license. The program prepares you for a promising career as a certified registered nurse anesthetist. To graduate you must complete a total of 89 to 90 credits over a span of nine semesters. The program educates you about advanced anesthesia, nurse anesthesia application, and the role of practicing nurse anesthesia.


2) Augusta University – Augusta


Programs Offered:

DNP (Post-BSN to DNP and Post-MSN to DNP)

The College of Nursing at Augusta University is recognized for its online graduate education and through an evidence-based curriculum has produced nurse leaders who are committed to better health outcomes for our communities. Established in 2005, this Doctor of Nursing Practice degree was the first DNP program in Georgia. The program is offered as a post-BSN and post-MSN-pathway and comes with several concentration options.

Post-BSN to DNP Tracks:
Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner , and Nursing Anesthesia

This program is available to students who have completed a BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Besides, you also need to hold an active RN license and any nursing related work experience will enhance your chances of admission. You can choose to enter any of the five tracks, depending on whether you are interested in the nursing care of the adult and elderly, individuals and families of all age groups, mental health patients, pediatric patients, or providing care as a nurse anesthetist. All tracks are available as full-time and part-time options and once accepted into the program, you progress through it as a cohort. The number of credits required to graduate will be around 77, in addition to the completion of 1156 clinical hours.

Post-MSN to DNP Tracks:
Post-Master's DNP (No Concentration) and Nurse Executive

If you are an MSN graduate, then by completing this post-MSN DNP program in GA you will not only gain the most advanced nursing knowledge but you will be in a position to transform and improve healthcare for a global population. This program is open to nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and clinical nurse specialists. The 37-credit curriculum is offered online and mainly focuses on developing clinical expertise and leadership skills to help you to proficiently play the role of a nurse clinician. On the other hand, if you are already holding a leadership position in nursing and are in-line for a promotion, you can consider the Nurse Executive DNP training that aims towards producing future nurse executives who not only possess the business acumen but also understand the global healthcare environment. To be eligible for this program you must have either completed an MSN or a BSN with a master’s in a non-nursing field.


3) Georgia Southern University - Statesboro


Programs Offered:

Post-BSN to DNP and Post-Master’s DNP

If you are looking at enrolling in one of the best DNP programs in Georgia, then you must learn about Georgia Southern University that trains leaders who are ready to meet the health needs of a diverse patient population. With an emphasis on rural health, the DNP at GSU aims at enhancing the quality of the rural population along with urban areas. With two pathways and several concentration options, in addition to doctoral education, you can gain specialized skills and earn a certification in an area of your interest.

Post-BSN to DNP Tracks:
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), and Psychiatric/ Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

This post-BSN to DNP degree comes with an opt-out option after completing the MSN and specialization-specific courses. To be eligible for this program you must have graduated from an accredited BSN program with a minimum GPA of 3.0. If you are considering the post MSN opt-out option to either fulfill personal or professional responsibilities, you can return back to complete the remaining DNP courses, provided it is done within four years. The total number of credits you require to earn the DNP will be around 77, with the exact number depending on the track you chose. Additionally, 1350 clinical hours must be completed to gain clinical expertise. Precisely, the coursework is divided into 43 credits of the MSN and FNP courses and the remaining 34 credits are in the DNP courses. The DNP portion includes nine credits in a clinical project and another nine credits in elective courses.

Post-Master’s DNP:
If you are a licensed APRN who has completed an MSN program with a minimum GPA of 3.0, then by completing this Georgia DNP program you can achieve doctoral education while conveniently juggling through your current responsibilities. Grounded in evidence-based knowledge, this online curriculum requires completing 37 credits and spans across six semesters. The program prepares you to work towards better health outcomes by designing health policies, managing nursing care, and enhancing healthcare leadership.


4) Georgia College & State University - Milledgeville


Programs Offered:

DNP

Is applying to one of the affordable DNP programs in Georgia the next thing on your mind? Are you aspiring to take your nursing career to the highest possible level? You can give a thought to the DNP degree offered by Georgia College & State University that helps you graduate with an evidence-based nursing degree without breaking the bank.

DNP:
This 37-credit online DNP program in Georgia is typically meant for working nurses. The program starts in fall each year and begins with a four-day on-campus immersion. On a full-time basis, you can complete this program in five semesters, however, if you prefer a slower pace you can take part-time classes and complete it in eight semesters. To be eligible for this program you must be an MSN graduate or must have completed a master’s in anesthesia, in addition to holding an active RN license. The curriculum includes courses in epidemiology, health care policies, healthcare research, evidence-based practice, healthcare informatics, addressing the health needs of vulnerable populations, and leadership in nursing. The program culminates in a capstone project that can be individualized keeping your interests and specific goals in mind.


