Best LPN Programs in Atlanta 2026

Find the best programs and educational resources for becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN) in Atlanta. Compare programs and career paths in Atlanta to make an informed decision about your future as a medical professional.

Written by Jane Dewy and Edited by The PracticalNursing.org Editorial Team.
Expert Guide Verified updated on May 29th, 2025.
Edit Template
Atlanta GA LPN programs

2026 Best LPN Programs in Atlanta, GA

If you want to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Atlanta, finding the right program is key. At practicalnursing.org, we have carefully ranked the best LPN programs in Atlanta, GA to help you make a smart choice. Our list highlights schools that offer strong training, good support for students, and paths to success in nursing. We look at factors like graduation rates, NCLEX pass scores, and how well programs prepare you for real-world jobs. These rankings come from our team's thorough research, so you can trust the information. Check out our full rankings methodology to see how we pick the top programs. https://www.practicalnursing.org/rankings-methodology/
#1

Georgia Piedmont Technical College

Clarkston, GA - Public 2-Year - gptc.edu

Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Georgia Piedmont Technical College's Practical Nursing Technical Certificate of Credit program spans 49 credit hours with campus-based instruction and clinical training. Students develop essential skills in vital signs monitoring, medication administration, and physical assessments through hands-on experiences. The curriculum integrates theory and practice, preparing graduates for diverse healthcare environments like hospitals and nursing facilities. Candidates must complete criminal background checks and drug screenings. This program suits motivated individuals who value patient interaction and are dedicated to delivering competent care under clinical guidance.

  • 49 required credit hours.
  • Campus-based program.
  • Includes clinical experiences.
  • Teaches vital nursing skills.
  • Prepares for entry-level nursing.
  • Criminal background check required.
  • Drug screening mandatory.
  • Focus on patient care.
  • Hands-on clinical training.
  • Skills in medication administration.
#2

Lincoln College of Technology-Marietta

Marietta, GA - Private 2-year - lincolntech.edu

Certificate/Diploma - Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) Program

Campus Based - Visit Website

Lincoln College of Technology in Marietta offers a campus-based Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program that equips students with essential patient care skills for immediate entry into healthcare roles. Located in Marietta, GA, this program emphasizes hands-on training in assisting and interacting with patients, making it ideal for those seeking a swift transition into nursing. While specific cost and admission details aren't provided, it's tailored for individuals at various life stages pursuing a rewarding career. The curriculum focuses on practical competencies needed in the healthcare industry, without requiring entrance exams like the ACT or SAT, as it's a vocational-level program.

  • Campus-based program.
  • Focuses on patient care.
  • Prepares for LPN role.
  • Located in Marietta, GA.
  • Skills for healthcare industry.
*The data used in this analysis come from NCES's IPEDS 2023 survey.

Atlanta LPN Program Overview

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) are an essential part of Atlanta’s care teams, delivering bedside nursing, administering medications under the direction of registered nurses and physicians, monitoring patients, and supporting care coordination across hospitals, long-term care, home health, and outpatient clinics. In the Atlanta area, large health systems such as Grady Health System, Emory Healthcare, Piedmont Healthcare, Wellstar Health System, and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, along with numerous skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies, employ LPNs to meet ongoing patient care needs.

Employment demand for practical nurses remains steady. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, LPN employment is projected to grow about as fast as average nationally from 2022 to 2032, reflecting continued needs in long-term care, rehabilitation, primary care, and home health. In a regional hub like Atlanta, the breadth of inpatient and outpatient services, post-acute facilities, and community clinics translates into frequent opportunities for entry-level and experienced LPNs.

Atlanta-based LPN programs are typically designed for approximately one year of full-time study, combining classroom instruction, skills lab, and supervised clinical rotations. Some colleges offer evening or part-time tracks that extend the timeline beyond a year, which can help working students balance education and employment. Curricula emphasize foundational nursing concepts, pharmacology, adult and geriatric care, mental health, maternal-child basics, and clinical decision-making aligned to the NCLEX-PN test plan.

In Georgia, practical nursing programs must be approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing. Graduates of approved programs are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN for licensure. The Board provides current information on approved programs, licensure-by-examination requirements, and professional standards that guide LPN practice statewide.

