If you live in Atlanta or are planning to move here for school, it’s natural to ask: “Does Clark Atlanta have nursing?” The short answer is no – Clark Atlanta University does not currently offer a traditional undergraduate nursing degree (BSN).
However, the picture is a little more nuanced, and there are several Atlanta-based options for students who want the Clark Atlanta experience but also plan to become a nurse. This guide walks through what Clark Atlanta does offer, how it fits into Atlanta’s broader health education landscape, and realistic paths to a nursing career in the city.
As of the latest available information:
Clark Atlanta does not have a stand-alone nursing school or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program.
Instead, CAU is known for strong programs in areas such as:
For an Atlanta student who ultimately wants to become a nurse, CAU can still play a role as a pre-nursing or pre-health foundation, but the actual nursing degree and RN licensure preparation would happen at another Atlanta-area institution.
Even though CAU does not grant a nursing degree, some students use it as a launching point toward nursing school.
If you’re set on attending Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta and want to keep nursing in your future, students often choose majors that cover typical nursing prerequisites, such as:
These majors can help you complete common pre-nursing coursework, such as:
You would then typically apply separately to a nursing program at another institution in Atlanta or elsewhere.
If you’re in Atlanta and aiming for nursing, it helps to know what’s nearby. While Clark Atlanta doesn’t offer nursing, there are several Atlanta-area colleges and universities that do.
Below is a simplified overview of how CAU can fit into your path, plus where local nursing programs come in:
| Step | Where It Happens (Atlanta Area) | What You’d Be Doing |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Clark Atlanta University (Downtown/Westside) | Pre-nursing coursework, related major (e.g., Biology) |
| 2 | Transfer or post-bacc at a nursing school | Apply to BSN, ABSN, or MSN program |
| 3 | Local hospitals & clinics (Atlanta metro) | Clinical rotations, gaining hands-on experience |
| 4 | Georgia Board of Nursing / NCLEX | Licensure steps to become a Registered Nurse (RN) |
These are examples of institutions in the Atlanta metro area that typically offer nursing programs (offerings can change, so always confirm directly with the school):
Georgia State University (Atlanta Campus)
Often offers BSN and graduate-level nursing programs.
Main Atlanta campus is located downtown, not far from Clark Atlanta by car or transit.
Emory University – Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing (Atlanta)
Offers BSN (usually for students who have completed two years elsewhere), accelerated BSN options, and advanced nursing degrees.
Located in the Druid Hills area of Atlanta.
Kennesaw State University (Kennesaw & Marietta)
A bit outside central Atlanta, but commonly considered part of the greater Atlanta metro.
Offers BSN and advanced nursing degrees.
Georgia Perimeter/Georgia State Perimeter (Multiple campuses)
Often associated with associate-level or pathway programs that can lead toward nursing.
This list is not exhaustive, but it gives you a sense of the local ecosystem around Clark Atlanta for nursing-oriented students.
If you’re in Atlanta and thinking, “I want the Clark Atlanta experience, but I also want to be a nurse,” here’s how many students structure their plans.
At CAU, you can:
While at CAU, it can help to:
Depending on where you are in your education:
If you haven’t started college yet
You might complete 2–3 years at Clark Atlanta, then apply to an Atlanta-area BSN program as a transfer or second-degree student.
If you’re a current CAU student
You can meet with CAU advising staff to identify which courses you still need to qualify for specific nursing programs in the Atlanta area.
If you’re a CAU graduate
Some Atlanta schools offer Accelerated BSN (ABSN) programs or direct-entry MSN programs for people who already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree.
Each nursing program in Atlanta will have its own:
Because Clark Atlanta is a separate institution with its own curriculum, you’ll want to:
Clark Atlanta sits in the Atlanta University Center (AUC) area on the city’s Westside, close to:
If you later enroll in a nursing program elsewhere in the city:
Thinking about transportation early can make it easier to manage class schedules, clinical rotations, and work in the Atlanta metro area.
Atlanta is home to a large network of hospitals and clinics that commonly host nursing students for clinical experiences, including:
Even though Clark Atlanta doesn’t host a nursing program, being based in Atlanta means you are geographically close to these facilities, which can help with:
Choosing Clark Atlanta makes the most sense for future nurses in Atlanta if:
If your top priority is to become a nurse in the shortest, most direct way, it may be more efficient to:
If you’re in Atlanta and trying to decide what to do next:
Contact Clark Atlanta University Admissions or Academic Advising
Make a Shortlist of Atlanta Nursing Programs
Examples to investigate:
Compare Prerequisite Requirements
Plan for Life in Atlanta During School
Bottom line for Atlanta students:
Clark Atlanta University does not currently have its own nursing degree program, but it can serve as a pre-nursing or pre-health starting point. If you want to become a nurse while staying in the Atlanta area, you’ll typically combine education at CAU with a separate nursing program at another Atlanta institution that offers a BSN or advanced nursing degree.
