There are almost ten or more accredited nursing schools in Atlanta. These offer a wide range of nursing degrees at the undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate academic levels. Nursing programs are also offered at non-degree levels in the form of certificates and diplomas.
What financial aid programs are available for nursing students in Atlanta?
Financial aid packages for nursing students in Atlanta in the form of loans, scholarships and grants are available only to those who qualify. Federal and state financial aid programs include:
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Federal Pell Grant Program
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Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant
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Federal Work Study Program
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Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford Loan
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Regular Wage Job Program
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Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Program
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Federal Perkins Loans
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Parent PLUS program
University specific financial aid programs may be titled as:
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Presidents Scholarship
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Chief Steward scholarship
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Next Generation Scholarship
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Working Parent Scholarship
Nursing licensure in Atlanta
The Georgia Board of Nursing provides licensure for nurses who wish to work in Atlanta. Licensure and authorizations include:
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Practical nurse license
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Registered nurse license
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Advanced practice registered nurse authorization
In order to acquire a license, an applicant must complete an accredited nursing program that is approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing and pass relevant examination, which is also administered by the nursing board.
In addition, students must also fulfill other requirements set by the board, such as clearing a criminal background check and fulfilling nursing role specific continuing education requirements.
Nursing education programs approval
You must ensure that you get yourself enrolled in a nursing program that is approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing and is accredited by a recognized body.
An organization such as the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing accredits several nursing programs in Atlanta.
Admission requirements for nursing schools in Atlanta
Nursing schools in Atlanta expect prospective students to fulfill specific program prerequisites. These requirements include:
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Criminal background check
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Drug screening test
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Completion of specific prerequisite courses such as human anatomy, physics and biology
You must keep in mind that different nursing programs may have different prerequisite requirements.
An overview of nursing programs in Atlanta
Nursing schools in Atlanta provide a variety of nursing degrees and programs. These programs include:
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Most schools in Atlanta that offer this program, allow the students to take a concentrated academic path. Specialized concentrations provided in this program include:
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Nursing leadership
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Family nursing
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Mental health nursing
This program provides in-depth knowledge to the students in various relevant subjects such as:
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Healthcare systems
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Healthcare research
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Advanced principles of nursing science
Occupational statistics for nurses
The Occupational Information Network (O*NET OnLine) provides state specific occupational statistics for nurses.
According to Georgia specific occupational statistics for nurses, registered nurses working in Georgia were paid a median annual wage of $62,000 in 2013.
O*NET OnLine also projected that the licensed practical nurse (LPN) occupation growth rate would be 25 percent from 2012 to 2022.