Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) are advanced practice nurses who provide a range of patient services and work in various facilities. They are trained to care for patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, and can work in hospitals, private practices, clinics, or health centers. Although FNPs are highly trained professionals, their scope of practice is dictated by state laws. In Georgia, FNPs must work under the direct supervision of a doctor.
Nurses wishing to pursue a degree as an FNP in Georgia have many options. Here are some programs to consider for nurses at various points in their careers.
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RN to FNP Programs
RN-to-FNP programs cater to nurses with an associate’s degree or diploma and extensive professional experience. Rather than completing a separate BSN program, the BSN and MSN coursework is integrated into a single program, as in the below offering from Georgia State University.
Georgia State University
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Online + In-person
Modality: Online with in-person clinical requirements
Credit Hours: 54
Clinical Hours: 585
Tuition: $398 per credit for residents + fees; $1,259 per semester for non-residents + fees
Program Overview:
Georgia State offers a bridge program to registered nurses wishing to pursue a master’s degree and become a family nurse practitioner. Two years of nursing experience is preferred, but nurses with one year of experience can apply. Students entering this program will complete prerequisite courses before starting master’s level classes. Coursework is completed online, but in-person clinicals are required for some courses. Students are required to organize their own clinical sites with the university’s assistance a semester before registering for classes with a clinical component. Full-time students can complete this program in as little as two years. For part-time students, it can take up to four years.
BSN to FNP Programs
Nurses who have already completed a BSN have many ways to pursue an FNP in Georgia. The programs below offer various options, including online options and programs that allow students to complete a DNP.
Albany State University
- Albany, Georgia
- Online + In-person
Modality: Online with in-person clinical requirements
Credit Hours: 44
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $300.00 per credit hour + fees
Program Overview:
The FNP program from Albany State University is an online program with in-person clinical requirements. The full-time program begins in the fall, and students can complete the program in as little as five consecutive semesters, including summer. Part-time students can begin in the fall, spring, or summer semesters and finish in six to eight semesters, depending on their course load. An online or on-campus interview is required for admission to the program, during which the applicant will talk to faculty about their application and learn more about the curriculum and faculty will determine the applicant’s admission eligibility.
Augusta University
- Augusta, Georgia
- Hybrid + In-person
Modality: Hybrid with in-person clinical requirements
Credit Hours: 77
Clinical Hours: 792
Tuition: $430 per credit hour for residents + fees; $1,132.00 per credit hour for non-residents + fees
Program Overview:
This doctoral program at Augusta University is designed for students with a BSN who wish to pursue an advanced FNP degree. Full- and part-time options are available, and classes combine online and in-person learning. Students work through the program in cohorts and can enroll at the Augusta or Athens campuses. Due to clinical requirements and the need for instructors to visit students during clinicals, students must reside in Georgia or South Carolina to attend this program.
Brenau University
- Gainesville, Georgia
- Hybrid + In-person
Modality: Hybrid with in-person clinical requirements
Credit Hours: 50
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $829 per credit hour
Program Overview:
Brenau University’s FNP program focuses on primary and preventative care. It includes online classwork and monthly Saturday classes at the school’s Norcross campus. In-person clinical hours are also required. This part-time program takes eight semesters to complete. Students take two classes each semester, including summer, and complete the program in only 20 months.
Clayton State
- Morrow, Georgia
- Online + In-person
Modality: Online with in-person clinical requirements
Credit Hours: 47
Clinical Hours: 585
Tuition: $385 per credit hour
Program Overview:
The MSN program with FNP concentration prepares students to act as primary caregivers for families and communities. BSN students who enroll in the program will complete 47 credit hours and 585 clinical hours. Students who already possess an MSN in another concentration may receive up to 9 hours of credit but are still required to complete the full 585 clinical hours. All applicants must hold a Georgia nursing license, and each student is assigned an advisor to help them stay on track for completing their degree.
Emory University (Acute Care)
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Campus + In-person
Modality: On-campus with in-person clinical requirements
Credit Hours: 83
Clinical Hours: 700+
Tuition: $1,773 per credit hour + fees
Program Overview:
This specialized FNP doctorate program is one of several offered by Emory University. It prepares students to provide care to patients across the lifespan in both primary and emergency care settings. Program content is based on family nurse practitioner preparation and builds on that knowledge to prepare students to provide urgent and emergency care to patients in emergency settings. The program takes seven semesters to complete, and full- and part-time options are available. Prior experience in emergency nursing, military service, disaster or crisis management, or related work experience is required.
