2026 Georgia Guide

Top LPN Programs & Schools in Georgia

Georgia standardized something most states never did: tuition. Every campus in the Technical College System charges exactly $107/credit, making a 49-credit LPN program cost roughly $5,243 regardless of whether you attend in Atlanta, Savannah, or rural South Georgia. The HOPE Grant (lottery-funded) covers tuition for students maintaining a 2.0+ GPA. Competitive admissions — no waitlists.

$58,090 Avg. Annual Salary
$27.93 Avg. Hourly Wage
4% Job Growth (10-yr)
~2,800 Annual Openings

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Accredited LPN Programs & Colleges in Georgia

Georgia offers several accredited LPN programs through community colleges, technical centers, and vocational schools. Most programs can be completed in 11 to 14 months and include both classroom instruction and supervised clinical rotations. The table below lists top programs — tuition shown is approximate in-state/in-district and does not include books, fees, or supplies.

School City Type Program Length Approx. Tuition
Albany Technical College Albany Technical College 12 months $4,800
Athens Technical College Athens Technical College 12 months $5,100
Augusta Technical College Augusta Technical College 12 months $5,000
Gwinnett Technical College Lawrenceville Technical College 12 months $5,200
West Georgia Technical College Waco Technical College 12 months $4,900

Tuition figures are approximate and reflect in-state rates. Contact each school for current pricing, financial aid, and enrollment deadlines. Always confirm the program is approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing.

Online & Hybrid LPN Programs in Georgia

No Georgia LPN program is fully online — the Georgia Board of Nursing requires supervised clinical hours. Dalton State College offers the most developed hybrid option with some online coursework alongside in-person clinicals. Most technical college programs are primarily campus-based with limited online components.

Hybrid programs are ideal for working adults, parents, or anyone who needs scheduling flexibility. Typical hybrid programs cover 40–60% of coursework online, with the remainder as on-site clinical hours at approved partner hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and clinics.

For a complete list of online-friendly LPN programs available to Georgia residents, visit our dedicated guide:

View Online LPN Programs in Georgia →

Requirements to Enroll in a Georgia LPN Program

Georgia technical colleges use competitive, points-based admissions — not waitlists. A strong TEAS or HESI score is the primary differentiator between accepted and rejected applicants. Some programs require a 'feeder major' (healthcare assistant or similar) before applying to the nursing program. Check your target campus's specific requirements.

Quick Facts: LPN Licensing in Georgia

Licensing Exam NCLEX-PN
Regulatory Board Georgia Board of Nursing
Min. Education State-approved LPN program (typically 12 months)
Background Check Required

After completing an approved program, graduates must pass the NCLEX-PN examination and apply for licensure through the Georgia Board of Nursing. Most candidates receive their results within 48 hours of testing.

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LPN Salary & Job Outlook in Georgia

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, May 2024 OEWS data), LPNs in Georgia earn an average of $58,090 per year ($27.93/hour). This places Georgia below the national LPN average of $62,340.

Salaries in Georgia typically range from $43,200 for entry-level positions to $72,400 for experienced nurses in high-demand specialties or metro areas.

LPN Salary by City in Georgia

City / Metro Area Average Annual Salary
Atlanta $61,400
Savannah $57,200
Augusta $56,800
Columbus $55,900

Job Outlook

Employment of LPNs in Georgia is projected to grow 4% over the next decade — about as fast as average for all occupations. The state sees approximately 2,800 annual job openings for LPNs, driven by retirements, career transitions, and growing demand in skilled nursing facilities and home health.

Where LPNs Work in Georgia

The majority of LPNs in Georgia work in skilled nursing facilities and long-term care, which together employ roughly 35% of the state's practical nurses. Other common employers include hospitals, physician offices, home health agencies, and outpatient care centers. Shift differentials for evenings, nights, and weekends can add $2–$5/hour on top of base pay.

First Job Tips for New LPN Graduates

Landing your first LPN position in Georgia is usually straightforward given current demand. Skilled nursing facilities and long-term care centers actively recruit new graduates and often offer sign-on bonuses. Staffing agencies are another option — they can place you quickly and often pay above-average hourly rates. Once you have 6–12 months of experience, you'll qualify for positions in hospitals, clinics, and specialty practices.

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Explore More Nursing & Healthcare Careers in Georgia

Whether you're starting out or planning your next credential, these guides can help:

Georgia

Georgia LPN Scope

Georgia LPN Scope of Practice — What You Can and Can't Do

Georgia LPNs are regulated by the Georgia Board of Nursing under the Secretary of State's office. Georgia is an NLC state.

You Can Direct Patient Care

Georgia LPNs work under the supervision of an RN, physician, NP, or PA:

  • Medication administration (oral, IM, SubQ, topical, rectal, inhaled)
  • Focused assessments and ongoing patient monitoring
  • Wound care and dressing changes
  • Vital signs and point-of-care testing
  • Foley catheter insertion and management
  • Tracheostomy care and suctioning
  • Contributing to the nursing care plan
  • Supervising CNAs/UAPs

Conditional IV Therapy

Georgia's IV Hydration Position Statement sets clear rules:

  • LPNs may administer IV fluids, nutrient therapies, and medications under appropriate supervision by an RN, physician, NP, or PA
  • A valid individualized order from a physician, NP, or PA is required — standing orders are NOT acceptable
  • A completed history and physical by the prescribing provider must be on file
  • The facility must maintain on-site policies and procedures for IV administration and emergency interventions
  • LPNs CANNOT independently evaluate, diagnose, or develop treatment plans for IV therapy patients
⚠️ Georgia IV clinic warning: If you work at an IV hydration bar, drip bar, or mobile IV clinic — the Georgia Board of Nursing has stated that an LPN being the only licensed healthcare professional evaluating and treating patients in these settings is practicing beyond scope and is unacceptable. A physician, NP, or PA must evaluate each patient with an individualized order.

You Cannot RN-Only Functions

  • Comprehensive assessments or medical diagnoses
  • Creating or signing off on nursing care plans or medical treatment plans
  • Independently evaluating and treating patients (especially in non-traditional settings)
  • Triage
  • Independent practice

Georgia LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs

SchoolFormatTimelineDetails
Georgia Highlands CollegeOn-campus + clinical12–16 monthsLPN-to-RN bridge, multiple northwest GA campuses
Albany Technical CollegeOn-campus + clinical12 monthsADN bridge in southwest Georgia
Herzing University (Atlanta)Hybrid16 monthsLPN-to-BSN bridge with online + clinical
Excelsior University100% OnlineSelf-pacedOnline + local clinicals, no waitlist

Georgia Board of Nursing Contact

Ready for the Next Step?

Bridge from LPN to RN — Expand Your Scope and Your Paycheck

Tired of scope limitations? RNs earn 35–50% more, perform initial assessments, create care plans, start IVs without extra certification, and run triage. Bridge programs let you earn your RN while you keep working.

Explore LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs →