With an expected shortfall of nearly 50,000 registered nurses by 2030, Georgia has a critical need for practice-ready nurses. Here at Mercer University, our Georgia Baptist College of Nursing is doing its part to answer the state’s call by launching a new Accelerated BSN program in Atlanta that’s now enrolling for May 2019 start date.
12-Month Track
Perfect for recent college graduates or career changers, Mercer’s ABSN program makes it possible for qualified students to earn a quality Bachelor of Science in Nursing in as few as 12 months.
The second-degree nursing program, which has three start dates a year, builds on your existing undergraduate degree in a separate field of study. In other words, you get to pick up where you left off with your BA or BS degree so that your sole focus during the 64-credit program is professional nursing study.
Blended Learning
Over the span of three, full-time semesters, you can expect to complete a rigorous blend of online and onsite instruction, all of which prepares you to sit for the NCLEX-RN® exam with confidence.
- Online ABSN coursework completed through the Canvas learning management system teaches you the fundamentals and theories of the profession.
- Nursing skills and simulation labs at our dedicated ABSN program site in Atlanta provide a realistic, risk-free environment for developing your clinical skills.
- Clinical rotations afford real-world experience in diverse areas of nursing practice, from adult care to pediatrics to community health.
Accredited Education
We maintain accreditation status at both the university and nursing school levels, which means you can rest assured that our ABSN program in Atlanta meets the strict academic standards set forth by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Admissions Requirements
To qualify for our 12-month ABSN program, you must:
- Hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree.
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
- Have a minimum TEAS composite score of 76%.
- Satisfy all of the prerequisite course requirements.
Rich Heritage
Founded in 1902 as the Tabernacle Infirmary Training School for Christian Nurses, the Georgia Baptist College of Nursing is the oldest nursing school in the state. So what started out as a humble nursing school operating out of a five-room cottage over a century ago has evolved into a college that has shaped a nationally recognized model for nursing education.
While the learning landscape has obviously changed over time, the College stays true to its roots and remains dedicated to educating competent and compassionate nurses, fostering a passion for the profession, and shaping the future of the field. To date, the College has educated more than 8,700 professional nurses for positions at every level of healthcare.
Bright Future
In 2012, the College of Nursing became one of four academic units within the Mercer Health Sciences Center. Joining the School of Medicine, College of Pharmacy, and College of Health Professions under a single healthcare umbrella, the College of Nursing can continue and expand upon its longstanding reputation for academic excellence in the development of professional nurses who are committed to scholarship, leadership, practice, research, and service.
Through these four academic units, the Mercer Health Sciences Center is working to set a new standard for patient care, one that focuses on the interprofessional nature of healthcare. By bringing different healthcare disciplines together, students learn how to function as part of a team that works in concert to achieve the best possible patient outcomes.
Inclusive Environment
By providing an inclusive learning environment that promotes mutual respect and dignity for all, the Georgia Baptist College of Nursing intentionally prepares students to enter the nursing workforce with the competence and confidence needed to advocate for the healthcare needs of a diverse population.
You’ll also find the College embraces a distinct set of core values when preparing students for a prosperous future in nursing, which include:
- Excellence (diligent pursuit of distinction)
- Christian caring (values and supports all persons)
- Compassion (response to suffering and motivation to help)
- Integrity (steadfast adherence to honesty and fairness)
- Collaboration (working cooperatively to achieve shared goals)
- Social responsibility (commitment to act for the benefit of society)
Nursing in Atlanta
According to a 2017 article in Georgia Health News, The Peach State has a significant nursing shortage on its hands for reasons that include a growing elderly population with increased healthcare demands and a rise in retirements for experienced registered nurses.
Not to mention, Atlanta is one of the top three most competitive markets in healthcare, making nurse recruitment a battle for local hospitals. Some healthcare facilities have started offering sign-on bonuses to attract registered nurses.
There is, however, a silver lining to this gloomy scenario. Many of these hospitals are willing to hire more nursing school graduates than ever before by way of their residency programs. To help offset the decrease in seasoned staff, these residency programs help ensure that newbie nurses are fully prepared to take on the challenges that come with being a hospital nurse.
According to 2017 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual mean wage for a registered nurse in Georgia is $66,750, with the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell metropolitan area paying slightly higher at $70,540. Just know, however, you shouldn’t expect this level of pay upon entering the profession.
Ready to Set Your Nursing Education in Motion?
If you’re ready to put your non-nursing bachelor’s degree toward a future in nursing, then now’s the time to do it. Contact our admissions team today to learn more about the Georgia Baptist College of Nursing and see if our new Accelerated BSN program in Atlanta is the right path to nursing for you.