4 Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in Atlanta, GA (Online & Campus) – 2025
Written By: Pattie Trumble, MPP, MPH
Thinking about becoming a nurse practitioner in Atlanta? Thanks to numerous first-class medical facilities and the presence of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Big Peach is home to a thriving healthcare industry where demand for NP services is growing stronger all the time: Within the next 10 years, employment opportunities for nurse practitioners in the Atlanta metro area are projected to rise by a whopping 79 percent. If you’ve been wondering what are the best NP programs in Atlanta, Georgia, look no further. Below, we’ve summarized the most important information about the 4 best nurse practitioner programs in Atlanta for 2025.
TOP 5 REASONS WHY ATLANTA IS A GREAT PLACE TO PURSUE NP PROGRAMS
The city’s booming healthcare sector is just one of many reasons why NP programs in Atlanta present an excellent opportunity for any nurse interested in exploring new professional avenues. Here are five other reasons why Atlanta-based nurse practitioner programs are a great opportunity.
1. Cost of living:
Atlanta is relatively affordable compared to other similarly sized metropolises in the U.S. The cost of living is significantly lower here than it is in cities like New York, San Francisco, and Seattle. In particular, housing in the Big Peach is reasonably priced. You have to watch your dollars as a nurse practitioner student on a tight budget. In Atlanta, those dollars just stretch farther.
2. Diversity:
Atlanta is a cosmopolitan city celebrated for its ethnic and cultural diversity. As a nurse practitioner in training here, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with an eclectic assortment of patients who will help hone your clinical skills and sharpen your cultural sensitivity.
3. Robust economy:
Atlanta is home to 16 Fortune 500 companies, including iconic brands like Coca-Cola, Delta Airlines, and Home Depot. Atlanta’s unemployment rate is less than the national average. What this means is that Peach City residents can afford to spend money on the types of healthcare services that you, as a future nurse practitioner, are being trained to provide.
4. Good weather all year round:
Atlanta’s climate is mild. Sure, it gets hot in the summer, but who doesn’t want an excuse to don short sleeves and shorts? Springtime is balmy; fall—with the changing colors of the oak, maple, and hickory trees—is warm and magnificent. And winter temperatures seldom slip below 45° Fahrenheit.
5. Fabulous recreational opportunities:
Even the most dedicated nurse practitioner student has to look up from the books sometime. In Atlanta, there are a thousand ways to refresh your brain. Atlanta has a vibrant arts scene with numerous restaurants, theaters, museums, and music clubs. If outdoor activities get your juices flowing, go hiking, biking, or kayaking in one of Atlanta’s many parks like the Atlanta BeltLine, Piedmont Park, or the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.
HOW LONG ARE NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN ATLANTA?
It will take you anywhere between eight and 32 months to complete a nurse practitioner program in Atlanta. The primary factor determining the length of your program will be the academic pathway your NP track is paired with. Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees require the most classes, so this degree typically takes the longest time to complete. Stand-alone certificates, on the other hand, require no APRN or nursing leadership coursework, so they tend to involve the shortest amount of time.
At two semesters (approximately eight months), Emory University’s AGACNP post-master’s certificate offers the shortest route to NP practice in Atlanta. In contrast,
Mercer University’s BSN-to-DNP/FNP degree requires eight semesters (approximately 32 months.) Georgia State University’s
RN-to-MSN and
MSN programs can both be completed in 24 months. On the other hand, it will take you
18 months to complete an MSN/NP at South College.
HOW MUCH DO NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN ATLANTA COST?
Nurse practitioner programs in Atlanta are not inexpensive, though the return you’ll reap on your investment in NP education makes pursuing one worthwhile. You can expect to spend between $17,000 and $148,000 on tuition if you enroll in an NP track in the Big Peach, depending upon the academic degree you’re pursuing. (Of course, you can expect additional fees to apply.)
Public universities are generally more affordable than private universities if you’re a resident of that state. Out-of-state tuition at a public university can be even more expensive than tuition at a private university, however. For example,
Georgia state residents will spend $19,392 in tuition if they enroll in one of the MSN/NP tracks at Georgia State University, but out-of-state residents will pay $60,720 for that same MSN/NP track—which is more than they would have spent in tuition had they enrolled in private
Mercer University where MSN tuition will set you back $55,632.
Tuition at private for-profit schools is often lower than private nonprofit schools. At private for-profit South College, tuition is $800 per quarter credit, so
South College’s MSN-to-DNP program will set you back approximately $83,2000. In contrast,
the MN-to-DNP track at private Emory University will cost you approximately $93,936.
WHAT ARE THE BEST NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN ATLANTA, GA (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025?
(Based on our
ranking methodology, the following are the 4 Best NP programs in Atlanta, Georgia (Online & Campus) for the year 2025.)
