
Jake Flannigan, NP
June 26, 2025
Nurse practitioner programs in Georgia train registered nurses for advanced, autonomous practice in settings ranging from major health systems in Atlanta to rural clinics across the state. CCNE‑accredited MSN and DNP tracks are available at institutions such as Emory University, the University of Georgia, Georgia State University, Mercer University, and Georgia Southern University. Graduates are prepared to sit for national certification exams and obtain Georgia APRN licensure with prescriptive authority, enabling them to assess, diagnose, and manage patient care independently.
Milledgeville, GA - Public 4-Year - gcsu.edu
Online Learning - Visit Website
Georgia College's online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) MSN concentration addresses critical healthcare shortages by preparing advanced practice nurses for rural and underserved communities. The program features a comprehensive 570-hour clinical experience, focusing on developing expert mental health assessment and treatment skills. With flexible online learning, synchronous and asynchronous classes, and summer program starts, nurses can advance their careers while accommodating professional schedules. CCNE-accredited and featuring mandatory immersion experiences, graduates emerge as highly qualified mental health professionals.
Online Learning - Visit Website
Georgia College's online Women's Health Nurse Practitioner MSN program prepares nursing professionals to deliver comprehensive women's healthcare across the lifespan. With 675 total clinical hours focused on rural and underserved areas, students gain expertise in pregnancy care, postpartum support, and sexually transmitted infection treatment. The program combines rigorous theoretical training with evidence-based clinical experiences, featuring a four-day initial campus immersion. CCNE-accredited and offering synchronous and asynchronous classes, graduates are positioned for advanced practice roles in women's healthcare.
Online Learning - Visit Website
Georgia College's online MSN with Family Nurse Practitioner concentration prepares BSN-prepared nurses for advanced primary care roles. Focusing on rural and underserved areas, the program offers 630 clinical hours with minimal campus visits. CCNE-accredited and starting annually in summer, the program provides full-time and part-time options. Requiring a BSN and RN license, students develop comprehensive skills through evidence-based practice and leadership training, preparing to address critical healthcare needs.
Online Learning - Visit Website
Georgia College & State University's Post-Master Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner provides advanced practice nurses a targeted pathway to specialization. Delivered entirely online, this program caters to MSN, DNP, and Ph.D. nursing professionals seeking career advancement. With minimal on-campus requirements and CCNE accreditation, nurses can seamlessly expand their clinical expertise. The program offers individualized study plans, focusing on comprehensive physical assessment, pathophysiology, and pharmacology. Designed for flexibility, it requires 32 credit hours for non-Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) and 11 credit hours for existing APRNs, preparing graduates for board certification.
Online Learning - Visit Website
Georgia College's Post-Master Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner empowers advanced practice nurses to specialize in critical mental healthcare domains. This fully online program offers comprehensive training with minimal on-campus requirements, enabling working professionals to enhance their clinical skills. CCNE-accredited and designed for MSN graduates, the program provides individualized study plans with a minimum of 11 credit hours. Offering connections to professional organizations and flexible learning formats, nurses can expand their expertise across five specialized certificate options.
Online Learning - Visit Website
Online Learning - Visit Website
Online Learning - Visit Website
Macon, GA - Private 4-year - mercer.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Mercer University's Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Master of Science in Nursing track prepares nursing professionals for high-intensity healthcare environments. With 780 comprehensive practicum hours, students develop advanced skills in critical patient management across adult lifespans. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, sophisticated health assessment techniques, and complex pharmacological interventions. Graduates are strategically positioned to excel in acute care settings, with extensive clinical preparation and a robust foundation in advanced nursing practice.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Mercer University's Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner program in GA prepares RNs for primary care roles. It focuses on health promotion, disease prevention, and managing illnesses. Offers full-time and part-time options. Requires 780 clinical hours. Graduates are eligible for certification exams. Admissions require RN licensure and prerequisites. Program emphasizes evidence-based practice and interprofessional leadership.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Mercer University's Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate offers a specialized pathway for advanced practice nurses seeking expertise in critical and acute healthcare settings. Targeting licensed nurses with a master's degree, this program enhances clinical capabilities for managing complex adult and elderly patient populations. With rigorous admission requirements including an unencumbered APRN license, professional references, and an interview, the certificate provides a targeted opportunity to expand professional skills and meet growing healthcare demands in acute care environments.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Mercer University's Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate is designed for experienced nurses aiming to specialize in comprehensive adult and elderly healthcare. This targeted program equips advanced practice nurses with sophisticated clinical skills to diagnose, treat, and manage complex health conditions. By focusing on primary care settings, nurses can expand their professional expertise, meeting evolving healthcare needs while providing holistic, patient-centered care for adult and geriatric populations.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Mercer University's BSN to DNP with Family Nurse Practitioner program offers registered nurses an innovative pathway to advanced practice. This comprehensive doctoral program seamlessly blends synchronous online coursework with in-person campus learning, enabling nurses to transition from bedside care to specialized family healthcare practice. Students gain robust leadership skills, expanded clinical expertise, and preparation for national certification exams, positioning themselves at the forefront of comprehensive healthcare delivery.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Campus Based - Visit Website
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Campus Based - Visit Website
