Georgia is a compact nursing state under the Nurse Licensure Compact, allowing nurses to work across states with one license. Mercer University’s ABSN track in Atlanta offers a 12‑month pathway to a BSN degree, connecting students to Georgia’s high job growth and competitive nursing wages.
Georgia is a compact nursing state, which means it is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). The NLC allows registered nurses to practice in their home state and in other compact states without needing to earn separate licensure in each state.
Mercer University’s Second Degree Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) track in Atlanta, Georgia, can help you earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in an NLC state in as few as 12 months.
Explore how the NLC can benefit your career and why Georgia could be an ideal state for your nursing education.
What Is a Compact Nursing State?
A compact nursing state is one that has adopted the Nurse Licensure Compact. This agreement allows registered nurses to practice under a multistate license issued by the board of nursing in their primary state of residence. As of July 2026, 43 jurisdictions are part of the NLC.
Participating states recognize the compact license and grant authority to work without the need to obtain additional single‑state licensure.
Benefits of Choosing a Compact State for Your Nursing Career
Choosing to study and work in a compact state offers tangible advantages for nurses. A multistate license grants nurses authority to practice in participating states without having to repeat the full licensure process. This flexibility supports travel nursing, seasonal assignments, and telehealth nursing. Practicing in a compact state also simplifies interstate moves, meaning more flexible career and lifestyle options.
Compact licenses also reduce administrative costs and hassle. For patients and healthcare organizations, it means supporting the rapid deployment of nurses during crises and better addressing staffing shortages. Compact states encourage nurse mobility, respond quickly to workforce needs, and provide greater opportunities for professional growth.
See five of the top reasons to choose nursing as your career.
Why Georgia Is a Smart Place to Start Your Nursing Career
Georgia is not only a compact state but also home to a robust healthcare sector, making it an attractive destination for new nurses. It employed 100,950 nurses as of May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Atlanta–Sandy Springs–Roswell metro area employed over 56,000 nurses. Georgia is expected to see a 12% increase in registered nurse employment by 2034, well above the 6% national growth estimated by the BLS.
Mercer’s ABSN learning site in Atlanta features technology through simulation labs, where students practice skills on equipment similar to what they will encounter in clinical practice. During clinical rotations at some of the top healthcare facilities in Metro Atlanta, students can gain experience across practice areas such as:
- Acute care
- Adult health
- Intensive care
- Maternity care
- Mental health
- Pediatrics
- Long-term care
By networking and making a positive impression during clinical rotations, students can also access potential opportunities for nursing roles after graduating and earning licensure.
Georgia offers strong earning potential and job security for nurses. Beyond work, Atlanta’s cultural attractions, parks, sports teams, and restaurants can provide a vibrant lifestyle for students and professionals.
How a Georgia Compact Nursing License Works for New Graduates
Graduates who earn a nursing degree and pass the NCLEX-RN exam can apply for licensure in Georgia. Detailed information on how to apply can be found through the licensing division of the Georgia Secretary of State’s office.
Because Georgia is an NLC state, nurses with a primary residence in Georgia may apply for a multistate license after meeting the requirements. According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), residents moving to Georgia from another compact state must apply for a new multistate license within 60 days of relocating, declare Georgia as their primary state of residence, and pay a conversion fee if upgrading from a single‑state license.
Compact vs. Non-Compact States: What Prospective Nurses Should Consider
In a compact state, nurses with a multistate license can more easily move interstate, pursue travel assignments, or take on telehealth roles. In non‑compact states, nurses must apply for a separate license and meet state‑specific requirements, which can involve extra fees and processing time.
If your home state is not part of the NLC, you can legitimately relocate and establish primary residence in a compact state or obtain single‑state licenses for each state where you plan to work. Understanding these distinctions will help you plan for your future nursing career.
How an ABSN Program in Georgia Supports Licensure and Career Mobility
Mercer University’s Accelerated BSN track in Atlanta combines online coursework with in‑person labs and clinical rotations, allowing students to complete their degree in as few as 12 months. Students spend time in simulation labs equipped with advanced technology that mirrors real‑world clinical environments.
Clinical rotations provide exposure to different patient populations and nursing specialties, broadening students’ skills and making them attractive candidates for a variety of roles after graduation. Networking opportunities during clinical rotations can also lead to job offers and mentorships.
Learn what to expect during nursing clinicals as an ABSN student.
Because Georgia is part of the NLC, graduates who obtain a multistate license can look beyond Georgia for authority to practice. Completing the ABSN track and obtaining a multistate license means that new nurses have the option to travel and pursue opportunities across a much wider range of jurisdictions.
FAQs About Georgia and Compact Nursing Licensure
See the answers to frequently asked questions about Georgia as an NLC state.
Are graduates of Mercer’s ABSN track eligible for a multistate license?
Yes, provided they reside in Georgia. Since students in Mercer’s ABSN track must attend labs and clinical rotations in person at our learning site in Atlanta throughout the curriculum, this will be the case for nearly all Mercer ABSN track students.
After graduating, passing the NCLEX, and meeting NLC requirements, Georgia residents can apply for a multistate license. They must declare Georgia as their primary state of residence and provide proof of residency when applying.
Can I use a Georgia multistate license in non‑compact states?
A multistate license is valid only in compact states. If you move or wish to work in a non‑compact state, you must apply for licensure in that state; your multistate license will not grant privilege to practice there.
Is Georgia the Right Choice for Your Nursing Future?
Georgia’s participation in the nurse licensure compact means that once you obtain a multistate license, you can work in dozens of other states without additional paperwork. Georgia’s strong nursing job growth projections, competitive salaries, and array of healthcare facilities make it a promising environment for new nurses.
Pursue Your Nursing Future With Mercer University’s ABSN
Choose Mercer University’s ABSN track in Georgia, a compact nursing state, and pursue a BSN degree in as few as 12 months. Our ABSN learning site in Atlanta brings state-of-the-art facilities and resources to support students, along with experienced educators and Academic Success Coaches.
Request information to get started and connect with an enrollment counselor.