Nursing Schools in Atlanta: Where To Start, What To Know, and How To Choose

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.

Understanding Your Nursing Options in Atlanta

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:

• CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) – Short training programs; prepares you for basic hands-on care, often in nursing homes, hospitals, or home health.
• LPN/LVN (Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse) – 1–1.5 year programs; more responsibility than a CNA but less than an RN.
• RN (Registered Nurse) via:
  • Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) – Typically 2–3 years at a community or technical college.
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – 4-year degree (or shorter if accelerated or second degree).
• RN-to-BSN – For licensed RNs with an ADN who want to earn a BSN.
• Graduate Nursing (MSN, DNP, PhD) – Advanced practice roles, leadership, education, and research.

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.

Major Types of Nursing Programs in Atlanta

BSN Programs (Traditional & Accelerated)

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:

• Prerequisite coursework (biology, anatomy, chemistry, statistics)
• Classroom instruction in nursing theory
• Clinical rotations at local hospitals, clinics, and community sites

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.

ADN Programs (Community & Technical Colleges)

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs in the Atlanta metro area are usually based at:

• Community colleges
• Technical colleges

They tend to be:

• More affordable than some private or university-based BSN options
• Shorter in length (about 2–3 years once admitted to the nursing sequence)
• Focused on getting you ready to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam

Many Atlanta nurses start with an ADN, work as an RN, and then complete an RN-to-BSN bridge program while employed.

LPN Programs

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:

• Take about 1 year of full-time study
• Prepare you for the NCLEX-PN exam
• Include classroom work plus supervised clinical experience

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.

Graduate Nursing Programs (MSN, DNP, PhD)

If you’re already a nurse and want to pursue advanced practice or leadership roles, Atlanta has:

• MSN programs for nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, nurse educator, and other tracks
• DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) programs emphasizing clinical leadership and advanced practice
• PhD programs for nursing research and academic careers

These programs typically partner with Atlanta’s major medical centers and public health agencies for clinical and practicum experiences.

Snapshot: Common Nursing Pathways in the Atlanta Area

*Time frames are general estimates and vary by school, schedule, and prerequisites.

Notable Atlanta-Area Nursing Schools and Program Types

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.

University-Based BSN and Graduate Nursing Programs

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:

• NCLEX pass rates for recent graduating classes
• Clinical partners (which hospitals or clinics you’ll rotate through)
• Availability of specialty tracks (pediatrics, mental health, public health, etc.)
• Cost and financial aid

Community & Technical College Nursing Programs

Technical and community colleges in the Atlanta metro area typically offer:

• ADN (RN) programs
• LPN programs
• Sometimes LPN-to-RN bridge pathways

These campuses are often spread around the region, including:

• North metro (e.g., near Roswell, Alpharetta, or Sandy Springs)
• South metro (e.g., College Park, Union City, or South Fulton)
• East and west metro suburbs

These programs are commonly chosen by:

• Students who prefer smaller class sizes
• Those who need a more affordable pathway
• Adults returning to school while balancing work and family

Many Atlanta-area hospitals hire ADN-prepared RNs, often with the expectation that they may complete a BSN within a certain timeframe.

CNA Training Programs

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:

• Technical colleges
• Some nursing homes or long-term care facilities
• Certain private training schools within the Atlanta area

Graduates can apply for state competency testing to be listed on the Georgia nurse aide registry.

Key Factors To Consider When Choosing a Nursing School in Atlanta

1. Accreditation and Approval

Two main things matter here:

• Nursing program approval by the Georgia Board of Nursing or relevant nursing agency
• Institutional and programmatic accreditation, which supports:
  • Eligibility for federal financial aid
  • Transferability of credits
  • Graduate school options

Always confirm that any Atlanta nursing school you consider is:

• An approved nursing program for the credential you want (CNA, LPN, RN, etc.)
• Properly accredited by recognized bodies

2. NCLEX Exam Preparation and Pass Rates

For RN and LPN programs, NCLEX pass rates are an important quality indicator. Schools in the Atlanta area typically publish:

• Annual first-time NCLEX pass rates
• Comparisons to statewide averages

When you speak with an admissions or nursing department representative, ask:

• How does your NCLEX pass rate compare to the state average?
• What kind of exam prep support do you provide (review sessions, practice tests, tutoring)?

