🍑 Georgia LPN to RN Bridge Programs

1. Why Advance from LPN to RN in Georgia?

Georgia offers outstanding opportunities for LPNs to advance their nursing careers. Here's why making the transition is a smart investment:

Exceptional Salary Increase

• LPN Average Salary: $48,410/year ($23.27/hour)
• RN Average Salary: $79,800/year ($38.37/hour)
• Annual Increase: $31,390
• Lifetime Earnings Boost: Over $940,000 in a 30-year career

Booming Healthcare Market

• Georgia is one of the fastest-growing states in the Southeast
• Atlanta metro area is a major healthcare hub
• Major employers: Emory Healthcare, Piedmont Healthcare, Northside Hospital, Grady Health System, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
• RN job growth projected at 6% through 2034
• Strong demand in rural areas with incentive programs

Enhanced Career Opportunities

• Broader scope of practice and clinical autonomy
• Leadership positions and specialty certifications
• Travel nursing opportunities (Georgia RNs: $1,600–$2,400/week)
• Flexible scheduling and shift options
• Superior benefits packages and retirement plans

Educational Pathways

• Foundation for BSN, MSN, or Nurse Practitioner programs
• Tuition reimbursement programs at major Georgia hospitals
• Georgia has excellent nursing schools across the state (Georgia State, UGA, technical colleges)

2. Georgia LPN-to-RN Bridge Program Requirements

To qualify for Georgia LPN-to-RN bridge programs, you'll need:

2.1 Basic Requirements

• ✅ Active, unencumbered Georgia LPN license
• ✅ High school diploma or GED
• ✅ Minimum GPA: 2.5–3.0 (competitive programs may require 3.0+)
• ✅ 1–2 years of LPN work experience (preferred)

2.2 Prerequisite Courses

Most programs require these courses with a grade of C or better:

• Anatomy & Physiology I & II (with labs)
• Microbiology (with lab)
• General Chemistry or Chemistry I
• General Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• English Composition I & II
• College Math or Statistics
• Nutrition

2.3 Additional Requirements

• 🔍 Background Check: GCIC and FBI checks
• 💉 Drug Screening: 10-panel drug screen
• 🩺 CPR Certification: BLS for Healthcare Providers
• 📋 Physical Exam: Current health physical
• 💉 Immunizations: MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, Tdap, flu
• 🩺 TB Test: 2-step PPD or QuantiFERON
• 📝 Entrance Exam: TEAS or HESI A2
• 🏥 Health Insurance: Proof required

2.4 TEAS or HESI Exam

• TEAS Score: Minimum 60–70%
• HESI A2 Score: Minimum 75–85%

3. Georgia LPN-to-RN Program Options

3.1 LPN to ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing)

• Duration: 12–18 months
• Format: Campus-based with hybrid options
• Cost: $8,000–$20,000
• Outcome: Eligible for NCLEX-RN

3.2 LPN to BSN

• Duration: 2–3 years
• Cost: $16,000–$40,000
• Outcome: BSN degree; pathway to MSN/DNP

3.3 Accelerated LPN to RN

• Duration: 12–15 months
• Cost: $14,000–$24,000

4. Top Accredited LPN-to-RN Programs in Georgia

5. Georgia LPN vs RN Salary Comparison

Return on Investment (ROI)

• Average Annual Increase: $31,390
• Typical Program Cost: $8,000–$24,000
• ROI Timeline: Less than 1 year
• 30-Year Career Boost: ~$940,000

Additional Benefits

• Shift Differentials: $5–$12/hour extra
• Specialty Pay: $5,000–$15,000/year more
• Sign-On Bonuses: $5,000–$20,000
• Travel Nursing: $1,600–$2,400/week

Georgia Regional RN Salaries

• Atlanta Metro: $82,000–$95,000
• Savannah: $74,000–$84,000
• Augusta: $72,000–$82,000
• Columbus: $70,000–$80,000
• Macon: $68,000–$78,000
• Rural Georgia: $65,000–$75,000 (plus incentives)

6. How to Apply to Georgia LPN-to-RN Programs

Application Timeline

1. 4–6 months before: Research programs
2. 6–12 months: Complete prerequisites
3. 3–6 months before: Prepare materials
4. 2–3 months before: Take TEAS/HESI
5. Apply by deadline (programs fill quickly!)
6. 1–2 months before: Acceptance & enrollment

Required Materials

• Official transcripts
• Georgia LPN license (current copy)
• 2–3 letters of recommendation
• Personal statement (500–1,000 words)
• Resume/CV
• Application fee ($30–$75)
• TEAS or HESI scores

Application Deadlines

• Fall Start: February–April
• Spring Start: September–October
• 💡 Tip: Apply early! Programs are competitive

7. Financial Aid for Georgia LPN to RN Students

7.1 Federal Financial Aid

• Pell Grants: Up to $7,395/year
• Federal Direct Loans: $3,500–$12,500/year
• Work-Study: Part-time employment
• FAFSA: studentaid.gov/fafsa

7.2 Georgia State Aid

• HOPE Scholarship: Partial tuition at public colleges
• Zell Miller Scholarship: Full tuition
• Georgia HERO Scholarship: For veterans' children
• REACH Georgia Scholarship: Need-based
• Nursing Loan Repayment: For underserved areas

7.3 Employer Tuition Assistance

• Emory Healthcare: $5,000–$8,000/year
• Piedmont Healthcare: $3,500–$6,500/year
• Northside Hospital: $4,000–$7,000/year
• Grady Health: $3,000–$6,000/year
• Children's Healthcare of Atlanta: $5,000–$8,000/year

7.4 Military & Veterans

• Post-9/11 GI Bill: Full coverage
• Georgia National Guard Scholarship: Full tuition
• HERO Scholarship: For veterans' dependents

7.5 Scholarships

• Georgia Nurses Association (GNA)
• AACN scholarships
• NLN scholarships
• Institutional scholarships
• Local organizations

8. NCLEX-RN Exam in Georgia

8.1 Costs

• Georgia Board Fee: $75
• NCLEX Exam Fee: $200
• Total: $275

8.2 Pass Rates

• Georgia First-Time: ~84–87%
• National Average: 85–90%
• LPN-to-RN Bridge: 88–93%

8.3 Exam Format

• Questions: 75–145 (CAT)
• Time: Up to 5 hours
• Types: Multiple choice, SATA, calculations, hot spots

8.4 Content Areas

8.5 Scheduling Steps

1. Apply to Georgia Board of Nursing
2. Complete background checks
3. Receive ATT (valid 90 days)
4. Schedule at pearsonvue.com
5. Take exam (arrive 30 min early)
6. Results in 48 hours (Quick Results: $8)

8.6 Prep Tips

• Practice: 3,000–5,000 questions
• UWorld: Highly recommended
• Kaplan, Hurst, ATI, Saunders
• Mark Klimek lectures
• Focus: Prioritization, ABCs, Maslow

9. Georgia Board of Nursing Contact Information

Georgia Board of Nursing

• Website: sos.ga.gov/georgia-board-nursing
• Phone: 844-753-7825 (Toll-Free)
• Fax: 877-371-5712
• Email: [email protected]

Mailing Address

Georgia Board of Nursing
237 Coliseum Drive
Macon, GA 31217-3858

Office Hours

Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM ET

Online Services

• License verification
• License renewal (every 2 years)
• GOALS system (launched 2025)
• CE tracking

Important Notes

• Georgia is an NLC state — license valid in 40+ states
• GOALS (Georgia Online Automated Licensing System) launched September 2025