
Jake Flannigan, NP
June 2, 2025
Georgia’s LPNs are essential in the delivery of healthcare service to the state’s population and are employed in hospitals, long term care facilities, physicians’ offices, and home health care. Health care professionals in urban centers and rural areas who, working under the direction of physicians and RNs, help take care of patients’ health, administer medications, offer physical care and support for daily living, and provide emotional support to patients and their families.
Dalton, GA - Public 4-Year - daltonstate.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Dalton State College's LPN Certificate program offers an innovative 12-month pathway into nursing through a dynamic hybrid learning model. Students benefit from comprehensive coursework integrating online and in-person instruction, complemented by hands-on clinical rotations. The program strategically prepares candidates for the NCLEX-PN examination, emphasizing practical nursing skills and theoretical knowledge. Flexible semester entry points in spring and summer accommodate diverse student schedules. With affordable tuition and rigorous curriculum, students receive high-quality nursing education designed to launch successful healthcare careers. Clinical experiences may involve evening and weekend commitments, providing realistic professional exposure.
Vidalia, GA - Public 2-Year - southeasterntech.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Southeastern Technical College's Practical Nursing Diploma offers an intensive 60-credit hour program designed to transform aspiring healthcare professionals into competent licensed practical nurses. Students benefit from a rigorous curriculum combining classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training across Vidalia and Swainsboro campuses. Graduates receive comprehensive preparation for the NCLEX-PN licensure exam, with a strategic focus on patient care skills. Admission requires a high school diploma, successful TEAS exam completion, and maintaining a 3.0 GPA. The program's strategic structure enables students to complete their education in three consecutive semesters, positioning them for immediate employment in diverse healthcare environments.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Southeastern Technical College's PN 21 program delivers a targeted 49-credit hour technical certificate that equips students with comprehensive nursing skills. Aligned with Georgia Board of Nursing standards, this program offers extensive clinical experiences across multiple healthcare settings. Students engage in specialized coursework covering pharmacology, adult health, mental health, and maternal and pediatric nursing. With a competitive admission process requiring a minimum TEAS test score of 58.7%, the program prepares graduates for promising career opportunities. The U.S. Department of Labor projects a robust five percent growth in licensed practical nursing, with a median annual wage of $59,730, highlighting the program's potential for professional advancement.
Warner Robins, GA - Public 2-Year - centralgatech.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Central Georgia Technical College's Practical Nursing program delivers an intensive training pathway for future Licensed Practical Nurses, strategically designed to equip students with advanced clinical competencies. Through a comprehensive curriculum, students immerse themselves in hands-on learning experiences across medical-surgical nursing, maternal health, and professional leadership domains. The program's standout features include state-of-the-art nursing skills laboratories, electronic health record training, and multiple campus locations offering flexible educational opportunities. Students benefit from focused NCLEX-PN exam preparation, ensuring high success rates in licensure. With a commitment to military-friendly education and affordable total program costs ranging from $2,500-$3,500, this program provides an accessible route into the nursing profession with robust practical training.
Waycross, GA - Public 2-Year - coastalpines.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Coastal Pines Technical College's Practical Nursing Certificate PN21 offers a comprehensive pathway to becoming a licensed practical nurse. Spanning 49 credit hours, this rigorous program integrates advanced theoretical instruction with hands-on clinical experiences across diverse nursing domains. Students develop critical skills in pharmacology, mental health, and adult health nursing, preparing for the NCLEX-PN licensure exam. Admission requires a high school diploma, successful TEAS test performance, and clearance through background and drug screenings. The program's strategic design emphasizes practical competencies, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for entry-level nursing positions and meet the Georgia Board of Examiners' stringent standards.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Coastal Pines Technical College's Practical Nursing PN12 diploma program provides an immersive educational journey for aspiring practical nurses. Encompassing 57 comprehensive credit hours, the curriculum blends robust academic coursework with intensive clinical training. Students explore critical areas including human body structure, pharmacology, and medical-surgical nursing, developing comprehensive healthcare skills. The program's structured approach prepares candidates for the NCLEX-PN examination and potential entry-level nursing roles. Admission involves thorough background checks and drug screenings, ensuring professional readiness. Approved by the Georgia Board of Examiners of Licensed Practical Nurses, this campus-based program offers a strategic pathway to nursing professional certification.