1. Emory University
Programs Offered: MSN,
Post BSN DNP / Post MN DNP, Post-Graduate Certificate, and
MN-to-MSN
MSN Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)
Post BSN DNP / Post MN DNP Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology-Acute Care NP, Adult Gerontology-Primary Care NP, Emergency NP, Family NP, Pediatric Acute Care NP, Pediatric Primary Care NP, Psychiatric-Mental Health NP, and Women’s Health-Gender Related NP
Post-Graduate Certificate Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
MN-to-MSN Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
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About the School: What makes Emory University stand out as one of the best nurse practitioner programs in Atlanta and the nation? An internationally recognized nursing faculty, a collaborative learning approach that fosters close connections between students and instructors, and a solid commitment to service learning. Two Emory graduate nursing programs have made it onto U.S. News & World Report’s Nursing Top 10 list: The university’s MSN program is ranked second best in the nation, while its DNP program is ranked sixth best.
You can complete NP training at the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing by pursuing one of four academic degrees: an MSN degree, a Master of Nursing (MN) pathway, a DNP degree (both BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP), and a post-master’s certificate.
The MSN degree offers seven NP options: an AGACNP track, an AGPCNP track, an FNP track, an NNP track, a PACNP track, a PPCNP track, and a WHNP track. The BSN-to-DNP and MN-to-DNP programs are associated with eight NP options: an AGACNP track, an AGPCNP track, an Emergency Nurse Practitioner (ENP) track, an FNP track, a PACNP track, a PMHNP track, and a Women’s Health-Gender Related NP (WHGRNP) track.
If you’re interested in enrolling in the MN-to-MSN program, you can pursue training as an AGPCNP, an FNP, a PPCNP, or a WHNP. AGACNP, AGPCNP, and PMHNP training are also available through post-master’s certificates.
MSN Program Details: Many of Emory’s nurse practitioner options are offered in a hybrid format that combines online learning with monthly classroom meetings at the university’s campus in downtown Atlanta.
Students who enroll in the AGACNP track will be required to complete 48 credits and 840 clinical hours, while students who enroll in the AGPCNP track must complete 49 credits and more than 780 clinical hours. The FNP track involves 49 credits and 720 clinical hours, and the NNP track consists of 48 credits and 780 clinical hours. Both the PACNP and PPCNP specialties involve 47 credits and 780 clinical hours. To prepare for WHNP certification, you must complete 44 credits and 630 clinical hours.
In addition to teaching you the hands-on skills you’ll rely upon as a nurse practitioner interacting with a specific population, the MSN curriculum is designed to prepare you for your expanded APRN role. You’ll take Advanced Practice coursework, NP specialization coursework, and clinical practicums. APRN coursework includes classes like “Becoming an APRN,” “Advanced Physiology/Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan,” and “Research and Evidence-Based Practice.”
The Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing’s clinical affairs team coordinates all practicum placements. Emory University partners with more than 500 healthcare facilities throughout Atlanta and across the U.S., including Emory Healthcare, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, and the Atlanta VA Medical Center.
MSN Program Length: Classes begin in the fall semester. Emory University offers full-time and part-time completion options. Full-time students should be able to complete the curriculum in four semesters (16 months.)
MSN Admission Requirements: Admission into this program is highly competitive. You must have an active, unencumbered Georgia RN license or an RN license from a compact state that allows you to practice in Georgia. You’ll also need at least one year of professional experience in a practice setting akin to the NP specialty track you’re applying to. Emory’s MSN/NP programs are only open to RNs who hold BSN degrees from accredited colleges or universities.
Post BSN DNP / Post MN DNP Program Details: Seven of Emory University’s DNP nurse practitioner tracks are hybrid programs that are primarily taught online but involve periodic skills intensives that take place at the University’s Atlanta campus. The ENP track, however, is conducted entirely on campus.
Whether they’re associated with the BSN-to-DNP program or the MN-to-DNP program, the PACNP, PPCNP, FNP, AGACNP, AGPCNP, and WHNP tracks require 74 credits and 1,140 clinical hours. However, the ENP track entails 83 credits and 1,140 clinical hours, while the PMHNP track involves 86 credits and 1,050 clinical hours.
The DNP curriculum differs from the MSN curriculum through the addition of coursework that focuses on nurse leadership, statistical analysis, and healthcare industry trends. DNP core classes include courses like “Population Health,” “Evidence-Based Practice,” and “Quality, Safety, and Systems-Based Practice.” All DNP studies culminate with a three-semester DNP scholarly project that allows you to apply the knowledge and the skills you’ve learned in the classroom to a real-world clinical issue you’ve encountered during your practicums. Practicums are scheduled at numerous clinical sites throughout Atlanta and other parts of the U.S.
Post BSN DNP / Post MN DNP Program Length: All courses start at the beginning of the fall semester. If you’re enrolled in Emory University’s DNP/NP programs full-time, you should be able to complete your course load in seven semesters (28 months.) Part-time students can take up to 10 semesters (40 months) to graduate.