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Atlanta, GA - Private 4-year - emory.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Emory University's Family Nurse Practitioner program delivers comprehensive healthcare training across life stages. Students develop advanced clinical competencies through 600+ supervised practice hours at diverse community sites. The curriculum emphasizes primary care management, preparing graduates to tackle complex health challenges. Interdisciplinary experiences guided by nationally certified faculty create opportunities in family practice, specialty clinics, and primary care centers. With flexible four-semester options and part-time study availability, students can customize their educational journey while gaining robust clinical expertise.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Emory University's Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program cultivates advanced practice nurses specialized in comprehensive adult healthcare. This four-semester, 49-credit curriculum offers flexible enrollment with extensive clinical immersion across metropolitan Atlanta's diverse healthcare environments. Students develop expertise in chronic disease management, preventative care, and pharmacological interventions. The program provides over 750 clinical practice hours, preparing graduates for national certification and positioning them for impactful roles in primary care, research, consultation, and education.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Emory's Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program prepares experienced RNs for high-intensity medical environments. This 48-credit, four-semester curriculum provides over 700 clinical hours in critical care, trauma surgery, and hospital medicine settings. Designed for nurses with minimum one-year acute care experience, the program equips practitioners to deliver sophisticated patient care. Graduates develop comprehensive skills to excel as independent practitioners in complex medical scenarios, with strong preparation for professional advancement and meaningful clinical impact.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Emory University's Women's Health Nurse Practitioner program offers a groundbreaking 46-credit curriculum addressing sexual and reproductive healthcare comprehensively. Emphasizing health disparities and inclusive care, students gain specialized skills including forensic nursing across women's entire lifespan. The flexible online format with limited on-campus intensives allows full-time or part-time progression. With 630 clinical practice hours and diverse placement options, graduates become certified practitioners prepared for roles in academic health centers, private clinics, and LGBTQ health facilities.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Emory University's Family Nurse Practitioner program delivers comprehensive primary care training across patient lifespans. Offering full-time and part-time options, the 49-credit curriculum integrates extensive classroom learning with 600+ clinical practice hours in diverse settings. Graduates receive robust preparation for certification exams and careers in varied healthcare environments. The program emphasizes community-based care, multidisciplinary experiences, and provides opportunities for specialty area development under guidance of nationally certified faculty.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Campus Based - Visit Website
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Augusta, GA - Public 4-Year - augusta.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Augusta University's Post-Graduate Certificate in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner offers advanced practice registered nurses a specialized pathway to enhance pediatric healthcare expertise. Through a comprehensive hybrid program with over 50% online coursework, nurses can expand their professional capabilities across diverse healthcare settings. The certificate prepares professionals for certification exams while providing extensive clinical experiences throughout Georgia and South Carolina. Part-time study options and web-based learning enable nurses to seamlessly integrate advanced training with their current professional responsibilities, focusing on patient-centered pediatric care.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Augusta University's Post-Graduate Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner provides advanced healthcare professionals an opportunity to develop comprehensive family-focused clinical skills. This hybrid program prepares experienced nurses to deliver nuanced patient care across diverse settings, with web-based learning and strategic clinical experiences in Georgia and South Carolina. Designed for flexible, part-time study, the certificate track emphasizes advanced practice nursing, preparing graduates for professional certification exams and enhancing their ability to provide lifespan-oriented healthcare interventions.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Augusta University's Post-Master's Certificate in Psychiatric and Mental Health Advanced Nurse Practitioner delivers specialized training for certified nurse practitioners seeking to deepen mental health expertise. This web-based, part-time program comprehensively prepares advanced practice nurses to provide mental health services across patient lifespans. With 22 credit hours and 504 clinical practice hours, participants gain advanced skills in psychopharmacology, mental health assessment, and clinical interventions. CCNE-accredited and designed for board certification preparation, the program equips nurses with cutting-edge psychiatric healthcare capabilities.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Augusta University's Post-Master's Certificate in Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner offers a rigorous one-year program for nursing professionals seeking specialized acute care expertise. Designed to prepare experienced nurses for complex adult and older adult patient care, the certificate combines comprehensive didactic coursework with 585 extensive clinical hours. The curriculum covers advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment, and complex illness management. Graduates become eligible for prestigious nursing certification exams, positioning themselves as advanced practitioners in diverse healthcare settings.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Augusta University's Doctor of Nursing Practice with Pediatric Nurse Practitioner concentration provides an advanced pathway for nurses to become pediatric healthcare leaders. This comprehensive doctoral program focuses on child healthcare from birth through young adulthood, integrating clinical, policy, and leadership skills. With a remarkable 100% board pass rate and flexible full-time and part-time schedules across Augusta and Athens campuses, the program prepares nurses for high-demand roles. Graduates can expect average salaries around $113,387, making it an attractive option for ambitious pediatric healthcare professionals.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Statesboro, GA - Public 4-Year - georgiasouthern.edu
Online Learning - Visit Website
Georgia Southern University's Post-MSN Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate is an online program for experienced nurses aiming to enhance clinical skills in rural and underserved areas. It requires a master's degree in nursing, a 3.0 GPA, RN licensure, and professional certification. The 19-credit curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice and comprehensive care, with no entrance exam mentioned.