3. Clinical Placement Sites in Atlanta

Your clinical experiences are where you’ll learn how nursing works on the ground in the city. Ask schools:

• Which hospitals and clinics do you partner with in Atlanta and nearby?
• Will I have opportunities to rotate through:
  • Large hospital systems (for acute care)
  • Community clinics or public health departments
  • Long-term care and rehabilitation facilities
  • Mental health or behavioral healthcare settings
• How is commuting to clinicals handled? Are most sites reachable by MARTA or do I need a car?

4. Schedule Flexibility (Day, Evening, Weekend)

Many Atlanta nursing students are:

• Working adults
• Parents or caregivers
• Career changers

Look at:

• Day vs. evening/weekend class availability
• Options for part-time vs. full-time enrollment
• Whether lectures are in-person, hybrid, or online, and how labs/clinicals are scheduled

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.

5. Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid

Tuition and fees vary widely in the Atlanta area. When comparing schools:

• Ask for a full cost estimate (tuition, fees, uniforms, books, testing, insurance).
• Check whether you qualify for:
  • HOPE or Zell Miller scholarships (for eligible Georgia residents)
  • Federal Pell Grants or loans
  • Work-study and on-campus employment
  • Hospital-based tuition assistance or loan forgiveness programs (some Atlanta hospitals offer these to employees)

Also ask how often tuition changes and what expenses are out-of-pocket vs. included in fees.

6. Support Services for Students

Nursing school is demanding. In Atlanta, support services can vary a lot by campus. Ask about:

• Tutoring and skills labs
• Academic advising and success coaching
• Mental health counseling services
• Job search or career services specifically for nursing graduates

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.

How To Research Nursing Schools in Atlanta Step by Step

Here’s a simple approach to sorting your options if you live in or near Atlanta:

1. Clarify your goal

   • Are you aiming for CNA, LPN, ADN (RN), BSN, or advanced practice?
   • How soon do you need to start working?

2. Decide on your radius

   • Can you travel across the metro Atlanta area, or do you need to stay close to:
     • Downtown/Midtown
     • North metro (Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Roswell, etc.)
     • South metro (College Park, East Point, etc.)
   • Will you rely on MARTA or do you drive?

3. Make a short list of 3–6 schools

   • Include at least one university and one community or technical college if possible.
   • Note which offer your target credential (CNA/LPN/ADN/BSN/MSN, etc.).

4. Contact admissions or the nursing department

   • Ask directly about:
     • Program length and start dates
     • Clinical sites (which Atlanta hospitals/clinics are used)
     • NCLEX pass rates
     • Total costs and financial aid

5. Visit campuses if you can

   • Pay attention to:
     • Condition of skills labs and simulation centers
     • Class sizes
     • How responsive and organized the staff seem

6. Talk to current students or recent graduates

   • Ask what they like and don’t like about:
     • Clinical placements
     • Instructor support
     • Workload and schedule

Practical Tips for Applying to Atlanta Nursing Schools

Here are some locally relevant pointers to keep the process smooth:

• Plan ahead for prerequisites. Many Atlanta-area BSN and ADN programs require science and math courses with minimum grades and recent completion dates. You may be able to complete missing prerequisites at a local community or technical college before applying.
• Expect competitive admissions. Popular programs in the Atlanta metro can receive many more applicants than available seats. Having strong grades, especially in science courses, can be important.
• Prepare for background checks and health requirements. Clinical sites typically require:
  • Immunization records
  • TB screening
  • Drug screening
  • Criminal background checks
• Consider traffic and commute times. Clinical shifts often start very early. Factor in Atlanta rush hour and possible travel across town to different hospitals when you’re planning where to live and which campus to pick.
• Look at long-term career options. Because Atlanta has a large healthcare sector, many students choose programs that make it easier to:
  • Move into specialty units (ICU, ER, labor & delivery)
  • Pursue NP (nurse practitioner) or other advanced roles later

Where to Get Local Help and Information

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:

  • Network with working nurses
  • Learn about different specialties
  • Hear about recommended training paths

Final Thoughts for Atlanta Nursing Students

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:

• Multiple entry points (CNA, LPN, ADN, BSN)
• Options that fit a range of budgets and schedules
• Access to large hospital systems, clinics, and public health settings for clinical experience

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.