Post BSN DNP / Post MN DNP Admission Requirements: Applicants to the ENP, AGACNP, or PACNP tracks must have two or more years of professional experience working with patients in the field they hope to specialize in. Applicants must have an active, unrestricted RN license in the state where they’ll be doing their clinical practicums. Emory University’s DNP-NP program is only available to students who hold an MSN or a BSN from an accredited college or university.
Post-Graduate Certificate Program Details: If you already hold APRN licensure, Emory University’s post-graduate NP training certificates can help you master a new clinical specialty. This nurse practitioner training is primarily offered as a distance-learning program using synchronous and asynchronous technology, but you may be required to participate in onsite skills intensives at Emory University’s campus in Atlanta.
The precise number of credits you’ll be responsible for completing will depend upon the number of credits you can transfer from previous graduate-level coursework. AGACNP certificate students typically complete 9 credits and 500 clinical hours. PMHNP certificate students, on the other hand, must complete 26 credits and 690 clinical hours. All three certificate NP tracks will allow you to transfer up to 250 clinical hours.
Post-Graduate Certificate Program Length: You’ll be able to finish Emory’s AGACNP certificate in two semesters (eight months) and the university’s PMHNP certificate in three semesters (12 months.)
Post-Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements: To enroll in one of Emory’s post-graduate NP training certificate programs, you’ll need an unencumbered APRN license and an active, unrestricted RN license in Georgia or one of the nursing compact states. This NP training option is only open to candidates with a master’s or doctoral nursing degree from an accredited university or college.
MN-to-MSN Program Details: Emory University’s MN-to-MSN program is a unique curriculum designed for students who are interested in pursuing a nursing career but who do not have a nursing-related bachelor’s degree. The first part of the program involves earning a Master of Nursing (MN) degree so that students can get RN licensure. The second part of the program involves earning an MSN, and it’s this segment that’s associated with NP training.
The entire MN-to-MSN pathway entails 60 credits and 519 clinical hours.
MN-to-MSN Program Length: Classes begin in the summer semester. Full-time students can complete this coursework in four semesters (16 months.)
MN-to-MSN Admission Requirements: Applicants must complete seven prerequisite courses, including physical science coursework, statistics, and a human development social science class. Your cumulative GPA in all previous college-level work must be 3.0 or higher.
Scholarships & Financial Aid for Emory University NP Students: The Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing administers several scholarships specifically for nursing graduate students. You may also qualify for federal and state grants and loans based on the information you submit on your FAFSA form.
Interesting Highlights About Emory University NP School
• This NP program in Atlanta awarded 150 MSN degrees and 28 DNP degrees during the 2020-2021 academic year.
•
U.S. News & World Report ranks several of Emory’s specialty FNP programs highly. According to
U.S. News & World Report, Emory’s MSN/AGACNP and MSN/AGPCNP tracks are the fourth best in the U.S., while Emory’s MSN/FNP track is the fifth best. Emory’s DNP/FNP track is the sixth best of its kind, while Emory’s DNP/ACACNP track is the seventh best.
• In 2021, the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing received approximately $10.5 million in research grants, fellowships, and training grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), making it #3 among nursing schools in NIH funding.
• Emory University offers the only MSN/NNP program in Georgia.
• Emory offers nursing students global learning opportunities in destinations like the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas, Peru, and Haiti through the Lillian Carter Center for Global Health and Social Responsibility.
2. Mercer University
Programs Offered: MSN,
BSN-to-DNP,
Post-Master's DNP, and
Post-Master's Certificate
MSN Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, and Family Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master's Certificate Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
About the School: Mercer University’s main campus is in Macon, but the university’s Georgia Baptist College of Nursing is located at the Cecil B. Day Graduate and Professional campus just outside metro Atlanta. All classes are taught onsite. Mercer’s strong clinical partnerships, state-of-the-art facilities, dedicated faculty, and rigorous academics have earned the university’s NP tracks a reputation as some of the best nurse practitioner programs in Atlanta.
You can pursue nurse practitioner certification through three academic pathways: An MSN program, a BSN-to-DNP program, a post-master’s, and a post-master’s certificate. All three pathways offer the same nurse practitioner specialties: an FNP, AGACNP, or AGPCNP track.
MSN Program Details: The AGACNP track requires 47 credits and 600 clinical hours, while the AGPCNP track entails 44 credits and 600 clinical hours. To graduate from the FNP track, you must complete 48 credits and 660 clinical hours. Like other MSN/NP programs in Atlanta, Mercer’s MSN/NP curriculum is split between coursework that focuses on the APRN role, coursework that focuses on a particular NP specialty, and clinical practicums.
APRN-related coursework includes classes like “Advanced Health Assessment,” “Healthcare Policy,” and “Evidence-based Practice and Research for Advanced Nursing Practice.” Your final MSN class will involve a capstone project in which you’ll apply what you’ve learned in the classroom to improve a health outcome related to your practicum experiences.
