Atlanta is the healthcare hub of the Southeast. Emory Healthcare, Grady Memorial Hospital, Piedmont Healthcare, and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta create a dense employment landscape for nurses across all specialties. Georgia's HOPE Career Grant makes nursing education more accessible than in most states, and Atlanta's growing population ensures long-term demand.
Types of Nursing Programs in Atlanta
- LPN: About 12 months at Atlanta Technical College. HOPE Career Grant may cover tuition for eligible students.
- ADN: 2 years at Atlanta Technical College or Georgia Piedmont Technical College.
- BSN: 4 years at Emory University, Georgia State University, or Kennesaw State University. Georgia State offers one of the most affordable public BSN programs in Metro Atlanta.
- RN-to-BSN: Online completion at Georgia State, KSU, and multiple national programs.
- MSN: Graduate programs at Emory leading to NP, CNM, CRNA, and research roles. Emory is nationally ranked for nursing.
What to Look for in an Atlanta Nursing School
- Accreditation: ACEN or CCNE. Emory and Georgia State nursing programs are CCNE-accredited.
- NCLEX pass rates: Georgia statewide rates are competitive. Ask programs for their specific first-time data.
- HOPE Career Grant eligibility: Confirm which Atlanta Technical College programs qualify before enrolling.
- Clinical placements: Programs with Emory, Grady, or Piedmont ties are highly valued by Atlanta employers.
How to Pay for Nursing School in Atlanta
- Federal Pell Grants: Up to $7,395 per year for eligible students.
- Georgia HOPE Career Grant: Covers tuition at eligible Georgia technical college programs including LPN and some ADN tracks. Income eligibility requirements apply.
- WIOA via Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation: Workforce training grants for in-demand healthcare careers.
- Employer reimbursement: Emory Healthcare, Piedmont Healthcare, and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta all offer tuition assistance to qualifying employees.
Nursing Salaries in Atlanta
- Entry-level RN: Approximately $55,000 per year
- Mid-career RN: Approximately $68,000 per year
- Experienced RN: $84,000 and above
- Nurse Practitioner: Average $113,000 per year in Georgia
Frequently Asked Questions
What nursing schools are in Atlanta?
Emory University, Georgia State University, Kennesaw State University, and Atlanta Technical College are the primary options. Emory is the most prestigious, particularly for graduate nursing. Georgia State and KSU offer strong, affordable BSN programs.
How much do nurses make in Atlanta?
The average RN in Atlanta earns approximately $68,000 per year at mid-career. Atlanta's cost of living is moderate for a major metro, and multiple major healthcare employers compete for nursing talent.
Is Atlanta a good city for nursing?
Yes. Atlanta's status as the Southeast's healthcare hub means exceptional career diversity, from academic medical centers to specialty clinics and corporate healthcare headquarters.
Does the HOPE Career Grant cover nursing school in Atlanta?
It covers eligible programs at Georgia technical colleges, including Atlanta Technical College for LPN and select ADN programs. It does not apply to BSN programs at Georgia State or Emory. Income eligibility applies.
Is Emory nursing school hard to get into?
Yes. Emory's Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing is one of the most respected in the Southeast and selective at both BSN and graduate levels. The CRNA and NP tracks are particularly competitive.
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