Practical Nursing Programs in Atlanta, GA: What You Need to Know

If you’re searching for practical nursing programs in Atlanta, GA, you’re likely planning to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and want clear, local guidance. Atlanta has multiple options, but requirements, costs, and program styles can vary widely.

This guide walks you through how LPN training works specifically in Atlanta, how to choose a school, what to expect in class and clinicals, and what to do after graduation to get licensed in Georgia.

What Is a Practical Nursing Program?

A practical nursing program prepares you to become an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse). In Georgia, LPNs work under the direction of RNs and physicians, often in:

• Hospitals and long-term care facilities
• Rehabilitation centers
• Assisted living and memory care
• Medical offices and clinics
• Home health settings

Programs in the Atlanta area typically:

• Take 12–18 months to complete (full-time)
• Include classroom instruction + skills lab + clinical rotations
• Prepare you to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam (the national licensing exam for practical nursing)
• Must be approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing for you to become licensed in the state

LPN Licensing Basics in Georgia (Atlanta Applicants)

If you plan to attend a practical nursing program in Atlanta, you’ll ultimately be applying for LPN licensure through the Georgia Board of Nursing.

Key steps to become an LPN in Georgia

1. Complete a state-approved practical nursing program

   • Make sure the Atlanta program is board-approved before you enroll.

2. Apply for licensure and NCLEX-PN

   • You’ll submit an application to the Georgia Board of Nursing and register for the NCLEX-PN exam.

3. Undergo a background check

   • Fingerprinting and a criminal background check are required.

4. Pass the NCLEX-PN

   • Once you pass, the Board issues your LPN license, allowing you to practice in Georgia, including anywhere in the Atlanta metro area.

Georgia Board of Nursing – Main Contact (for Atlanta Students)

• Georgia Board of Nursing
  237 Coliseum Drive
  Macon, GA 31217
  Phone (main professional licensing line): (844) 753-7825

Atlanta-area students can contact the Board for questions about approved programs, licensure status, and exam requirements.

Types of Practical Nursing Programs in Atlanta

Atlanta offers several formats of LPN programs, so you can choose what fits your schedule and learning style.

1. Technical College / Community College–Based Programs

These are common in and around Atlanta and are often seen as cost-conscious and structured:

• Typically 3–5 semesters (about 12–18 months)
• Include general education plus nursing courses
• Often have daytime schedules; some offer evening options
• May allow you to apply credits later toward an RN bridge program

These programs often partner with Atlanta healthcare facilities for clinicals.

2. Private Career School Programs

Some private career schools in the Atlanta metro area offer practical nursing:

• Usually faster-paced (sometimes 12 months or less)
• Often have more flexible start dates
• Tuition can be higher than public technical colleges
• Frequently cater to adult learners, career changers, or those needing non-traditional schedules

3. Hybrid and Blended Programs

A few Atlanta-area schools offer hybrid formats, where:

• Some lectures are online,
• Skills labs and clinicals are in person at local facilities.

These can work well if you’re balancing school with work or family, but clinicals still require you to be physically present in the Atlanta area.

Common Admission Requirements in Atlanta LPN Programs

While each school is different, Atlanta-area practical nursing programs often require:

• High school diploma or GED
• Minimum GPA or placement scores (sometimes in math and English)
• Entrance exam, such as TEAS or HESI (varies by school)
• Background check and drug screen before clinicals
• Immunizations and health clearance (for example, TB test, MMR, Hep B, etc.)
• Proof of residency for in-state tuition (for public colleges)

How to prepare in Atlanta

• Use local adult education centers or technical colleges to brush up on math, reading, and science if you’ve been out of school.
• If English is not your first language, look for Atlanta programs that offer ESL support or tutoring.
• Attend on-campus information sessions offered by Atlanta schools to understand specific criteria and timelines.

What You’ll Learn in a Practical Nursing Program

Atlanta’s LPN curricula follow Georgia standards, so you can expect a mix of theory and hands-on learning.

Typical classroom topics

• Basic nursing fundamentals
• Anatomy and physiology (often intro level)
• Pharmacology basics (medication administration principles)
• Adult health nursing
• Geriatric nursing (important in long-term care settings)
• Maternal and child health (varies by program)
• Mental health concepts
• Nursing ethics and legal issues in Georgia
• Preparation for the NCLEX-PN exam

Skills lab and clinicals in Atlanta

Skills labs allow you to practice on manikins and simulation equipment before working with real patients.

Common skills:

• Taking vital signs
• Administering oral and some injectable medications (as allowed by scope)
• Wound care and dressing changes
• Catheter care
• Basic IV-related tasks (depending on Georgia’s scope of practice and program focus)
• Documentation in electronic medical records

Clinicals are held in Atlanta-area facilities, such as:

• Local hospitals
• Long-term care and skilled nursing facilities
• Rehabilitation centers
• Some clinic or community health settings

Programs in Atlanta often benefit from the city’s large healthcare network, giving students exposure to various patient populations and care settings.