Clinical practicums occur in various healthcare practice settings throughout the Greater Atlanta Metropolitan Area, ranging from medical centers and hospitals to private physician practices and community clinics.
MSN Program Length: Classes begin in the fall semester. If you enroll full-time, you’ll be able to complete the MSN/NP program in four semesters (16 months.) Part-time students should be able to complete the program in seven semesters (28 months.)
MSN Admission Requirements: To apply to this program, you must be a BSN-educated RN with a degree from an accredited university or college with a minimum GPA of 3.0. You’ll also need to have an active, unrestricted RN license in Georgia and at least one year of professional nursing experience.
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: Mercer University’s DNP curriculum expands upon its MSN curriculum to include coursework related to evidence-based practice, systems leadership, and quality assurance protocols. Core DNP classes cover subjects like “Transition to the Practice Doctorate,” “Clinical Epidemiology,” and “Health Care Economics and Finance.”
You must take 76 credits and 1,020 clinical hours to complete the requirements for the AGACNP and FNP specialties and 73 credits and 1,020 clinical hours to complete the requirements for the AGPCNP specialty. All BSN-to-DNP students must participate in a three-semester DNP project during which you’ll develop, implement, and evaluate an evidence-based intervention that’s intended to improve the outcome of a specific healthcare issue.
The Georgia Baptist College of Nursing provides high-quality clinical practicums by partnering with healthcare facilities such as the Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Georgia Tenet Atlanta Medical Center and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
BSN-to-DNP Program Length: Mercer’s BSN-to-DNP program offers full-time and part-time completion tracks. If you enroll full-time, you can expect to complete the program in eight semesters (32 months.) If you enroll part-time, you can expect to complete the program in 11 semesters (44 months.) All classes begin in the fall semester.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: This program is only open to graduates of accredited BSN programs who’ve maintained an undergraduate GPA of 3.2 or higher. You must have a current, unencumbered RN license in Georgia for acceptance. You’ll need to submit three professional references, a current resume, and a cover letter addressing your professional goals with your application.
Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: Mercer University’s stand-alone post-master’s NP certificates allow Advanced Practice Registered Nurses to branch out into new areas of clinical expertise. The FNP and AGACNP certificates consist of 23 credits and 660 clinical hours, while the AGPCNP certificate comprises 19 credits and 600 clinical hours. You may be able to decrease the number of clinical hours you’re responsible for completing, however, if a gap analysis demonstrates that some of the clinical hours you’ve completed for a prior degree qualify to be transferred.
Post-Master’s Certificate Program Length: You can finish Mercer University’s post-master’s NP certificate program in three semesters (12 months.) Courses begin in the fall semester.
Post-Master’s Certificate Admission Requirements: To enroll in one of Mercer’s NP certificate tracks, you’ll need a graduate degree from an accredited nursing program with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. You must have active, unrestricted RN licensure in Georgia. You’ll need to submit three letters of recommendation, a resume, and a cover letter of about 1,000 words that speaks to your professional ambitions. After submitting your application, you can expect to be interviewed by Mercer’s NP Coordinator or the nursing school’s Associate Dean.
Scholarships & Financial Aid for Mercer University NP Students: The Georgia Baptist College of Nursing administers nursing-specific scholarships, a few of which are open to graduate nursing students. The nursing faculty decides how such scholarships are awarded. Students may also be eligible for state and local grants and loans, which are disbursed based on information contained in your FAFSA form.
Interesting Highlights About Mercer University NP School
• According to
U.S. News & World Report, Mercer University’s MSN program ranks #102 in the nation, and its DNP program is rated #127.
• Mercer University is affiliated with the Baptist Church. While it accepts nursing students from all religious backgrounds, Christian principles are reflected to some degree in its educational offerings, and campus life skews conservative—for example, drinking alcohol is strictly prohibited.
• The Georgia Baptist College of Nursing participates in an educational partnership called the Center for Health and Learning with Mercer’s School of Medicine and Piedmont Healthcare of Atlanta. This partnership aims to create innovative solutions to looming problems within the American healthcare system.
3. Georgia State University
Programs Offered: RN-to-MSN,
MSN,
BSN-to-DNP, and
Post-Master's Certificate
RN-to-MSN Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
MSN Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Adult Health-Gero NP, Pediatric NP, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health NP
Post-Master's Certificate Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Primary Care, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
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About the School: Nearly every county in Georgia is facing a shortage of primary healthcare providers, and the Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions at Georgia State University is committed to helping alleviate that shortage. The Lewis College of Nursing is known for its strong ties to the Atlanta community and its efforts to increase diversity among Georgia’s nursing workforce.
This nurse practitioner program in Atlanta provides NP training in conjunction with an RN-to-MSN program, an MSN program, a BSN-to-DNP program, and a post-master’s certificate program. If you enroll in either of the three academic pathways, you can choose to pursue training as an AGPCNP, a PPCNP, an FNP, or a PMHNP. GSU’s stand-alone certificate program offers training that can help you become certified as an AGACNP, an AGPCNP, an FNP, a PPCNP, or a PMHNP.