Online Learning - Visit Website
The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate at Georgia Southern University is an online program designed for MSN holders, focusing on acute care for adults and geriatrics. It includes 19 credits and 630 clinical hours, requiring a 3.0 GPA and one year of critical care experience. No entrance exam is specified.
Online Learning - Visit Website
Georgia Southern University's Post-Master's Certificate in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner is an online program for certified APRNs, offering 19 credits and 630 clinical hours. It requires an MSN, 3.0 GPA, and active licensure, with no GRE or MAT exam needed.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Georgia Southern University's Post-BSN to DNP program with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration is a hybrid pathway, requiring 77 credits and 1,350 clinical hours. It prepares nurses for primary care across lifespans and offers an MSN exit option. As a doctoral program, no entrance exam is mentioned.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Post-BSN to DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track at Georgia Southern University is a hybrid program focusing on mental health care, with 1,350 clinical hours. It prepares for PMHNP certification and includes advanced pharmacology training. No entrance exam is specified for this doctoral program.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Georgia NP programs often use a hybrid delivery model that combines asynchronous online lectures and live webinars with periodic on‑campus intensives for simulation labs and skills workshops. Didactic courses can be completed remotely, while clinical rotations are arranged locally at approved healthcare sites throughout the state. This flexible structure allows nurses to balance work, family, and academic commitments without relocating.
| Certifying Board | Georgia Board of Nursing – Advanced Practice Section |
|---|---|
| Certification | National APRN credential (AANP, ANCC, or other approved body) with primary‐source verification to the Board |
| License Renewal Period | Biennial renewal, due January 31 of the license expiration year |
| Continuing Education | 30 contact hours every two years |
| License Application Fee | $75 initial APRN authorization fee |
| Clinical Hours | Official graduate transcripts documenting required practicum hours and proof of advanced pharmacology, pathophysiology, and physical assessment coursework |
| Application Processing Time | Approximately 20 business days once a complete application is received, deficiency notices restart the review period |
| License by Endorsement | Out-of-state APRNs apply via the GAA process, submitting an eNLC RN multistate license verification, transcripts, and national APRN certification for authorization |
Nurse practitioners in Georgia earn an average annual salary of about $118,000, with entry‑level positions starting near $90,000 and seasoned practitioners in metropolitan areas commanding up to $140,000 or more. Many employers offer sign‑on bonuses, loan repayment assistance, and comprehensive benefits packages, including health insurance and retirement plans, to attract and retain skilled NPs. Advanced certifications, leadership roles, and educator positions can further boost earning potential.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Georgia | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Nurse Practitioner Salary | $125,490 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $60.30 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$138,000 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $125,490 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$109,000 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~45% | ~3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~N/A | ~54,000 |
Data from Salary.com and Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Valdosta State University |
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| Albany State University |
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| Columbus State University |
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After initial NP certification, many practitioners pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice to deepen clinical expertise and qualify for executive, faculty, or policy‑making roles. Post‑master’s certificate programs enable NPs to add specialties, such as acute care or women’s health, without completing another full degree. Those interested in research or academia may enroll in PhD programs, while others leverage their advanced training in healthcare administration, informatics, or population health leadership.
Learn more about Nurse Practitioner specialities.
Additional Nursing Programs in Georgia
Online Learning - Website
Online Learning - Website
Online Learning - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Emergency Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Child and Adolescent Behavioral and Mental Health - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology: Acute Care NP - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Online Learning - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
Online Learning - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
Concentration: Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
Online Learning - Website
Online Learning - Website
Online Learning - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Psych-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Website