Georgia RN to MSN / Masters in Nursing Programs
(found programs from 17 schools)

Master's-prepared nurses represent less than four percent of Georgia's nursing workforce at present. That number is expected to change, however, as both the state and Georgia's nurses realize the important role that MSN nurses play in healthcare.

Like many states, Georgia is in the midst of a physician shortage that is only expected to worsen as the population ages and healthcare reform increases demand for services. Nurse practitioners (NPs) already provide essential primary care services to a number of the state's residents; NPs, in fact, have been called the "backbone" of Georgia's non-physician primary care workforce. More are needed, though. The average age of Georgia's nurse practitioners is almost 52; within the next 10 to 15 years, many of the state's current nurse practitioners will be retiring. New NPs are needed to replace their retiring colleagues, and to extend care to residents who currently lack a regular source of primary healthcare.

Georgia also needs more MSN-prepared nurses to teach undergraduate nursing classes. While a doctorate is typically required to teach at the BSN level, MSN nurses may teach LPN and ADN students. MSN nurses are also qualified to lead clinical rotations for BSN students.

MSN programs for Georgia nurses include:

• Emory University. Nurses who are interested in public health can pursue a dual MSN-MPH degree at Emory, which is located near the headquarters of the American Cancer Society and the Centers for Disease Control. Emory also offers a wide range of master's-level nurse practitioner programs, as well as graduate education in nurse midwifery and health systems leadership.
• Clayton State University. Clayton offers an online MSN degree in either nurse education or nurse leadership. The online coursework includes a number of real-time, virtual meetings with nursing instructors and students. Full or part-time attendance is an option, but students are required to complete the program within nine years.

Below is a list of all the accredited schools with campus locations in Georgia that offer MSN programs.