Athens Technical College (athenstech.edu) was the first technical college in Georgia to receive approval from the Georgia Board of Nursing to develop an associate degree program in nursing. The 2009 graduating class of nursing students had a 100 percent first-time pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). This examination measures competency required for newly licensed entry-level registered nurses. Nationwide the first-time pass rate was 88.6 percent.
Bainbridge College (bainbridge.edu) offers an associate of science degree in nursing. The program lasts five semesters and is offered on a full-time basis only. New classes, which accommodate up to 50 students, begin in the fall semester. Pre-nursing and nursing students are eligible to join the Bainbridge Association of Nursing Students, an organization that helps students develop leadership skills and become involved in community service. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN and to pursue a bachelor of science degree in nursing.
Southwest Georgia Technical College (southwestgatech.edu) offers two options for obtaining an associate degree in nursing. The LPN-ADN bridge option is open to those who have a practical nursing license. This option requires four quarters of general education courses and four quarters of nursing courses. The generic option is open to those who do not have a practical nursing option. This option requires two quarters of prerequisite courses and six quarters of general education and nursing courses. Graduates of either option are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN.
The School of Nursing and Health Sciences at the College of Coastal Georgia (coga.edu) in Brunswick offers an associate of science degree in nursing. The program is fully accredited, and graduates are eligible to take the licensing examination. The nursing school is located in a beautiful area; Brunswick has the second largest concentration of documented historic structures in the state. Jekyll Island and St. Simon's Island, both popular tourist attractions, are nearby.
Georgia Highlands College (highlands.edu) in Rome offers an associate degree in nursing. The goal of the program is to produce competent, caring nurses who demonstrate effective communication skills and decision-making skills. Changes in the curriculum are ongoing to keep up with changes in health care. The curriculum prepares graduates to take the NCLEX-RN and begin a career as a professional nurse. Graduates consistently perform above the state and national average on the NCLEX-RN.