Sandersville, GA - Public 2-Year - oftc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Oconee Fall Line Technical College's Practical Nursing program offers an accelerated educational pathway designed for aspiring healthcare professionals. Students can swiftly complete their technical certificate in just three semesters, gaining comprehensive skills in patient care, medical procedures, and healthcare communication. The program distinguishes itself through affordable tuition rates at $107 per credit hour and robust financial support via HOPE Grants and scholarships. Emphasizing hands-on training, students learn critical skills for providing basic medical care, assisting patients with daily living activities, and developing professional healthcare interactions. With flexible scheduling and a focus on rapid workforce entry, graduates are well-positioned for immediate employment in diverse healthcare settings.
The hands-on requirements of nursing education can be met through various learning formats, which several Georgia LPN programs provide. Students in hybrid programs learn remotely through lectures and assignments, yet they must attend scheduled on-site lab sessions and clinical rotations. The state board clinical requirements prevent fully online LPN programs from being offered, but flexible models provide students with different lifestyles the opportunity to complete their training without compromising its quality.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Southeastern Technical College |
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| Savannah Technical College |
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| Oconee Fall Line Technical College |
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| Certifying Board | Georgia Board of Nursing, Professional Licensing Boards Division, Secretary of State |
|---|---|
| Certification | National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) administered by Pearson VUE |
| Educational Prerequisite | Graduation from a Board-approved practical nursing program with official transcripts and program verification |
| Application & Background Check | Online application with $40 non-refundable application fee plus $10 processing fee, register concurrently with Pearson VUE and GAPS/Idemia for fingerprint-based state & FBI background checks |
| Application Processing Time | Applications reviewed in order received, allow approximately 4–6 weeks for licensure decision once all materials are complete, deficiencies must be corrected within 60 days to avoid withdrawal |
| License Renewal Period | Biennial renewal every two years by March 31 of odd-numbered years with a $65 renewal fee (late renewal $75) plus $10 processing fee |
| Continuing Education | Completion of at least 20 contact hours of Board-approved continuing education or equivalent academic nursing coursework per renewal cycle |
| Licensure by Endorsement | Out-of-state LPNs apply with a $75 endorsement fee, submit verification of a current unrestricted LPN license, official transcripts, and fingerprint/background check, eligible for eNLC multistate licensure if primary residence is Georgia and criteria are met. |
The average salary for licensed practical nurses in Georgia matches national levels but shows differences based on workplace location, professional experience, and practice environment. According to recent data, LPNs in Georgia receive salaries between $47,000 and $55,000 per year. LPNs working in the Atlanta, Augusta, and Savannah metropolitan areas receive higher compensation because of high demand and expensive living costs, yet rural areas provide lower salaries with more affordable housing options. The job prospects for LPNs continue to be favorable throughout the entire state. The combination of Georgia’s aging population with its expanding healthcare infrastructure maintains consistent demand for nursing professionals at every level.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Georgia | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual LVN Salary | $55,396 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $27.00 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$61,910 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $55,396 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$49,936 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | 19% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~2,230 | ~54,000 |
Data Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and Salary.com.
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
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| Dalton State College |
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| Southern Regional Technical College |
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| Oconee Fall Line Technical College |
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Many LPNs continue working as practical nurses long-term, while others advance their education from their original LPN licenses. Georgia has a range of LPN-to-RN bridge programs to choose from for those who want an expedited way to become a registered nurse. The programs allow LPNs to apply past coursework and clinical practice expertise to earn their associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing, speeding time to completion.
Additional Nursing Programs in Georgia
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