LPN Programs in Georgia 2026
Georgia approves LPN programs through the State Board of Nursing, and most are offered at technical colleges statewide. Graduates must pass the NCLEX-PN to become licensed. Programs typically run 12 to 18 months and vary in scheduling format. Georgia’s NCLEX-PN pass rate was approximately 91.5% in 2024, compared with a national pass rate of about 88.4%.
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Georgia runs most of its LPN programs through the state’s technical college system. That means strong geographic coverage, consistent curriculum standards, and competitive tuition compared with private programs. What separates programs, once you’ve narrowed your list to approved options, comes down to a few factors worth understanding before you apply.
Use the links below to jump to admissions, program formats, pass rates, and career data for Georgia LPNs.
- State-approved programs
- Admission process and requirements
- Program length and format
- NCLEX-PN pass rates
- Accreditation
- Scheduling and location
- LPN salary and career outlook in Georgia
- Paying for LPN school
State-Approved Programs: The Starting Point
All LPN programs in Georgia must be approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing, which operates under the Secretary of State’s Professional Licensing Boards division. Approval confirms that a program meets minimum standards for curriculum, faculty qualifications, and clinical training. The Board publishes a current list of approved programs on its website, and that list is the one to check first. The same resource covers the full Georgia LPN license requirements you’ll need to meet before applying for licensure.
The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) accounts for most approved programs in the state, with campuses distributed across all regions. A smaller number of private and degree-granting institutions also hold approval. Any program you’re considering should appear on the Board’s current list. That list changes as programs are added, placed on probation, or closed.
What the Admission Process Looks Like
LPN admissions in Georgia are selective. Most programs have more qualified applicants than available seats, so meeting the minimum requirements doesn’t guarantee admission.
Most programs require applicants to complete prerequisite coursework, typically including anatomy, English composition, and introductory sciences, before applying to the nursing program itself. Programs also generally require a standardized entrance exam, such as the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS). Each school sets its own minimum score and applies its own criteria when applicants compete for limited seats.
Candidates who aren’t admitted on a first attempt can often retake prerequisites, improve their exam scores, and reapply. Understanding the specific criteria at each program you’re considering will help you prepare more effectively.
Program Length and Format
Most Georgia LPN programs run 12 to 18 months and award a technical certificate or diploma. A typical three-semester curriculum covers nursing fundamentals, pharmacology, adult health, maternal-pediatric nursing, and mental health nursing, along with required clinical rotations.
Some programs offer hybrid formats that combine online coursework with in-person lab and clinical sessions. Because Georgia Board of Nursing standards require hands-on clinical training, fully online LPN programs aren’t available in the state. If scheduling flexibility matters to your decision, ask each program specifically how many hours per week require on-campus or clinical-site presence before you commit.
NCLEX-PN Pass Rates
Every LPN graduate must pass the NCLEX-PN before the Georgia Board of Nursing will issue a license. The exam is administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and tests nursing knowledge and clinical judgment at the practical nurse level.
Georgia publishes NCLEX-PN pass rate data for each approved program, with multiple years available for comparison. Georgia’s NCLEX-PN pass rate was approximately 91.5% in 2024, compared with a national pass rate of about 88.4%, according to data published by the Georgia Board of Nursing. Programs with consistently high pass rates across multiple years indicate strong exam preparation. Check the Board’s published data directly rather than relying on the figure a school cites on its own website.
Accreditation: State Approval vs. National Accreditation
National accreditation through the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) is separate from Georgia Board of Nursing program approval. State approval is required for licensure eligibility. ACEN accreditation is not.
A select number of Georgia LPN programs hold ACEN accreditation, which means an independent body has reviewed the program against a more rigorous set of standards. This distinction matters most if you’re planning toward becoming an RN in Georgia, since some bridge programs have accreditation requirements for admission. Some employers and RN bridge programs may prefer or require graduation from an accredited program. For first-time LPN licensure in Georgia, Board approval is the requirement that counts.
