Pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) treat children of all ages, from birth to adolescence and even into young adulthood. Like all nurse practitioners in Georgia, they do not practice independently and must work under the supervision of a licensed physician. Generally, those wishing to pursue a PNP degree specialize in either acute or primary care. Primary care PNPs work in outpatient facilities, like doctors’ offices or clinics, and help patients manage acute or chronic conditions. Those specializing in actue care are likelier to work in a hospital facility. While they do help patients manage acute and chronic conditions, they can also work in emergency rooms or critical care units managing more critical conditions.
Nurses who want to pursue a PNP degree have many options in Georgia, whether they’re looking for on-campus or distance learning.
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Georgia RN to PNP Programs
This RN-to-PNP program allows nurses who have a diploma or associate’s degree to pursue an MSN without enrolling in a separate BSN program first. This approach can be much more streamlined than pursuing a separate degree.
Georgia State University
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Campus + 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:
The bridge program at Georgia State University is designed for RNs who wish to pursue an MSN and become a PNP. Nurses with one year of experience can apply to the program, but two years are preferred. RNs entering the program complete a series of core classes before enrolling in the master’s level classes. Most of the coursework is online, but in-person clinicals are required. Students organize their own clinical sites with the assistance of the university. This program takes two years to complete for full-time students and four years for part-time students.
Georgia BSN to PNP Programs
BSN-prepared nurses have several options when pursuing a PNP degree in Georgia, including doctorate programs for those who want to advance their educations even further.
Augusta University
- Augusta, Georgia
- Hybrid + In-person
Modality: Hybrid with in-person clinical requirements
Credit Hours: 77
Clinical Hours: 1183
Tuition: $430 per credit hour for residents + fees; $1,132 per credit hour for non-residents + fees
Program Overview:
Augusta University’s BSN to DNP program allows nurses to pursue an advanced degree as a PNP. Classes are hybrid, with both online and in-person learning at either the Augusta or Athens campus. Full-time students can complete the program in as little as three years. Due to clinical supervision requirements, students in the program must live in either Georgia or South Carolina.
Emory University (Acute Care)
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Online + In-person
Modality: Online with in-person intensives
Credit Hours: 47
Clinical Hours: 780
Tuition: $2,022 per credit hour + fees
Program Overview:
Emory University offers a few options for nurses who want to pursue a career as a PNP. This BSN to MSN program begins every fall and can be completed in four semesters full-time. Acute care PNPs focus on caring for infants, children, and teens with acute, chronic, or critical needs. This program offers online courses so students can continue to work while completing their classes. A BSN to DNP program is also available in this specialty, which requires a total of 74 credits, 1,140 clinical hours, and 120 practicum hours.
Emory University (Primary Care)
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Online + In-person
Modality: Online with in-person intensives and clinical requirements
Credit Hours: 48
Clinical Hours: 780
Tuition: $2,022 per credit hour + fees
Program Overview:
For those who wish to focus on primary care, Emory University offers a BSN to FNP in Primary Care program, too. Clinicals are completed in pediatric and neonatal clinics in the Atlanta area. Full- and part-time options are available, and the full-time program can be completed in four consecutive semesters. This program also offers a BSN to DNP option, which takes 2.5 years to complete.
Georgia State University (Primary Care)
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Hybrid + In-person
Modality: Hybrid with in-person clinical requirements
Credit Hours: 48
Clinical Hours: 600
Tuition: $398 per credit for residents + fees; $1,259 per semester for non-residents + fees
Program Overview:
The PNP program at Georgia State University can be completed in five semesters full-time, but students can be given credit for previous courses. Upon admission, each student’s program will be planned for them. The University requires at least one year of recent general pediatric experience for consideration. Courses are web-enhanced, with many classes being entirely online. Students are required to be on campus for new student orientation, for the first day of select courses, and select labs. Every class also has at least one synchronous online class.
Georgia Online PNP Programs
Georgia State University’s RN to MSN program has entirely online classes, though some in-person labs may be required.
The other available PNP programs in Georgia all have some on-campus requirements. Emory University may be the most lax, requiring in-person intensives throughout its acute care and primary care programs.
Note that any nursing program is likely to have an in-person clinical assignment. Due to the nature of the profession, it is not possible to gain the experience and education required entirely online.
Best PNP Programs in Georgia
When it comes to choosing the best programs in the state, it really depends on what you’re looking for.
For convenience, Georgia State University’s RN to MSN program is probably the best. It has no on-campus requirements, and students can complete clinical hours at a site close to their homes.
If you’re looking for programs with the best reputations, Emory University’s Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing is consistently ranked as one of the best nursing schools in Georgia. Augusta University is a close second.
Georgia MSN to PNP Post-Graduate Certificates
MSN to DNP programs are designed to make it easier for nurses with MSNs in other areas, like education or management. These programs usually consider the nurse’s previous experience and education and may put together an individualized program for students who meet certain criteria.
Georgia State University (Primary Care)
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Hybrid + In-person
Modality: Hybrid with in-person clinical requirements
Credit Hours: 43
Clinical Hours: 600
Tuition: $398 per credit for residents + fees; $1,259 per semester for non-residents + fees
Program Overview:
Nurses with a master’s degree in another specialty can gain the skills needed to be a PNP with this post-master’s certificate program at Georgia State University. Past education and experience are evaluated to determine which core courses students must take. This program is web-enhanced, meaning that many classes are online, but some have an in-person component. Students are required to attend in-person new student orientation and be on campus for the first day of some classes. Some classes also have an in-person lab requirement. Online courses are asynchronous for the most part, but each has at least one synchronous class every month.
Georgia’s Most Affordable PNP Programs
The most affordable option for in-state students, with all of its programs costing $398 per credit hour. For non-residents, Augusta University is the most affordable, at $1,132 per credit hour.
Note that this includes only the price per credit. Each university or college has its own fee schedule, and students may incur other costs.