Emory University (Primary Care)
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Campus + In-person
Modality: On-campus with in-person clinical requirements
Credit Hours: 49
Clinical Hours: 600+
Tuition: $2,082 per credit hour + fees
Program Overview:
Emory University’s BSN to FNP program strongly focuses on community-based nursing and primary care. Full-time students can complete the program in four semesters, and part-time options are available. This program utilizes more than 40 private practices and community-based sites, including outpatient clinics and private practices in specialty areas, like palliative care, cardiology, and dermatology, to give students a wide variety of experiences with patients of all ages. The program begins in the fall of each year. A BSN to DNP option is also available.
Georgia College & State University
- Milledgeville, Georgia
- Online + In-person
Modality: Online with in-person clinical requirements
Credit Hours: 40
Clinical Hours: 630
Tuition: $382 per credit hour + fees
Program Overview:
The FNP program at Georgia College & State University is designed for BSN-prepared nurses. Classes are entirely online, with some on-campus requirements throughout the program, generally one to three days every semester for labs and simulations. While there are no specific residency requirements for the program, note that all clinical rotations must be completed in the state of Georgia. Part-time options are available, but the program must be completed within seven years from the date the students begin graduate-level courses.
Georgia Southern University
- Statesboro, Georgia
- Hybrid + In-person
Modality: Hybrid with in-person clinical requirements
Credit Hours: 77
Clinical Hours: 1350
Tuition: $389 per credit hour
Program Overview:
Georgia Southern University offers a post-BSN-to-DNP program with an FNP track that features extensive clinical experience: 1350 hours in total throughout the program. This track offers an MSN-opt-out option where students can complete the MSN portion of the program and choose not to continue to complete the DNP. Those who take this option have four years to return to complete the doctorate courses and receive their DNP degree. This program is primarily online and has both synchronous and asynchronous components.
Georgia Southwestern State University
- Americus, Georgia
- Online + In-person
Modality: Online with in-person clinical requirements
Credit Hours: 44
Clinical Hours: 1000
Tuition: $385 per credit hour + fees
Program Overview:
Georgia Southwestern State University’s FNP program is designed for BSN-prepared nurses. Classes are completed online with in-person clinical requirements. This program has one of the most significant clinical components of any FNP program in the state, requiring 1000 practicum hours. Students can participate in clinicals from any location, and the school will arrange them as close to the student’s location as possible. This program begins in the fall and spring semesters and can be completed in 22 months for full-time students.
Georgia State University
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Hybrid + In-person
Modality: Hybrid with in-person clinical requirements
Credit Hours: 48
Clinical Hours: 585
Tuition: $398 per credit for residents + fees; $1,259 per semester for non-residents + fees
Program Overview:
Georgia State University’s FNP program features web-enhanced classes. Some of the coursework is completed online independently, but students are required to attend at least one synchronous online class a month. Some feature synchronous online learning with independent assignments, while others require students to be on campus for several days throughout the semester. All clinical hours are completed in person, and the school can assist with placement, but students are encouraged to network to try to find a suitable preceptor in the nearby area. Students can complete this program in as little as five months full-time, but part-time options are also available.
Kennesaw State University
- Kennesaw, Georgia
- Hybrid + In-person
Modality: Hybrid with in-person clinical requirements
Credit Hours: 44
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $296 per credit hour for residents + fees; $1,066 per credit hour for non-residents + fees
Program Overview:
Kennesaw State University’s FNP program is one of the shortest in the state and can be completed in only five semesters or 18 months for full-time students; part-time students can complete it in eight semesters. Classes are either online or meet one weekend a month on campus. The program emphasizes hands-on training, using an array of clinical sites across northern Georgia where students apply what they learn in the classroom under the supervision of expert doctoral faculty.
Mercer University (MSN)
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Campus + In-person
Modality: On-campus with in-person clinical requirements
Credit Hours: 48
Clinical Hours: 780
Tuition: $1,159 per credit hour + fees
Program Overview:
BSN-prepared nurses can apply to this FNP program at Mercer University. Full-time students can complete the program in as little as four semesters; part-time students can complete it in seven. In 2022, the school boasted an 86% pass rate for graduates taking the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB) Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) National Exam. Applicants must have a Georgia nursing license and have worked for at least one year as a registered nurse. A BSN to DNP program is also available.
University of North Georgia
- Dahlonega, Georgia
- Campus + In-person
Modality: On-campus with in-person clinical requirements
Credit Hours: 46
Clinical Hours: 720
Tuition: $293 per credit hour for residents + fees; $1,113 per credit hour for non-residents + fees
Program Overview:
The FNP program at the University of North Georgia offers a two- and three-year plan of study. The main difference is that the three-year plan allows students to take one course at a time until their final year, and it delays clinicals for a year. The three-year option can be a more flexible option for those who plan to work full-time while pursuing their degree. Classes are in-person on the Dahlonega Campus and meet one day a week, either Tuesday or Thursday. A license to practice nursing in the state of Georgia is required.