Employment Opportunities for LPNs in Atlanta

The vibrant city of Atlanta, Georgia, offers a robust and growing employment landscape for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). The demand for LPNs in Georgia is projected to increase by a significant 12% from 2022 to 2032, translating to an estimated 2,130 annual job openings during this period. This growth surpasses the national projection of 5 percent from 2022 to 2032 for LPNs. Factors contributing to this positive outlook include an aging population requiring more comprehensive healthcare services and the ongoing need to replace retiring nurses.

In Atlanta, LPNs earn an average hourly pay of approximately $26.27, with typical hourly rates ranging from $21.28 to $33.62. The average annual salary is around $54,630.

Diverse Healthcare Settings for LPNs in Atlanta

LPNs in Atlanta find employment across a wide spectrum of healthcare environments, providing essential patient care in various specialized roles. These settings offer diverse challenges and opportunities for professional growth.

  • Hospitals:Major hospital systems frequently hire LPNs for roles in inpatient dialysis, oncology, and general medical-surgical units. Prominent employers include Emory Healthcare, Northside Hospital, and Piedmont Healthcare.
  • Nursing Homes and Long-Term Care Facilities:These facilities are significant employers, seeking LPNs for roles such as Licensed Practical Nurse, LPN Charge Nurse, and Wound Care/Treatment Nurse. Noteworthy organizations like G. Rhodes Health & Rehab and PruittHealth frequently recruit LPNs for their Atlanta locations.
  • Home Health Agencies:This sector is rapidly expanding, with LPNs providing skilled nursing care, medication administration, and patient education in home settings. Key employers include Amedisys, Complete Care At Home, Visiting Nurse Health System, AccentCare, and Interim HealthCare of Atlanta. Aveanna Healthcare also frequently hires for pediatric home care.
  • Senior Living Facilities:Assisted living and senior living communities, such as Bridge Senior Living and Charter Senior Living of Vinings, hire LPNs for roles like Licensed Practical Nurse and Health and Wellness Coordinator.
  • Rehabilitation Centers:Facilities focusing on patient recovery from illness or injury, such as Grady’s Crestview Health & Rehabilitation Center and Encompass Health, employ LPNs to support rehabilitation services.
  • Private Practices and Clinics:LPNs are integral to various clinic settings, including ENT clinics, neurology clinics (e.g., within Emory Healthcare), primary care centers (e.g., Grady Health System), and other outpatient facilities. Kaiser Permanente hires LPNs for health education and clinic roles.
  • Correctional Facilities:Organizations like NaphCare, Inc. hire LPNs/LVNs to manage healthcare services for incarcerated individuals within Atlanta and surrounding areas like Fulton County.
  • Schools:LPNs are also needed for one-on-one school nursing support to ensure student health and well-being.
  • Other Specialized Settings:Opportunities extend to behavioral health, wound care, and clinical research.

Key Healthcare Employers for LPNs in Atlanta

Atlanta is home to several large and influential healthcare systems and networks that are consistent employers of Licensed Practical Nurses. These organizations play a crucial role in the city’s healthcare ecosystem.

  • Emory Healthcare:A leading academic health system, offering numerous LPN positions across its hospitals and clinics.
  • Northside Hospital:A highly regarded hospital system in Atlanta, known for its LPN recruitment, including LPN Residency programs.
  • Piedmont Healthcare:With 22 hospitals and numerous physician practices, Piedmont offers diverse LPN opportunities, including in specialized areas like inpatient dialysis.
  • Grady Health System:A vital public healthcare provider, employing LPNs in its primary care centers and rehabilitation facilities.
  • Kaiser Permanente:This integrated managed care consortium hires LPNs for health education and various clinic roles within its Georgia network.
  • PruittHealth:A large regional network of skilled nursing and long-term care facilities, consistently seeking LPNs for various positions.
  • G. Rhodes Health & Rehab:A non-profit leader in senior care, hiring LPNs for long-term care and rehabilitation services at its metro Atlanta locations.
  • Amedisys:A significant home health and hospice company, actively recruiting LPNs/LVNs for home-based care in Atlanta and surrounding communities.
  • AccentCare, Inc.:A prominent provider of home health services, with LPN opportunities in the Atlanta area.
  • Complete Care At Home:Offers LPN caregiving jobs with benefits in the greater Atlanta area, focusing on in-home services.
  • Aveanna Healthcare:As the nation’s largest provider of pediatric home care, Aveanna hires LPNs/LVNs for in-home nursing services in Georgia.