RN Programs in Clarkston, Georgia

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Becoming a Registered Nurse in Clarkston, Georgia

Are you considering a career as a Registered Nurse (RN) in Clarkston, Georgia? You’re in the right place! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started on this fulfilling career path. From understanding what an RN does to finding the right RN program in Clarkston, we’ve got you covered.

Why Become an RN in Clarkston

Clarkston, known for its diverse community and proximity to Atlanta, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities. Plus, the demand for RNs in the area is strong, backed by robust job growth projections. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of RNs is expected to grow by 9% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. The average salary for RNs in Georgia is around $75,000 per year, making it a lucrative career choice.

For more information about Clarkston, visit the official city website.

Prerequisites for RN Programs

Before you can enroll in an RN program, you’ll need to meet several prerequisites:
– High School Diploma or GED: This is the basic educational requirement.
– Minimum Age: Typically, you need to be at least 18 years old.
– Entrance Exams: Some programs may require you to pass exams like the SAT, ACT, or TEAS.
– Background Checks: A clean background check is usually necessary.

Typical Program Curriculum

RN programs combine classroom instruction with hands-on clinical training. You can expect to take courses in:
– Anatomy and Physiology
– Microbiology
– Chemistry
– Nursing Fundamentals
– Pharmacology
– Clinical Nursing Skills

Clinical rotations are a crucial part of the curriculum, providing real-world experience in various healthcare settings.

RN Training Programs in Clarkston, Georgia

Here are some local schools offering RN programs in Clarkston:

1. Georgia Piedmont Technical College
   • Address: 495 N Indian Creek Dr, Clarkston, GA 30021
   • Program: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
   • Description: Offers a comprehensive ADN program that prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam.
   • Link: Georgia Piedmont Technical College Nursing Program
2. Emory University
   • Address: 201 Dowman Dr, Atlanta, GA 30322 (approximately 12 miles from Clarkston)
   • Program: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
   • Description: One of the top nursing schools in the country, offering a rigorous BSN program.
   • Link: Emory University School of Nursing
3. Georgia State University
   • Address: 33 Gilmer St SE, Atlanta, GA 30303 (approximately 10 miles from Clarkston)
   • Program: Various nursing programs including BSN, MSN, and DNP.
   • Description: Offers a range of nursing programs with extensive clinical and research opportunities.
   • Link: Georgia State University School of Nursing

RN Employment Opportunities in Clarkston

Clarkston and its surrounding areas are home to several major healthcare facilities. Here are a few where you might find employment opportunities:

1. Emory Decatur Hospital
   • Address: 2701 N Decatur Rd, Decatur, GA 30033
   • Description: A leading healthcare provider offering diverse nursing opportunities.
   • Link: Emory Decatur Hospital Careers
2. Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
   • Address: 1405 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30322
   • Description: Specializes in pediatric care and offers numerous RN positions.
   • Link: Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Careers
3. Grady Memorial Hospital
   • Address: 80 Jesse Hill Jr Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30303
   • Description: One of the largest public hospitals in the Southeast, offering a wide range of nursing roles.
   • Link: Grady Memorial Hospital Careers

RN Certification Requirements

To become a licensed RN in Georgia, you must:
– Complete an Accredited RN Program: Ensure your program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
– Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam: This national exam assesses your readiness to practice as an RN.
– Apply for Licensure: Submit your application to the Georgia Board of Nursing.

Cost and Financial Aid

The cost of RN programs can vary widely. For instance, tuition at Georgia Piedmont Technical College might range from $5,000 to $10,000, while programs at Emory University can be significantly higher. Financial aid options include:
– Federal Student Aid: Fill out the FAFSA to determine eligibility for grants, loans, and work-study programs.
– Scholarships: Look for scholarships specifically for nursing students through organizations like the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.
– State Grants: Check out the Georgia Student Finance Commission for state-specific financial aid.

Licensure Reciprocity

If you’re moving to Georgia from another state, you’ll be pleased to know that Georgia is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). This means your RN license from another compact state will be recognized in Georgia. For more details, visit the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.

Get Started Today

Ready to take the next step in your nursing career? Contact one of the schools listed above to start your journey toward becoming an RN in Clarkston, Georgia. There’s no time like the present to make a difference in healthcare!

Registered Nurse Degree Info

Which schools offer Clarkston RN Programs?

RN programs (both campus-based & online RN courses) are medical training programs offered by universities, vocational or technical schools, and community or junior colleges. Some hospitals even offer registered nursing training as an RN diploma.

How do I become an licensed RN?

Each state sets its own RN licensure requirements. In order to earn your RN license, you must pass the NCLEX® examination. The NCLEX® is a comprehensive nursing exam that can only be taken by graduates of nursing programs approved by your state's board of nursing.

Do I need to complete an LPN program before I go to college to get an RN Degree?

No you don't need to complete LPN training before you can get your RN license. An accredited RN Associate Degree program takes 2 years. You can earn your RN Diploma in 3 years. (BSN - 4 years, RN to BSN degrees can be 2-3 years).

Are There Free Nursing Schools in Clarkston?

The education necessary to become an RN is valuable, and registered nurses earn excellent money in Georgia. However, students can lower the cost of RN school with financial aid. There are numerous grants and nursing school scholarships in Georgia. They might not make your RN degree free but it can at least be more affordable.

Contact one of the accredited nursing schools listed here to get information about the financial aid you qualify for. Find out more about online nursing schools in Georgia.

RN Job Description

Registered nurses (RNs), regardless of specialty or work setting, treat patients, educate patients and the public about various medical conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients' family members. RNs record patients' medical histories and symptoms, help perform diagnostic tests and analyze results, operate medical machinery, administer treatment and medications, and help with patient follow-up and rehabilitation.