Valdosta State University (MSN)
- Valdosta, Georgia
- Hybrid + In-person
Modality: Hybrid with in-person clinical requirements
Credit Hours: 50
Clinical Hours: 715
Tuition: $321 per credit hour for residents + fees; $1,162 per credit hour for non-residents + fees
Program Overview:
Valdosta State University’s MSN FNP program offers students a unique hybrid model. Coursework combines online and in-person instruction. Students must attend five weekend class meetings in the fall and spring semesters and four weekend meetings during the summer. The program takes six semesters to complete full-time, and part-time options are also available.
Valdosta State University (DNP)
- Valdosta, Georgia
- Hybrid + In-person
Modality: Hybrid with in-person clinical requirements
Credit Hours: 81
Clinical Hours: 715
Tuition: $321 per credit hour for residents + fees; $1,162 per credit hour for non-residents + fees
Program Overview:
Valdosta State University also offers a DNP degree for BSN-prepared nurses who want to pursue being an FNP. This hybrid program is for ten semesters, including an opt-out option after semester seven, where students can leave the program with an MSN, having the option to return within three years to complete the rest of the doctorate program. Those who choose this option must complete seven semesters consisting of 52 credit hours and 715 clinical hours.
Online FNP Programs
In Georgia, many programs allow nurses to complete their FNP degree by taking classes online. Due to the nature of the role, though, even programs that do not have an on-campus component require in-person clinical. Some programs permit students to arrange clinical sites close to their homes, while others require them to go to sites close to campus.
Georgia State University’s RN to FNP program does not require many on-campus visits, though some classes may have in-person lab requirements. This program also allows students to arrange clinical experiences near their homes if possible. Georgia Southwestern State University’s program is the same, with the school helping to arrange clinical sites as close to the person’s home as possible.
Albany State University and Clayton State also do not require any on-campus visits during the program.
Brenau University offers primarily online classes, but students are required to attend an in-person Saturday class once a month.
Georgia College & State University also requires some on-campus visits, about one to three days every semester, for labs and simulations, but clinical rotations must be completed at sites in the state of Georgia, which may be limiting for out-of-state students.
Best FNP Programs in State
The best FNP programs in the state highly depend on what you are looking for.
When it comes to convenience, Georgia State University’s RN to FNP program and Georgia Southwestern State University’s program offer online campus with no on-campus visits and allow you to complete clinical hours at facilities close to your area. It’s also worth pointing out that Georgia Southwestern State University’s program has the highest requirement for clinical hours, requiring 1000 hours and ensuring students get plenty of hands-on experience to prepare them for their future careers. These are likely the best options for people who live out of state. That said, if you are applying to any out-of-state nursing school, check with the board of nursing in the state where you wish to practice to ensure that the out-of-state school will meet its licensing requirements.
If you’re looking for schools with the most accolades, Emory University’s Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing is consistently ranked as one of the best nursing schools in the state, with Augusta University and Mercer University not far behind. In fact, in 2022, Mercer University boasted an 86% pass rate for graduates taking the AANPCB’s FNP National Exam.
MSN to FNP Post-Graduate Certificate
MSN to FNP programs are for nurses with a master’s degree in another area, like education or informatics, who want to expand their skills and work as FNPs. Many of these programs allow for a gap analysis when the college or university evaluates the student’s past education and experience to see if they meet the criteria for any of the course requirements.
Albany State University
- Albany, Georgia
- Online + In-person
Modality: Online with in-person clinical requirements
Credit Hours: 23
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $300 per credit hour
Program Overview:
Nurses with an MSN in another specialty can prepare to practice as an FNP with this post-master’s certificate program at Albany State University. This program only accepts new students for the spring semester. The program takes five semesters to complete, taking one class at a time.
Augusta University
- Augusta, Georgia
- Online + In-person
Modality: Online with in-person clinical requirements
Credit Hours: 37
Clinical Hours: 524
Tuition: $430 per credit hour for residents + fees; $1,132 per credit hour for non-residents + fees
Program Overview:
The post-master’s program at Augusta University is a doctorate-level program that can be completed either full- or part-time. Classwork is done online, synchronously and asynchronously, but requires one or two visits to campus and in-person clinicals. Students in the program create a capstone project, allowing them to do in-depth research in their area of expertise.
Brenau University
- Gainesville, Georgia
- Hybrid + In-person
Modality: Hybrid with in-person clinical requirements
Credit Hours: 26
Clinical Hours: 624
Tuition: $829 per credit hour
Program Overview:
Students with an MSN can attend this part-time post-master’s program at Brenau University and become an FNP in only four semesters. Much of the class work is done online, but students must participate in monthly Saturday classes at the school’s Norcross campus.