Scheduling, Location, and Clinical Rotations
LPN programs differ in whether they run year-round or only in traditional semesters, whether day or evening sections are available, and how clinical hours are scheduled. Many students find balancing full-time employment with LPN coursework and clinical requirements challenging, and that’s worth taking seriously. Clinical rotations are scheduled by the healthcare facility, not the school, so your availability needs to match what sites require.
If you’re considering a campus away from your home, factor in both the commute for classes and transportation to clinical sites, which are often at different locations than the main campus. Students are generally expected to provide their own transportation to clinical placements.
LPN Salary and Career Outlook in Georgia
BLS data shows Georgia licensed practical nurses earned a median annual wage of $62,030 as of May 2025. The mean annual wage was $61,640, with an estimated 21,060 LPNs employed across the state.
| Wage Metric | Georgia LPNs (May 2025) |
|---|---|
| Median Annual Wage | $62,030 |
| Mean Annual Wage | $61,640 |
| Employment | 21,060 |
| Outlook Metric | Georgia LPNs (2022–2032) |
|---|---|
| Projected Growth | 12% |
| Net New Jobs | 2,780 |
| Avg Annual Openings | 2,130 |
Georgia LPN employment is projected to grow 12% between 2022 and 2032, according to Projections Central, with an average of 2,130 job openings per year. That growth rate reflects expanding healthcare workforce needs across the state, particularly in long-term care and home health settings. For a broader look at what the role involves, see our Georgia LPN career and scope of practice overview.
Paying for LPN School in Georgia
Technical college LPN programs in Georgia generally carry lower tuition than private institutions. Tuition varies by school, so contact each program’s financial aid office for current figures. Federal aid, including Pell Grants and subsidized student loans, is available to students at eligible institutions. Some programs also participate in workforce training funding through the state. Ask admissions staff which funding sources their students commonly use and whether the program holds the eligibility needed for federal aid.
Find nursing licensure requirements by state for RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and advanced practice nurses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to complete an LPN program in Georgia?
Most Georgia LPN programs run 12 to 18 months. A typical three-semester program awards a technical certificate or diploma. All programs must meet Georgia Board of Nursing clinical hour requirements before graduates can sit for the NCLEX-PN.
Can I complete an LPN program fully online in Georgia?
No. Georgia Board of Nursing standards require hands-on clinical training, so fully online programs aren’t permitted. Some programs offer hybrid formats that combine online coursework with required in-person lab sessions and clinical rotations at approved healthcare sites.
What entrance exam do Georgia LPN programs require?
Many Georgia LPN programs require the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS). Minimum score requirements vary by school, and some programs weigh test scores alongside prerequisite GPA when selecting from a competitive applicant pool. Contact each program directly for its specific admissions criteria.
What do licensed practical nurses earn in Georgia?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Georgia LPNs earned a median annual wage of $62,030 as of May 2025. Wages vary by employer, care setting, and geographic area within the state.
Is ACEN accreditation required for Georgia LPN licensure?
No. The Georgia Board of Nursing’s program approval is the requirement for licensure eligibility. ACEN accreditation is not required for initial licensure. It matters more if you plan to pursue an LPN-to-RN bridge program, since some programs have accreditation requirements for admission.
Key Takeaways
- Board approval is required — any program you consider must appear on the Georgia Board of Nursing’s current list of approved programs.
- Admissions are competitive — most programs require prerequisites and an entrance exam, and meeting minimum criteria doesn’t guarantee a seat.
- Programs run 12 to 18 months — most award a technical certificate or diploma through the state’s technical college system.
- NCLEX-PN pass rate data is public — check the Board’s published figures before applying, not just what a school cites on its own site.
- Georgia LPNs earned a median $62,030 — BLS May 2025 state data, with 2,130 average annual job openings projected through 2032.
Use the tool below to find Georgia-approved LPN programs, compare options by location, and connect with admissions information.
2025 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary data and Projections Central 2022-2032 job growth forecasts for Licensed Practical & Vocational Nurses, Registered Nurses, and Advanced Practice Nurses across roles, reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed June 2026.