RN-to-MSN Program Details: GSU’s RN-to-MSN program is a bridge curriculum designed to enable registered nurses with associate degrees or hospital diplomas to obtain a graduate nursing degree quickly and efficiently. You’ll be required to meet all university coursework requirements before you can begin taking classes that will prepare you for your NP certification, and that includes undergraduate general education requirements. Additionally, you will have to take two nursing bridge classes for a total of eight credits. Once you have met those two requirements, you can begin master’s level coursework.
RN-to-MSN Program Length: The length of the RN-to-MSN program depends upon the number of required undergraduate classes you have to take. This can be extremely variable since many students may be able to transfer credits from community colleges and other academic institutions. In general, however, full-time students can expect to complete the program in two to three years, while part-time students can expect to complete it in three to four years.
RN-to-MSN Admission Requirements: This program is open to registered nurses who don’t have a BSN degree. You’ll need one or two years of professional experience in a practice setting related to the specialty nurse practitioner track during the MSN portion of your studies. You must be licensed as an RN in Georgia or show evidence of an application for Georgia licensure.
Accompanying your application should be two professional references, a writing sample, a goal statement, and a resume. You must have a GPA of 2.75 or higher in any undergraduate courses you’ve completed. All applicants must present scores from either the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT.)
MSN Program Details: Like other nurse practitioner programs in Atlanta, GSU’s MSN curriculum is split into three components: clinical practicums, classes that explore the APRN role, and courses that inculcate the specific set of knowledge and skills professional nurse practitioners need when they work with specific populations. Courses that focus on the APRN role include “Advanced Pathophysiological Concepts in Nursing, Parts I & II,” “Pharmacology for the Advanced Practice Nurse,” and “Advanced Professional Nurse Practice Issues.”
All four of GSU’s NP tracks—AGPCNP, PPCNP, FNP, and PMHNP—involve 48 credits. The AGPCNP and PMHNP tracks both require 500 clinical hours, while the FNP track requires 585 clinical hours and the PPCNP track 600.
Classes are primarily taught online. All students must attend an onsite orientation at Georgia State University’s Atlanta campus, and the Advanced Assessment class involves an onsite skills intensive that lasts several days. Online courses will have at least one synchronous class meeting per month, but most of the time, you can access educational materials using asynchronous technology. Practicum sites and preceptors will be assigned by the Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professionals’ clinical coordinators in consultation with faculty members.
MSN Program Length: The PMHNP and FNP tracks begin in the fall; the PPCNP track starts in the spring. As a full-time student, you should be able to complete this degree in six semesters (24 months.) Part-time students should be able to complete the program in nine semesters (36 months.)
MSN Admission Requirements: This program is open to RNs who hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited nursing program. You must have one to two years of clinical experience in an area related to the specialty track you’ve chosen for your NP studies. Students whose undergraduate GPA was lower than 3.0 will have to take either the MAT or GRE.
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: All four nurse practitioner tracks associated with GSU’s BSN-to-DNP program entail 81 credits and 1,000 clinical hours. The BSN-to-DNP curriculum builds upon the MSN curriculum with the addition of DNP core courses, which focus on evidence-based practice, population trends in healthcare, and nursing leadership. DNP core courses at Georgia State University include classes like “Epidemiology for Health Professionals,” “Basics of Financial Management in Health Care Organizations,” and “Advanced Leadership and Organizational Behavior.”
As a BSN-to-DNP student, you’ll be required to complete a four-semester DNP project that can be a program evaluation, an implementation designed to boost health outcomes, or an evaluation of an existing practice model. Classes are primarily taught online, using synchronous and asynchronous technologies, but you will be required to attend real-time campus sessions at the beginning of each spring and fall semester.
BSN-to-DNP Program Length: Classes commence in the fall semester. GSU’s BSN-to-DNP program only allows full-time enrollment, and most students should be able to graduate in five semesters (20 months.)
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: Georgia State University requires applicants to take either the GRE or the MAT exam. You must have a BSN from an accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 2.75 and a current, unencumbered RN license in the state where you plan to do your clinical practicums. DNP program applicants are required to write a three-page scholarly paper based on specific articles in addition to supplying three professional references and submitting a resume or a CV.
Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: Georgia State University’s post-master’s NP certificate program aims to help APRNs expand their career opportunities by learning new sets of clinical skills. The specific number of classes you must take will depend upon the gap analysis GSU performs once you’re accepted into the program, but in general, the AGACNP and PMHNP tracks entail 42 credits and 500 clinical hours; the AGPCNP track, 40 credits and 500 clinical hours; the FNP track 43 credits and 585 clinical hours; and the PPCNP track, 43 credits and 600 clinical hours.
Post-Master’s Certificate Program Length: GSU’s post-master’s NP certificates usually take three semesters (12 months) to complete.