Clayton State
- Morrow, Georgia
- Online + In-person
Modality: Online with in-person clinical requirements
Credit Hours: 41
Clinical Hours: 585
Tuition: $385 per credit hour
Program Overview:
Clayton State’s post-master’s FNP program consists of online classes with in-person clinical components. Students admitted to the program will be evaluated to determine their equivalency and the courses they must complete to get their certificate. All applicants must be licensed to practice nursing in the state of Georgia.
Georgia College & State University
- Milledgeville, Georgia
- Online + In-person
Modality: Online with in-person lab and clinical requirements
Credit Hours: 22-32
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $382 per credit hour + fees
Program Overview:
Georgia College & State University’s post-masters FNP program features fully online classes with some in-person requirements for labs and simulations. The course requirements of this program vary depending on experience. For example, nurses who already have an MSN, DNP, or Ph.D. in another area and are not board-certified as NPs may have to take the full 32 credits, which can take up to two years to complete.
Georgia Southern University
- Statesboro, Georgia
- Online + In-person
Modality: Online with in-person clinical requirements
Credit Hours: 19
Clinical Hours: 630
Tuition: $277 per credit hour
Program Overview:
This post-master’s certificate program from Georgia Southern University can be completed in five semesters. It features both asynchronous and synchronous online coursework, some with scheduled live sessions. Because MSN students come from various educational backgrounds, the program director performs a gap analysis on incoming students to create an individualized plan of study based on the student’s previous degrees and experience.
Georgia State University
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Hybrid + In-person
Modality: Hybrid with in-person clinical requirements
Credit Hours: 43
Clinical Hours: 585
Tuition: $398 per credit for residents + fees; $1,259 per semester for non-residents + fees
Program Overview:
Students applying to Georgia State University’s post-master’s FNP program will have their previous education and experience evaluated to determine what core classes they must complete for this certificate. The web-enhanced classes in this program generally require at least one synchronous online class a month, and students may need to come to campus for a few days every semester.
Emory University
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Campus + In-person
Modality: On-campus with in-person clinical requirements
Credit Hours: 24
Clinical Hours: 780
Tuition: $1,159 per credit hour + fees
Program Overview:
The post-master’s FNP certificate program from Emory University can be completed in three consecutive semesters. This program includes extensive hands-on experience, with students completing 780 clinical hours spread out over three classes, one each semester. Admission interviews are required, and applicants must have a license to practice nursing in the state of Georgia.
Mercer University
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Campus + In-person
Modality: On-campus with in-person clinical requirements
Credit Hours: 25
Clinical Hours: 780
Tuition: $1,159 per credit hour + fees
Program Overview:
Mercer University’s post-master’s FNP program allows nurses with an MSN in another specialty to pursue certification as FNPs. This program can be completed full-time in three consecutive semesters. Applicants must have an unencumbered RN license to practice in Georgia and attend an admissions interview with the associate dean after submitting their application to be considered for the program.
University of North Georgia
- Dahlonega, Georgia
- Campus + In-person
Modality: On-campus with in-person clinical requirements
Credit Hours: 43
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $236 per credit hour for residents + fees; $962 per credit hour for non-residents + fees
Program Overview:
Students in the post-master’s FNP certificate program from the University of North Georgia complete 43 credit hours, with many clinical portions focusing on rural primary care. Individual plans of study are developed based on the student’s previously earned master’s degree, but students must earn at least 12 credits in residence to complete the program. Applicants must possess an unencumbered Georgia nursing license. In-person classes are held on the University’s Dahlonega campus, and the program begins in the summer session.
Valdosta State University
- Valdosta, Georgia
- Hybrid + In-person
Modality: Hybrid with in-person clinical requirements
Credit Hours: 36
Clinical Hours: 715
Tuition: $321 per credit hour for residents + fees; $1,162 per credit hour for non-residents + fees
Program Overview:
Classes for Valdosta State University’s post-master’s FNP certificate program are delivered in a hybrid format. The program is tailored to the needs of each student, taking into account their past learning experiences to ensure that all course requirements are met successfully. Transfer credits are considered if they were completed no more than seven years before admission to the program.
State Most Affordable FNP Programs
For residents, the University of North Georgia is the most affordable option at only $293 per credit hour, with Kennesaw State University coming in a close second at $296 per credit hour.
Albany State University breaks down to about $300 per credit for non-residents. Clayton State and Georgia Southwestern State University are $385 per credit, Georgia College & State University is $382 per credit, and Georgia Southern University is $389 per credit.
Note that these rates are just the costs per credit hour. Each college or university has its own fees, and students may incur additional costs.