5) Georgia State University – Atlanta


Programs Offered:

DNP (Post-BSN to DNP and Post-MSN to DNP)

If you are looking at advancing your nursing career by taking up pivotal positions in the healthcare field such as healthcare executive, healthcare lobbyist or even taking up a position as a nursing faculty, you can consider completing the DNP offered by Georgia State University. Considered one of the best DNP programs in Georgia, graduates of this program are successfully working in some of the prominent organizations in the state, improving health outcomes for our communities.

Post-BSN to DNP Tracks:
Adult Health-Gero NP, Adult Health-Gero CNS, Pediatric NP, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health

Like most other DNP programs in Georgia, this track is meant for BSN graduates who have earned a minimum GPA of 2.75. Additionally, at least six months of work experience is required as a nurse. The program is available in five concentration options and requires completing of a total 81 credits. You first complete the 48 credits in the APRN courses, followed by 39 credits of the DNP coursework. Upon completing the program, you will be eligible to take the certification exam in your chosen specialization. The curriculum also includes 1000 clinical hours and ends with a DNP project.

Post-MSN to DNP:
The post-MSN program builds up on your previous nursing degree and strengthens your knowledge of evidence-based practice and enhances leadership skills. The curriculum includes courses in evidence-based practice, epidemiology, financial management in a healthcare organization, healthcare technology, and advanced leadership & organizational behavior. Additionally, you must also complete 500 clinical hours to earn your DNP.


6) Mercer University – Atlanta


Programs Offered:

DNP (BSN to DNP and Post-Master's DNP)

Mercer University offers evidence-based DNP programs in Georgia that are grounded in faith-based values of service to humanity. With online asynchronous and synchronous classes, DNP students enjoy considerable flexibility that allows them to continue working while pursuing this advanced degree. To encourage eligible students, just like other well-known Doctor of Nursing Practice programs, the college also offers merit-based financial support, so if you fulfill the eligibility criteria, you may, well end up saving some good amount of money on tuition costs.

BSN to DNP Tracks:
Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

The BSN to DNP program comes with three concentration options and is open to students who have completed their BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.20. The curriculum is divided into courses that comprise of core, APRN, specialty-specific, and DNP courses. After you complete the first seven semesters you will be awarded an MSN and also be eligible to take the certification exam. This allows you to seek employment while you continue to take the remaining DNP courses on a part-time basis during the final two semesters. Depending on the track, you must complete credits around 72 and 1020 clinical hours.

Post-Master's DNP Tracks:
DNP (Post-masters) - No concentration (generalist), DNP - Includes Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

The Post-Master’s DNP comes with an option of a generalist track or with a specialization in adult-gerontology acute care track. If you enter the generalist track you must complete 39 credits and 540 clinical hours. The curriculum includes courses in clinical epidemiology, foundations for advanced nursing practice, healthcare policy and systems analysis, ethics in healthcare, principles of informatics, and financial management in healthcare and outcomes. To be eligible for this track you must be an RN who has earned an MSN. On the other hand, if you are interested in the nursing care of adults and the elderly population, you can opt for the AGACNP track that requires you to complete 54 credits and 660 clinical hours and takes six semesters to complete.


7) Brenau University – Gainesville


Programs Offered:

DNP

DNP Tracks:
Advance Practice Nurse and Leadership & Management

Brenau University, counted among the prominent DNP programs in Georgia has been preparing nurse leaders through a combination of didactic lectures and extensive clinical training. The Doctoral education here is offered in a hybrid format where you progress through it as part of a close-knit cohort, building strong connections with faculty and peers. As a graduate of this program, you will demonstrate enhanced evidence-based knowledge and critical thinking skills to improve health outcomes for a diverse patient population.

This DNP program is offered with two specialization options; advanced practice nurse and leadership management. The program builds upon your previous nursing degree and experience, further deepening it by taking it to the highest level of clinical practice. To be eligible for this program, you must have completed your MSN and worked as an advanced practice nurse for a minimum duration of 12 months either in direct patient care or in a leadership or management position. To graduate, you must complete 40 credits in courses, some of which include biostatistics, epidemiology, genomics & population health, strategic management & leadership, and informatics.


8) South University – Savannah


Programs Offered:

DNP

If you are keen on taking the next step into your nursing career by enrolling in one of the top online DNP programs in Georgia that offers flexible schedules and convenient online classes, then you may want to zero down upon South University. Here, through an online DNP coursework, you will be trained for health promotion and disease prevention by being a critical thinker and a lifelong learner. The college’s nurturing environment lends you the required support to make your journey, starting from enrollment to graduation a rather pleasant one.

To be eligible for this DNP program, you must have completed your MSN from an accredited university. The DNP coursework comprises 66 credits which take you through organizational & systems leadership, clinical prevention & population health, healthcare policy, financial management & resource utilization, biostatistical methods, and principles of epidemiology. Also, you must have a minimum of 1000 hours of clinical practice documented post your baccalaureate degree in nursing.


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