Post-Master’s Certificate Admission Requirements: Applicants must have an active, unrestricted Georgia RN license and an MSN degree from an accredited college or university. You’ll need to submit a writing sample, a resume, a goal statement, and two letters of recommendation with your application.
Scholarships & Financial Aid for Georgia State University NP Students: The Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions administers a number of nursing scholarships, some of which graduate nursing students may qualify for. Federal and state financial aid may also be available based on the information you submit with your FAFSA form.
Interesting Highlights About Georgia State University NP School
• During the 2020-2021 academic year, Georgia State University awarded 37 MSN and 16 DNP degrees.
• The DNP program at GSU is ranked at #120 on
U.S. News & World Report’s list of the top Doctor of Nursing Practice degree programs.
• The Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions is the only nursing school in the Peach State that offers the full spectrum of nursing education options, including associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.
• Georgia State University also offers a 39-credit MSN-to-DNP program.
4. South College
Programs Offered: MSN, MSN-to-DNP, and
Postgraduate Certificate
MSN Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
MSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Postgraduate Certificate Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
About the School: Though South College’s main campus is in Knoxville, Tennessee, several graduate nursing programs offering nurse practitioner training operate from its satellite campus in Atlanta: an MSN program, an MSN-to-DNP program, and a post-master’s certificate program. As an MSN or post-master’s certificate student, you can pursue AGACNP, FNP, PPCNP, or PMHNP training; as an MSN-to-DNP student, you can pursue FNP training.
This nurse practitioner program in Atlanta is offered entirely online using asynchronous technology.
MSN Program Details: South College uses the quarter system. The FNP track comprises 74 quarter credits. The PPCNP track entails 70 quarter credits and 500 clinical hours; the AGACNP track 73 quarter credits and 510 clinical hours; and the PMHNP track 75 quarter credits and 510 clinical hours.
The curriculum combines MSN core classes, coursework focusing on specific NP tracks, and practicums. MSN core classes include “Foundational Concepts & Applications,” “Advanced Pathophysiology,” and “Healthcare Informatics.” The final course in all four NP tracks involves a capstone project that requires them to use the knowledge and skills they’ve learned to address an issue relevant to professional nurse leadership.
Students identify their own practicum sites and preceptors at a location close to where they live. South College faculty will then evaluate the appropriateness of the site and initiate a clinical affiliation agreement.
MSN Program Length: The MSN/NP program typically takes 18 months to complete.
MSN Admission Requirements: For admission into this program, you’ll need a BSN from an accredited college or university with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. You must have an active, unencumbered RN license. Additionally, you must complete 2,000 hours of professional nursing experience before you begin your first practicum experience.
MSN-to-DNP Program Details: The MSN-to-DNP/FNP track requires 104 quarter credits and a minimum of 1,000 clinical hours. This may change, however, if a gap analysis determines you’ll be able to transfer some of the previous nursing classes you’ve taken and apply those credits toward this degree.
Like other nurse practitioner programs in Atlanta, South College’s DNP curriculum builds upon the MSN curriculum but incorporates core classes that emphasize evidence-based research for application into nursing practice as well as nursing leadership and administration. South College’s core DNP classes include “DNP Essentials,” “Statistics for Doctoral Nursing Practice,” and “Population Health and Emerging Disease.” DNP studies culminate with a five-quarter DNP project during which students plan, implement, evaluate, and disseminate a scholarly paper or poster presentation.
MSN-to-DNP Program Length: Full-time students will be able to complete this program in 21 months.
MSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: You must have a current, unrestricted RN license in the state where you’ll fulfill your practicum requirement. You must hold an MSN degree from an accredited college or university with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Before your first practicum, you must have completed at least 2,000 hours of professional nursing experience.
Postgraduate Certificate Program Details: South College’s postgraduate NP certificates are offered entirely online, making them a convenient solution for working APRNs who are interested in expanding their professional horizons to include a new clinical skill set.
The classes you’ll be required to take will depend upon how many credits you can transfer from previous nursing graduate work but in general, the AGACNP track requires 46 credits; the FNP track 47 credits; the PPCNP track 43 credits; and the PMHNP track 48 credits.
Postgraduate Certificate Program Length: South College still needs to provide information about the length of this program.
Postgraduate Certificate Admission Requirements: For admission into this program, you’ll need a current, unencumbered RN license and an MSN degree from an accredited college or university with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Scholarships & Financial Aid for South College NP Students: South College supports graduate nursing students through its Alumni Scholarship and other scholarship programs. As a student at South College, you may also be eligible for federal and state grants and loans as determined by the information you submit with your FAFSA form.
Interesting Highlights About South College NP School
• South College graduated 51 students with MSN degrees during the 2020-2021 academic year.
• In addition to the degrees listed above, South College offers RN-to-MSN and RN-to-BSN-to-MSN options that will enable you to complete nurse practitioner training.
