2024 - Best LPN Programs in Georgia

Last Updated/Verified: Nov 22, 2023

The state of Georgia is committed to improving patient healthcare outcomes by offering a number of schools with accredited licensed practical nursing (LPN) programs. With the nursing shortage, LPNs remain in high demand. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a nearly 9% increase in the field through the year 2029. If you are ready to join the ranks of these healthcare providers, it’s time to consider enrolling in an LPN program. LPNs in Georgia earn approximately $24.44 per hour, which equates to an average annual salary of $50,830. This is roughly $5,030 per year less than the national average.

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Are you looking to become a licensed practical nurse in Georgia? The school you choose is important when it comes to getting your license. Approved programs in Georgia are offered at community colleges, technical centers, and private career schools - we list 21 schools across the state. After careful review of NCLEX-PN exam first-time pass rates over the past several years, we have ranked the top 10 programs. For more information on our LPN program rankings, see our Methodology page.

To see all the top ranked LPN programs in Georgia click here.

Details on Georgia LPN Schools & Classes

The process to become an LPN is fairly straightforward: graduate from an approved LPN program, and then take and pass the NCLEX-PN exam in order to officially gain licensure. Many schools across Georgia offer LPN programs, from community colleges to technical schools and everything in between. LPN programs in the state offer a curriculum which may include the following course titles:

  • Structures and Functions of the Human Body
  • Nursing Fundamentals
  • Medical-Surgical Nursing
  • Maternity Nursing
  • Nursing Leadership

Accreditation

To find the LPN program that’s right for you, you’ll need to fully research Georgia’s offerings. One of the main ways to narrow down schools is to check for accreditations. Properly accredited schools and programs signify quality and high academic standards. National accreditation associations such as the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing should endorse your program of choice, along with smaller, regional accreditations. The Georgia Board of Nursing can also provide students with a list of approved LPN programs.

Admission Requirements

While admission requirements may fluctuate from school to school, students will generally need to meet the following to be eligible for an LPN program in the state:

  • Applicants must be at least 17 years old
  • Submit official high school transcript or GED certificate
  • Take any applicable placement tests
  • Submit an application and pay any associated fees

Tuition and Costs

Believe it or not, LPN programs can be quite affordable. The short (1-2 years) nature of the program makes it much more affordable than other nursing degrees, such as registered nursing. Generally, students must be prepared to pay for tuition, mandatory fees, and any course materials. As an example, tuition for the LPN program at Lanier Technical College runs about $100 per credit hour, plus applicable program fees. This does not include extras such as uniforms, background checks, test fees, and other expenses. However, using the HOPE Career Grant, the program can be tuition-free.

For those interested in advancing their nursing career, see our Georgia LPN to RN/BSN programs page.

Georgia LPN Licensing Requirements

Attending a Georgia Nursing Board approved program is required to become an LPN in Georgia. Upon completion, the graduate must submit a criminal background check and pass the LPN Entrance Exam (NCLEX-PN). Graduates of an unapproved nursing program that do not meet the educational and practice requirements are required to complete a Board-approved preceptorship, allowing them to gain clinical experience or practice in a healthcare facility located in Georgia. Lifting patients, pulling and pushing machinery, and extended periods of standing, squatting, walking, and running, as well as other strenuous physical activity may be required as an LPN.

NCLEX Exam Information

The licensure exam that LPN graduates are required to pass is the NCLEX-RN. This exam consists of roughly 100 questions that cover a range of nursing topics. For further information, a comprehensive overview of the NCLEX-PN can be found here, and students are encouraged to take the NCLEX-PN practice test to study for the real exam.

LPN Reciprocity and NLC

Georgia is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). This allows GA LPNs to practice within their state as well as any other member state within the NLC - a big win for practicing LPNs. An application for Licensure by Endorsement may be completed if an LPN from another state is seeking licensure in the state of Georgia. Other requirements include:

  • A high school diploma or GED Equivalent
  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Completion of a board-approved LPN program or Army 68WM6
  • Completion of a criminal background check
  • Passing required testing—the NCLEX
  • Submitting proof of license from current state and state of origin.
  • Submitting documentation of licensed work as an LPN for at least 500 h0urs over the past 4 years, OR proof of graduation from an approved nursing education program within 4 years immediately preceding the date of application, OR completion of a Georgia Board of Nursing approved re-entry program

2024 GA NCLEX-PN Pass Rates and Statistics

  • Total Number of State Approved LPN Schools: 21
  • Total Number of Test Takers in 2022: 817
  • 2022 Average Statewide Georgia NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 84.0%

Top Ranked Georgia LPN Programs

1

Chattahoochee Technical College

980 South Cobb Drive, Marietta, GA 30060 - (770) 528-4545 - Visit Homepage

The Practical Nursing program at Chattahoochee Technical College provides a strong foundation in the practice of nursing, preparing students to function safely within the framework of the practical nursing role. Nursing theory is integrated with clinical experiences to afford the greatest opportunity for students to become clinically competent.

Overall Score: 97.21 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
2

Georgia Piedmont Technical College

495 North Indian Creek Drive, Clarkston, GA 30021 - (404) 297-9522 - Visit Homepage

Georgia Piedmont Technical College's Practical Nursing program provides academic and occupational courses with a variety of clinical experiences so that graduates are prepared to enter the fast-paced world of medicine and healthcare immediately upon graduation. The 57-credit program is designed to prepare graduates to successfully complete the NCLEX-PN for licensure.

Overall Score: 96.44 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
3

Southeastern Technical College

3001 E. First Street, Vidalia, GA 30474 - (912) 538-3100 - Visit Homepage

Southeastern Technical College (STC), located in Vidalia, Georgia with an additional campus in Swainsboro, provides an innovative educational environment for student learning through both traditional education methods and distance learning options. STC provides students with a variety of degrees and diplomas, including a Practical Nursing diploma program in which students complete a minimum of 60 credits over 3 semesters.

Overall Score: 95.01 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
4

Central Georgia Technical College

80 Cohen Walker Drive, Warner Robins, GA 31088 - (478) 988-6800 - Visit Homepage

Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC) is located in Warner Robins, Georgia, with additional campuses in Macon and Milledgeville that all offer an outstanding LPN program. CGTC's 57-credit program consists of academic and occupational courses where students learn the skills and techniques necessary for successful entry into nursing practice.

Overall Score: 94.94 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
5

Augusta Technical College

3200 Augusta Tech Dr., Augusta, GA 30906 - (706) 771-4000 - Visit Homepage

Augusta Technical College offers a competitive, 57-credit practical nursing program that prepares students to take the NCLEX-PN exam and to enter the nursing workforce. Enrolled students take a variety of academic and occupational courses, and clinical experiences are provided under the direction of qualified clinical instructors. Graduates go on to find employment in a variety of healthcare facilities.

Overall Score: 92.10 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
6

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College

4089 Val Tech Road, Valdosta, GA 31602 - (229) 333-2100 - Visit Homepage

At Wiregrass Georgia Technical College, the Practical Nursing diploma program is designed to prepare graduates to give competent nursing care. This is done through a selected number of academic and occupational courses providing a variety of techniques and materials necessary to assist the student in acquiring the needed knowledge and skills to give competent care.

Overall Score: 91.35 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
7

Athens Technical College

1317 Athens Hwy, Elberton, GA 30635 - (706) 213-2100 - Visit Homepage

Athens Technical College, a public institution in Georgia, proudly offers a licensed practical nursing program. Situated in Athens, the college provides a welcoming and inclusive learning environment. With a focus on personalized instruction and state-of-the-art facilities, students receive comprehensive training for their nursing careers.

Overall Score: 88.15 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
8

Georgia Northwestern Technical College

One Maurice Culberson Drive, Rome, GA 30161 - (706) 295-6963 - Visit Homepage

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Overall Score: 87.34 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
9

Lanier Technical College

2535 Lanier Tech Drive, Gainesville, GA 30507 - (770) 531-6300 - Visit Homepage

Lanier Technical College's Hall campus in Gainesville is home to an LPN program that accepts a new cohort each Fall. Starting in Fall 2022, LTC will begin admitting 40 students per cohort. This 5-semester diploma program prepares students to deliver competent care to individuals in a variety of medical settings.

Overall Score: 87.33 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
10

West Georgia Technical College

4600 Timber Ridge Dr, Douglasville, GA 30135 - (770) 947-7300 - Visit Homepage

West Georgia Technical College, a public institution, offers a licensed practical nursing program to aspiring healthcare professionals. Located in Georgia, the college provides a supportive and engaging learning environment. With modern facilities and dedicated faculty, students receive quality training and practical experience, preparing them for successful careers in nursing.

Overall Score: 86.63 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools

Continued List of All Programs in Georgia

RankedProgramScore
#11 Albany Technical College
1704 S Slappey Blvd, Albany, GA 31701
(229) 430-3500
86.59
#12 North Georgia Technical College
1500 Hwy 197 N, Clarkesville, GA 30523
(706) 754-7700
85.67
#13 Ogeechee Technical College
One Joseph E. Kennedy Blvd., Statesboro, GA 30458
(912) 681-5500
85.07
#14 Dalton State College
650 College Drive, Dalton, GA 30720
(706) 272-4436
84.69
#15 Columbus Technical College
928 Manchester Expressway, Columbus, GA 31904
(706) 649-1800
84.24
#16 Savannah Technical College
5717 White Bluff Road, Savannah, GA 31405
(912) 443-5700
84.18
#17 South Georgia Technical College
900 South GA Tech Pkwy., Americus, GA 31709
(229) 931-2394
83.96
#18 Oconee Fall Line Technical College
1189 Deepstep Rd, Sandersville, GA 31082
(877) 399-8324
82.66
#19 Southern Crescent Technical College
501 Varsity Road, Griffin, GA 30223
(770) 228-7348
77.56
#20 Coastal Pines Technical College
1701 Carswell Ave, Waycross, GA 31503
(912) 287-6584
73.84
#21 Southern Regional Technical College
15689 US-19, Thomasville, GA 31792
(888) 205-3449
70.03

Are we missing your school's program or need to make changes to the information listed? Please contact us.

Additional GA Nursing Resources

LPN Salary in Georgia

The table below lists career information obtained from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for licensed practical nurses in Georgia. The table is sorted by total employment, with the largest metropolitan areas listed first.

AreaTotal EmploymentAverage Hourly WageAverage Annual Salary
Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Roswell10,920$26.03$54,140
Augusta, Richmond County1,600$23.84$49,580
Savannah930$24.10$50,130
Macon800$23.71$49,310
Columbus750$22.44$46,680
Athens, Clarke County500$24.20$50,340
Gainesville430$23.57$49,020
Valdosta430$21.21$44,110
Albany380$22.57$46,950
Warner Robins360$22.16$46,090
Rome310$23.96$49,850
Brunswick240$22.75$47,310
Dalton220$23.21$48,280
Hinesville150$22.09$45,950

Table data sourced from 2022 BLS (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292061.htm)