Becoming an LPN in Georgia

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 12% increase in the field through the year 2026. LPNs in Georgia currently earn an average hourly wage of $19.35, or $40,250 per year. If you are ready to join the ranks of these healthcare providers, it’s time to consider enrolling in an LPN program.

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, the LPN program at Ogeechee Technical College in Statesboro, GA, charges approximately $6,913 for tuition and fees. This does not include extras such as uniforms, background checks, test fees, and other expenses.

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 eNLC

In January of 2018, Georgia will implement and become part of the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC).  This will allow GA LPNs to practice within their state as well as any other member state within the eNLC. 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.
• Passing required testing—the NCLEX
• Submitting proof of license from current state and state of origin.
• Submitting proof of working as an LPN for at least 5 years preceding the application.

For detailed information about LPN endorsement by application in Georgia check out:
http://sos.ga.gov/index.php/licensing/plb/45/lpn_licensure_by_endorsement

LPN Salary in Georgia By Area

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.

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