How Long Do Practical Nursing Programs Take in Atlanta?

Most full-time Atlanta-area LPN programs take about:

• 12–18 months from start to finish

If you need part-time or evening/weekend options, your completion time may extend:

• Some students take 18–24 months, especially if they complete prerequisites first or attend part-time.

Schools in the Atlanta area often publish sample program plans so you can see course sequences by semester.

Cost, Financial Aid, and Budgeting in Atlanta

Program costs in Atlanta vary widely depending on whether the school is:

• A public technical college/community college
• A private career school

Common cost components

• Tuition and fees
• Books and supplies (including uniforms, stethoscope, etc.)
• Background check, drug screen, and immunizations
• NCLEX-PN registration and exam fees
• Transportation to clinical sites across the Atlanta metro area

Financial aid options

Many Atlanta schools participate in:

• Federal financial aid (PELL Grants, federal loans)
• State aid, such as HOPE-related programs (if you qualify)
• Institutional scholarships

For one-on-one help in the Atlanta area, you can contact financial aid offices directly at your prospective schools.

Key Things to Compare When Choosing an Atlanta LPN Program

Use this simple checklist as you compare practical nursing programs in Atlanta:

Where to Start Your Search in the Atlanta Area

While you’ll need to check current offerings and admissions directly with each school, here are some types of institutions and resources Atlanta residents often use:

1. Georgia State and Technical College System Resources

Atlanta-area students frequently look at:

• Local technical colleges in the greater metro region (for practical nursing or related health programs). These are part of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), which has several campuses that serve Atlanta residents.

You can contact TCSG’s main office for guidance on technical colleges and approved practical nursing programs:

• Technical College System of Georgia – Main Office
  1800 Century Place NE
  Atlanta, GA 30345
  Phone: (404) 679-1600

They can direct you to technical colleges serving the Atlanta region that offer practical nursing or similar programs and help you confirm Board approval.

2. Georgia Board of Nursing Program List

To verify any Atlanta LPN program, check with:

• Georgia Board of Nursing
  237 Coliseum Drive
  Macon, GA 31217
  Phone: (844) 753-7825

Ask for the most recent list of approved practical nursing programs and confirm that your chosen Atlanta-area school appears there.

3. Local Healthcare Employers and Information Sessions

Many Atlanta hospitals, long-term care facilities, and clinics regularly host:

• Career fairs
• On-site information tables
• Partnerships with specific schools

Talking with nurse recruiters or nurse managers in the Atlanta area can give you insight into which local programs they’re familiar with and what skills they value in new LPNs.

Life as an LPN in Atlanta: What to Expect After Graduation

Once you complete a practical nursing program in Atlanta and obtain your Georgia LPN license, you can seek jobs throughout the metro area.

Common work settings for Atlanta LPNs

• Long-term care and skilled nursing facilities serving metro communities
• Rehabilitation centers and sub-acute units
• Assisted living and memory care communities
• Physician offices and outpatient clinics
• Home health agencies serving neighborhoods across Atlanta

Work environment considerations in Atlanta

• Traffic and commute times may affect where you choose to work; many LPNs prefer jobs close to home or near MARTA lines.
• Some Atlanta-area employers offer shift differentials for nights/weekends.
• Because Atlanta is a large metropolitan region, you may find diverse patient populations and a variety of specialties.

Questions to Ask When You Visit Atlanta LPN Programs

When you tour campuses or attend info sessions in Atlanta, consider asking:

• How long has your practical nursing program been operating in the Atlanta area?
• What is your most recent NCLEX-PN pass rate?
• Where do students do their clinicals? Are these sites in or near the neighborhoods I live in?
• Do you offer evening or weekend classes?
• Are there tutoring or academic support services on campus?
• What is the total cost, including books, uniforms, and exam fees?
• What percentage of your graduates find LPN jobs in the Atlanta area within a reasonable time after graduation?
• How do you help students prepare for the NCLEX-PN?

Taking notes during these conversations can help you compare programs more clearly.

Practical Next Steps for Atlanta Residents

If you’re ready to move forward:

1. Clarify your timeline and schedule.
   Decide whether you can handle a full-time 12–18 month program or need part-time/evening options.

2. Make a short list of Atlanta-area programs.
   Use Georgia Board of Nursing and TCSG resources to identify board-approved practical nursing options that serve Atlanta.

3. Attend information sessions or open houses.
   Many schools in and around Atlanta host regular sessions where you can ask questions and tour labs.

4. Meet with admissions and financial aid.
   Bring your transcripts, ask about entrance exams, and get a detailed breakdown of costs.

5. Plan for transportation and childcare (if needed).
   Map out your commute to campus and clinical locations using Atlanta roads or MARTA.

6. Start preparing for entrance exams.
   Use practice materials for TEAS, HESI, or the specific exam your chosen Atlanta program requires.

By focusing on board-approved, well-supported practical nursing programs in the Atlanta area, and by planning for costs, schedules, and clinical locations, you can move steadily toward becoming an LPN in Georgia.