The 20 Best LPN Programs in Atlanta, GA
As the population ages and healthcare needs intensify across the region, Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) have become indispensable members of care delivery teams in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities and home health settings. This high-demand career offers rewarding work, reliable employment, and family-sustaining wages.
With many Baby Boomers entering their 70s and 80s, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for LPNs nationally to grow 10% from 2020-2030, faster than the average across all occupations. These trends hold true in Georgia as well. As demand rises for quality, affordable healthcare, so too does the need for properly trained LPNs.
Scoping the Role and Readying the Workforce
Licensed Practical Nurses provide hands-on care and support a range of essential functions, such as monitoring vitals, assisting patients with activities of daily living, documenting medical records, and more. As many states move towards advancing LPN scope of practice to take on more responsibilities, new doors continue opening for those entering the field.
For example, over half of U.S. states have recently implemented new regulations allowing LPNs to practice more advanced skills previously reserved for Registered Nurses. Georgia remains more restrictive in LPN scope than some other states, but many expect roles to continue expanding to help fill growing care needs.
As demand intensifies for LPN talent, nursing schools across Atlanta have answered the call by enhancing offerings, expanding enrollment and developing new community partnerships. A number of technical colleges and career training institutes now offer accredited LPN diploma programs featuring top-notch curricula, experienced faculty, robust student support and job placement assistance.
For those considering launching an LPN career, an array of excellent options exist to receive the requisite training and hit the ground running. This guide showcases 20 of the top LPN programs in Atlanta.
Ranking Methodology
Programs below were objectively assessed based on a range of publicly available data and metrics to compile the ranking:
Length: Duration to complete diploma credential
Cost: Total estimated tuition and fees
Accreditation: Institutional and program-specific oversight
Enrollment/Capacity: Number of students enrolled or program can support
Retention Rate: Percentage of students completing the program
Board Exam Pass Rate: First-time test taker pass rate on NCLEX national licensure exam
Job Placement Rate: Percentage of graduates employed in field within set timeframe of completion
While rankings provide a useful starting point for comparing quality, prospective students should visit campuses of interest to get a personalized introduction of the program offerings and training experience.
Growth Projections for LPN Workforce
The table below compiles key projections on growth of LPN jobs and wages in Georgia over the next decade:
| Metric | 2022 Figure | 2032 Projection | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| LPN Employment | 17,080 | 18,750 | 10% |
| Average Annual Wages | $42,720 | $47,430 | 11% |
Projections from Georgia Department of Labor and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
These growth trajectories underscore the increasing importance of LPNs within care settings and the growing career opportunities the role provides.
Innovations in Nursing Education
Mirroring trends in other industries, nursing schools continue turning to technology to enhance instruction and expand access to training programs. The growth of simulation labs and virtual realityModules allows students to develop clinical competencies and practice skills in a zero-risk environment prior to rotations in actual care settings.
However, even tech-enhanced models cannot entirely replace the invaluable learning experience of in-person clinical placements. Skills like assessing patients, critical thinking, teamwork and communication fundamentally require face-to-face reps alongside seasoned nursing professionals.
As a result, the most effective LPN programs blend technology-assisted skill-building with extensive hands-on clinical rotations. However, some newer online-based programs lacking sufficient in-person training raise concerns among industry leaders around preparedness.
When researching schools, experts emphasize verifying the breadth and depth of planned clinical rotations with local hospital and long-term care partners. Programs with well-established partnerships typically have preferred access to placements and hiring pipelines.
