Atlanta is one of the Southeast’s biggest healthcare hubs, with large hospital systems, public health agencies, and universities all clustered in and around the city. That makes it a strong place to start or advance a nursing career—but it also means there are many nursing schools in Atlanta to sort through.
This guide walks you through the main types of programs, key Atlanta-area schools, and how to choose the right option based on where you are in your education and career.
Before you look at specific schools, it helps to be clear about what you’re aiming for. In Atlanta, you’ll commonly see these pathways:
In Atlanta, BSN and higher degrees are widely available in the city, while ADN and LPN programs are often offered through technical and community colleges in the metro area.
If you’re starting from scratch or coming from another field and want to become an RN, BSN programs in Atlanta are a common route. These programs typically combine:
Atlanta’s large health systems—such as those operating hospitals in Midtown, Buckhead, downtown, and the suburbs—often serve as clinical training partners for local schools.
Many Atlanta-area schools also offer accelerated BSN programs for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field and meet science prerequisites.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs in the Atlanta metro area are usually based at:
They tend to be:
Many Atlanta nurses start with an ADN, work as an RN, and then complete an RN-to-BSN bridge program while employed.
For those who want to enter the workforce more quickly, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) programs are available at certain technical and career schools in and around Atlanta. These usually:
In the Atlanta area, some LPNs later move into LPN-to-RN bridge programs offered by community colleges or online universities with local clinical partners.
If you’re already a nurse and want to pursue advanced practice or leadership roles, Atlanta has:
These programs typically partner with Atlanta’s major medical centers and public health agencies for clinical and practicum experiences.
| Goal | Typical Program Type | Where You’ll Commonly Study (Atlanta Area) | Approximate Length* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level support role | CNA training | Technical colleges, adult education centers, some hospitals | A few weeks to a few months |
| Bedside nurse (RN) quickly | ADN | Community/technical colleges around metro Atlanta | 2–3 years |
| Bachelor-level RN | BSN | Universities and colleges in/near Atlanta | 4 years (traditional) |
| Second-degree RN | Accelerated BSN | Select universities in Atlanta | ~12–18 months (intensive) |
| Advance as current RN | RN-to-BSN | Universities and colleges with flexible formats | 1–2 years (varies) |
| Advanced practice/leader | MSN/DNP/PhD | Universities with graduate nursing programs | 2–5+ years, depending |
*Time frames are general estimates and vary by school, schedule, and prerequisites.
Below are some of the better-known categories of nursing education in and around Atlanta. Program details can change, so it’s always wise to verify the most up-to-date offerings directly with the school.
These schools tend to offer traditional BSN, accelerated/second-degree BSN, RN-to-BSN, and graduate programs. They’re often connected with major Atlanta hospitals, clinics, and public health agencies for clinical placements.
When comparing university-based programs in Atlanta, look at:
Technical and community colleges in the Atlanta metro area typically offer:
These campuses are often spread around the region, including:
These programs are commonly chosen by:
Many Atlanta-area hospitals hire ADN-prepared RNs, often with the expectation that they may complete a BSN within a certain timeframe.
If you want to get into the healthcare field quickly and start gaining experience in Atlanta hospitals and long-term care facilities, CNA programs may be a good first step. These programs are available through:
Graduates can apply for state competency testing to be listed on the Georgia nurse aide registry.
Two main things matter here:
Always confirm that any Atlanta nursing school you consider is:
For RN and LPN programs, NCLEX pass rates are an important quality indicator. Schools in the Atlanta area typically publish:
When you speak with an admissions or nursing department representative, ask:
Your clinical experiences are where you’ll learn how nursing works on the ground in the city. Ask schools:
Many Atlanta nursing students are:
Look at:
Programs closer to the Atlanta city center may be more convenient if you rely on public transit, while suburban campuses might work better if you already live outside the Perimeter.
Tuition and fees vary widely in the Atlanta area. When comparing schools:
Also ask how often tuition changes and what expenses are out-of-pocket vs. included in fees.
Nursing school is demanding. In Atlanta, support services can vary a lot by campus. Ask about:
Programs that build in NCLEX prep, simulation practice, and faculty office hours can make a real difference when you’re managing intense coursework and clinical hours.
Here’s a simple approach to sorting your options if you live in or near Atlanta:
Clarify your goal
Decide on your radius
Make a short list of 3–6 schools
Contact admissions or the nursing department
Visit campuses if you can
Talk to current students or recent graduates
Here are some locally relevant pointers to keep the process smooth:
If you’re in Atlanta and want more guidance on nursing careers and training, consider:
High school counselors or college advisors
Many Atlanta-area high schools and community colleges have advisors familiar with local nursing pathways.
Hospital HR or nurse recruitment offices
Large Atlanta hospitals sometimes host information sessions, career fairs, or open houses that explain what they look for in nursing hires.
Local workforce development offices
Workforce centers in the Atlanta area may have information about tuition assistance, especially for high-demand professions like nursing.
Professional nursing associations (Georgia-based)
State and local nursing organizations sometimes hold meetings or events in Atlanta with opportunities to:
If you’re searching for nursing schools in Atlanta, you’re in a strong region for training and employment. The city and its suburbs offer:
Start by clarifying your goal (CNA, LPN, RN, or advanced practice), decide how far in the metro area you’re able to travel, and then compare programs based on approval, accreditation, NCLEX outcomes, clinical placements, cost, and support services.
With a structured plan and clear questions for each school, it becomes much easier to choose the Atlanta nursing program that fits your life and long-term career plans.
