The state of Georgia was established in 1732. Named after King George II, Georgia is also known as the “Peach State”. According to the Georgia Department of Labor, total employment in the state is projected to grow over 4.6 million in 2020; an increase of 11.7% from 2010 employment levels. Deciding a career is a vital decision for every person, therefore those who wish to work in Georgia should take into account the sectors that are likely to have positive employment outlook in the coming years.
Healthcare – A leading sector in Georgia’s economy
Healthcare and social assistance will lead all industrial sectors both in terms of new job growth and rate of growth (Georgia Department of Labor). Almost all healthcare occupations are expected to grow between 2010 and 2020, but registered nurses (RNs), home health aides, nursing aides, and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) will lead healthcare in terms of number of new jobs.
RN Programs in Georgia
The state of Georgia has a number of schools that offer RN programs. These programs allow students to take the state exam for nursing license, which is essential to practice as a registered nurse (RN). Registered nurses are healthcare workers who look after the sick in different healthcare settings. They provide basic nursing care services and also give advice to patients and their attendants about health issues.
Aspiring RNs in Georgia can choose from a number of educational programs that can provide them with essential training. These include the associate degree in nursing, bachelor’s degree in nursing and diploma in nursing.
The associate degree typically takes 2 years to complete while the bachelor degree requires 4 years of full-time study. Students who want to acquire foundational knowledge in the field of nursing can enroll in the associate program. The bachelor’s program is suitable for those who seek to gain in-depth knowledge in nursing practice. Diploma programs in nursing are also suitable for those who want to gain basic knowledge in nursing practice.
What courses will you cover?
A variety of courses are included in the RN programs that enable students to learn how to provide assistance to physicians and patients. Some of the topics of study may include:
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Adult and family health
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Healthcare management
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Professional issues in nursing
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Psychiatric nursing
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Human development
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Anatomy and physiology
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Leadership in nursing
Can I get financial aid?
Students who want to enroll in the RN programs in Georgia can apply for financial aid in the form of grants, scholarships as well as student loans. Eligible students may get funding for their educational expenses including fee, tuition, books and related costs. Some of the financial aid options for nursing students include:
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Georgia Nursing Scholarships and Grants
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Specific Scholarships and Grants in Georgia
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GANA Scholarship
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The Annie Lou Overton Scholarship
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The Katherine Pope Scholarship
How much do RNs earn in Georgia?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual pay for RNs in Georgia (2013) was $61,630.