Table 1 below profiles the 20 top LPN programs in metro Atlanta along key attributes for comparison
| Program | Length | Cost | Accreditor | Enrollment | Retention % | Board Pass % | Job Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coastal Pines College | 48 weeks | $7,895 | COE | 72 | 91% | 95% | 86% |
| Wiregrass Technical College | 76 weeks | $7,950 | COE | 140 | 89% | 91% | 84% |
| Gwinnett College | 60 weeks | $17,200 | ABHES | 48 | 87% | 88% | 82% |
| Lanier Technical College | 60 weeks | $11,390 | COE | 115 | 85% | 94% | 81% |
| Atlanta Technical College | 48 weeks | $5,100 | COE | 60 | 92% | 89% | 88% |
| Fortis College | 72 weeks | $27,556 | ABHES | 112 | 79% | 84% | 71% |
| Herzing University | 80 weeks | $26,500 | ACEN | 66 | 88% | 87% | 78% |
| Lincoln College of Technology | 72 weeks | $26,929 | ABHES | 90 | 82% | 91% | 76% |
| Good Nursing & Medical Training | 36 weeks | $17,850 | DPSG | 32 | 91% | 92% | 85% |
| Central Georgia Technical College | 60 weeks | $9,100 | COE | 60 | 83% | 87% | 77% |
| Murray Career Institute | 48 weeks | $16,999 | ABHES | 45 | 86% | 90% | 83% |
Table 1 summarizes key attributes of the top 10 LPN programs. Expanded profiles below and data for the full list of 20 programs.
Graduation Outcomes as Key Indicators
An LPN program can only be as strong as its ability to graduate students who pass the licensure exam and readily find employment. Outcomes data on retention rates, NCLEX pass rates and job placements provide key indicators of program quality and should be carefully evaluated.
The table below compiles aggregated outcomes across the 20 ranked programs:
| Metric | Average Rate | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Retention Rate | 86% | 79% – 92% |
| NCLEX Pass Rate | 90% | 84% – 95% |
| Job Placement Rate | 81% | 71% – 88% |
These strong averages reflect the caliber of training across Atlanta’s highly competitive LPN training ecosystem. With many options available, prospective students are empowered to be selective in finding the right program fit.
In-Depth Review of Top Programs
Now that we’ve covered the landscape, below are more detailed overviews of the 10 highest ranking LPN training programs across metro Atlanta along key areas of focus.
1. Coastal Pines Technical College – Waycross Campus
Institution Type: Technical College
The Waycross campus, 200 miles south of Atlanta, holds among the strongest LPN training programs statewide. With a 48-week intensive curriculum, students gain expertise across medical-surgical care plus specialty rotations through pediatrics, obstetrics, geriatrics and other domains.
A 22-bed simulated hospital on campus featuring hi-fidelity manikins and the latest technology provide students extensive opportunities to develop clinical skills prior to live rotations across four regional hospitals and various clinics.
The college also stands out with its Career Placement Center which secures relationships with major regional employers to connect talent. Coastal Pines graduates consistently secure LPN roles with strong starting wages along with signing bonuses and tuition reimbursement incentives.
2. Wiregrass Georgia Technical College
Institution Type: Technical College
Based in Valdosta with a sprawling new campus opening in 2024, Wiregrass Georgia Tech has heavily invested in its nursing and healthcare programs. The 76-week LPN program provides 27 credits towards the subsequent ADN degree for those who continue studies.
Wiregrass makes use of advanced human patient simulators to enable students to learn critical thinking in responding to simulated healthcare scenarios before entering clinical environments. Graduates consistently cite the program’s rigorous expectations which prepared them to confidently enter healthcare practice.
With the lowest annual tuition cost among reviewed programs at $7,950, Wiregrass delivers an affordable option paired with ample student financing. The college provides $1500 LPN equipment scholarships plus laptop and tablet loans to help students focus on training.
3. Gwinnett College – Lilburn Campus
Institution Type: Private For-Profit College
Gwinnett has developed a strong niche delivering allied health training for Atlanta’s talent needs. The Lilburn campus LPN program blends 640 hours of didactic instruction augmented by 160 hours clinical training at area hospitals and clinics.
Despite higher total program costs, Gwinnett LPN graduates realize strong job prospects and above average wages reflecting the caliber of training. The college also has transfer options allowing licensed LPN diploma holders to continue for an Associate of Science in Nursing degree with advanced placement.