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CAREER INFORMATION FOR NURSE PRACTITIONERS IN ATLANTA, GEORGIA
HOW MANY NURSE PRACTITIONERS ARE THERE IN ATLANTA?
Some 3,680 nurse practitioners are employed throughout the Atlanta metro area.
Employment |
3,680 |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
WHERE DO NURSE PRACTITIONERS WORK IN ATLANTA?
You’ll find Atlanta-based NPs working in an assortment of practice settings, including hospitals, medical centers, private physicians’ practices, ambulatory care clinics, nursing homes, schools, home health agencies, and community healthcare clinics.
Work Setting |
Offices of Physicians |
General Medical & Surgical Hospitals |
Outpatient Care Centers |
Offices of Other Health Practitioners |
Home Health Care Services |
WHAT IS THE JOB OUTLOOK FOR NURSE PRACTITIONERS IN ATLANTA?
The job outlook for Atlanta’s nurse practitioners is excellent: Within the next decade, experts are projecting a 79 percent increase in employment opportunities.
10-Year Job Outlook (2020-2030) |
+78.61% |
(Source: Careeronestop.org) |
HOW MUCH DO NURSE PRACTITIONERS MAKE IN ATLANTA, GEORGIA?
WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF NP PROGRAMS IN ATLANTA EXPECT?
New graduates of nurse practitioner programs in Atlanta can anticipate earning $37.91 an hour. This adds up to $1,516 a week, $6,570 a month, or $78,850 annually.
Hourly | $37.91 |
Weekly | $1,516 |
Monthly | $6,570 |
Annual | $78,850 |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF NP PROGRAMS IN ATLANTA EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?
In Atlanta, NP salaries rise steeply with experience. A nurse practitioner with one to four years of experience earns 27 percent more than an entry-level NP, while a nurse practitioner with five to nine years of experience earns 30 percent more. With 20 or more years of experience, your average NP salary will be 85 percent higher than the salaries of nurse practitioners in Atlanta who are just beginning their careers.
Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
Entry-Level | $37.91 | $1,516 | $6,570 | $78,850 |
1-4 Years of Experience | $48.02 | $1,921 | $8,320 | $99,880 |
5-9 Years of Experience | $49.22 | $1,969 | $8,530 | $102,370 |
10-19 Years of Experience | $59.01 | $2,360 | $10,230 | $122,740 |
20 Years or More Experience | $70.27 | $2,811 | $12,180 | $146,160 |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN ATLANTA?
On average, NPs in Atlanta make $113,410 a year. This is the equivalent of $54.52 an hour, $2,181 a week, or $9,450 a month. Atlanta-based nurse practitioners typically reach this milestone during their 11th year of practice.
Hourly | $54.52 |
Weekly | $2,181 |
Monthly | $9,450 |
Annual | $113,410 |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN ATLANTA VS. OTHER SALARIES
NP SALARY IN ATLANTA VS. NP SALARY IN THE NATION
Nurse practitioners in Atlanta make salaries that are 4 percent less than nurse practitioners earn in the U.S. as a whole.
Average Atlanta NP Annual Salary | Average National NP Annual Salary | Difference |
Number | % |
$113,410 | $118,040 | -$4,630 | -3.92% |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
NP SALARY IN ATLANTA VS. NP SALARY IN GEORGIA
Atlanta-based nurse practitioners earn salaries that are 4 percent higher than NPs earn as a whole throughout all parts of Georgia.
Average Atlanta NP Annual Salary | Average Georgia NP Annual Salary | Difference |
Number | % |
$113,410 | $109,560 | +$3,850 | +3.51% |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
NP SALARY IN ATLANTA VS. NP SALARIES IN OTHER GEORGIA CITIES
Nurse practitioners in the Greater Atlanta Metropolitan Area earn the highest NP salaries in Georgia. They earn 6 percent more than their NP colleagues in Athens and 8 percent more than their NP colleagues in Savannah. Atlanta-based nurse practitioners make salaries that are 17 percent higher than those of nurse practitioners employed in Albany, a city in the southwest region of the Peach State.
Metro | Average Annual Salary | Difference |
Number | % |
Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell | $113,410 | $0 | 0.00% |
Rome | $108,570 | +$4,840 | +4.46% |
Brunswick | $107,390 | +$6,020 | +5.61% |
Columbus | $106,950 | +$6,460 | +6.04% |
Athens-Clarke County | $106,750 | +$6,660 | +6.24% |
Augusta-Richmond County | $105,490 | +$7,920 | +7.51% |
Valdosta | $105,080 | +$8,330 | +7.93% |
Savannah | $104,820 | +$8,590 | +8.20% |
Warner Robins | $104,670 | +$8,740 | +8.35% |
Macon | $104,150 | +$9,260 | +8.89% |
Dalton | $103,830 | +$9,580 | +9.23% |
Gainesville | $103,520 | +$9,890 | +9.55% |
Albany | $96,950 | +$16,460 | +16.98% |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
NP SALARY IN ATLANTA VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN ATLANTA
In Atlanta, nurse practitioners are not the highest-paid professionals in the nursing sector: They make marginally less than nurse midwives. However, they make 40 percent more than registered nurses, more than twice what LPNs earn, and nearly four times the average salary of a nursing assistant.
Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference |
Number | % |
Nurse Midwife | $114,330 | -$920 | -0.80% |
Nurse Practitioner | $113,410 | $0 | 0.00% |
Registered Nurse | $80,760 | +$32,650 | +40.43% |
Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Postsecondary | $61,480 | +$51,930 | +84.47% |
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $51,610 | +$61,800 | +119.74% |
Nursing Assistant | $33,540 | +$79,870 | +238.13% |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
NP SALARY IN ATLANTA VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN ATLANTA
In Atlanta, NPs earn less than health professionals with four-year doctoral degrees whose professional responsibilities include diagnosis and treatment. They earn 58 percent less than physicians and 20 percent less than podiatrists. On the other hand, NP salaries are typically higher than those of healthcare professionals whose scope of practice emphasizes rehabilitative care. They make 17 percent more than physical therapists, 27 percent more than occupational therapists, and more than twice the average salary of a chiropractor.
In Atlanta, physician assistants make 4 percent more than nurse practitioners even though the two professions share a similar scope of practice.
Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference |
Number | % |
Physician | $271,680 | -$158,270 | -58.26% |
Dentist | $169,090 | -$55,680 | -32.93% |
Podiatrist | $142,570 | -$29,160 | -20.45% |
Optometrist | $131,440 | -$18,030 | -13.72% |
Pharmacist | $120,040 | -$6,630 | -5.52% |
Physician Assistant | $117,540 | -$4,130 | -3.51% |
Nurse Practitioner | $113,410 | $0 | 0.00% |
Veterinarian | $109,460 | +$3,950 | +3.61% |
Physical Therapist | $96,920 | +$16,490 | +17.01% |
Occupational Therapist | $89,000 | +$24,410 | +27.43% |
Audiologist | $86,970 | +$26,440 | +30.40% |
Speech-Language Pathologist | $79,050 | +$34,360 | +43.47% |
Chiropractor | $54,310 | +$59,100 | +108.82% |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY OUR EXPERT
1. Who Accredits Nurse Practitioner Programs In Atlanta?
Nurse practitioner programs in Atlanta are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE.)
2. How Many Accredited Nurse Practitioner Schools Are There In Atlanta?
There are four NP programs in Atlanta: Emory University, Mercer University, Georgia State University, and South College.
3. On Average, How Long Does It Take To Become A Nurse Practitioner In Atlanta?
The length of time it will take you to become a nurse practitioner in Atlanta will depend upon the type of academic program you enroll in. It can take anywhere from eight to 32 months to complete your NP studies.
4. On Average, How Much Do NP Programs Cost In Atlanta?
There really isn’t an “average” cost for nurse practitioner programs in Atlanta: There’s too much variation in tuition rates at the various schools that offer NP training. Expect to spend anywhere between $17,000 and $148,000 on your nurse practitioner education in the Big Peach.
5. How Much Does A Nurse Practitioner Make Per Hour In Atlanta?
Nurse practitioners earn $54.52 an hour in Atlanta.
6. How Much Does A Nurse Practitioner Make Per Month In Atlanta?
In Atlanta, nurse practitioners can expect to get paid $9,450 a month.
7. How Much Does A Nurse Practitioner Make Per Year In Atlanta?
The annual salary of a nurse practitioner in Atlanta comes to $113,410.
8. Are Nurse Practitioners In Demand In Atlanta?
Yes, nurse practitioners in Atlanta are in high demand, and that demand keeps growing. Within the next decade, employment opportunities for NPs in Atlanta are projected to increase by 79 percent.
9. Can Nurse Practitioners Practice Independently In Atlanta?
No, NPs in Atlanta can’t practice independently. Atlanta is in Georgia, and in Georgia, nurse practitioners can only practice under the terms of their written collaborative agreement with a supervising physician. This collaborative agreement specifies the restrictions placed on the nurse practitioner’s scope of practice and addresses the supervising physician’s responsibilities. While the supervising physician doesn’t have to be physically present, they must be available at all times for consultation as needed.
10. Can Nurse Practitioners Prescribe Medications In Atlanta?
Yes, nurse practitioners can prescribe medications in Atlanta, but they can only do so with the approval of a supervising physician.
Pattie Trumble, MPP, MPH
Pattie Trumble is a nurse who worked in both California and New York for many years as an emergency room nurse. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from the University of California, Berkeley, and an Associate Degree in Nursing from the Samuel Merritt Hospital School of Nursing. After 10 years of providing direct care, she went back to school and earned concurrent Master’s degrees in both public policy and public health from the University of California, Berkeley. Thereafter, she worked for various public health agencies in California at both the community and state levels providing economic and legislative analysis.
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