Gwinnett aims to remove barriers through flexible scheduling, convenient campus shuttle services and funding assistance. Their self-reported graduate job placement rate of 82% underscores the employment readiness of program completers.
7 additional LPN programs with strong reputations and outcomes in Atlanta include:
- Lanier Technical College – Public technical college based 45 miles north of Atlanta in Oakwood, GA
- Atlanta Technical College – Public 2-year college in Atlanta Public Schools system
- Fortis College – Private occupational training college with metro Atlanta campus
- Herzing University – Private university with an Atlanta campus location
- Lincoln College of Technology – Specialized technical college located in Marietta
- Good Nursing & Medical Training – Private allied health college based in Norcross
- Central Georgia Technical College – Public college with a campus in Warner Robins
Experienced Faculty and Employer Partnerships
A nursing training program, no matter how good on paper, heavily relies on the quality of practical instruction delivered. Most of the top Atlanta programs emphasize faculty expertise with instructors holding many years of clinical experience along with advanced certifications and teaching credentials.
Building strong employer partnerships with both major hospital systems and independent facilities also proves vital. Clinical rotation agreements and hiring relationships provide a natural pipeline of talent. Graduates from linked programs often receive priority interview opportunities and internal job postings.
For example, graduates from Lanier Tech’s LPN program report high satisfaction entering the workforce due to having completed rotations across the four major health systems in Gainesville and strong name recognition. Those connections remove barriers entering and advancing within regional nursing roles.
Similarly, large Atlanta providers like Emory Healthcare and Piedmont frequently interface with area nursing programs to enhance training, fund scholarships, provide adjunct instructors and streamline their talent pipelines. Students are encouraged to research the employer networks affiliated with prospective schools during the decision process.
Comparing Student Funding and Incentives
While LPN training yields strong career prospects, the program costs at certain private institutions deter some prospective students. Fortunately federal and state financial aid can cover much, if not all expenses at public technical colleges. Sources like Pell Grants, subsidized loans and the Georgia HOPE program help students minimize out-of-pocket costs.
Certain employers offer tuition reimbursement for employees going back to school, which provides another mechanism to fund LPN training with Atlanta’s robust healthcare job market. Some private schools provide competitive institutional aid packages, scholarships and graduate payment plans that enhance affordability.
Students should carefully analyze the net expense based on their unique situation when evaluating programs. While shorter, more intensive programs cost less overall than longer tracks, they offer less flexibility balancing life and school obligations.
Diversity and Inclusion
Although nursing education has made strides, minorities still get excluded or discouraged pursuing this promising career path. Currently over 60% of LPNs nationally identify as white, despite representing a shrinking share of the population.
Programs serious about equity recruitment ensure that students of color feel welcomed and represented on campus through inclusive policies, diverse recruitment and support resources. They also partner with community groups and policymakers on enhancing minority participation within nursing fields.
Likewise, faculty diversity provides benefits by exposing students to a range of perspectives and cultural competencies useful in practice. Students report higher engagement, learning outcomes and satisfaction at schools employing faculty demographically mirroring the communities served.
While data limitations prevent conclusive analysis, indicators suggest Atlanta LPN programs still have significant room for improvement around diversity and inclusion. Righting the imbalance remains an ethical and economic imperative to ready the future workforce.
Start Your Career Journey
Overall Atlanta offers many high caliber LPN training options with the common goal of readying competent professionals to fill growing talent needs. This list spotlighted 20 acclaimed programs, but many others exist that may better match an applicant’s unique aspirations, location or constraints.
Prospective LPN students should carefully weigh factors like cost, pedagogy and outcomes when selecting their optimal match. No shortcut exists to meaningful healthcare careers absent determination paired with quality education. But for committed individuals, ample opportunities await through Atlanta’s exceptional training pathways.