Greater Atlanta FNP Programs: Best MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner Degrees

Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) are advanced practice registered nurses who deliver comprehensive care to patients across the lifespan. They assess, diagnose, and manage common health conditions, focusing on health promotion, disease prevention, and patient education. As the demand for primary care providers grows, FNPs are increasingly vital to community health across Georgia.

The Greater Atlanta region offers a strong mix of academic programs, clinical partnerships, and healthcare employers that make it an ideal place to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with an FNP concentration. Whether you prefer a traditional campus setting, a hybrid structure, or an online format, Atlanta's nursing schools and healthcare systems provide multiple routes to advanced practice nursing.

In this article, you will learn:

• What to look for in a high-quality FNP master's program
• Where students in the Atlanta area complete clinical training
• Typical admissions and curriculum expectations
• Georgia's FNP licensure process
• Online and hybrid options for working nurses
• Career and salary outlook for FNPs in the region

2026 Best MSN Family Nurse Practitioner Programs Near Atlanta, GA

If you're looking for the best MSN Family Nurse Practitioner programs near Atlanta, GA, you've come to the right place. At NursePractitionerOnline.com, we've carefully reviewed and ranked top programs to help you find one that fits your needs. Our rankings consider factors like curriculum quality, clinical opportunities, and student support. Choosing the right program can set you on a path to a rewarding career in family healthcare. Explore our trusted list to make an informed decision. For details on how we create these rankings, visit https://www.nursepractitioneronline.com/rankings-methodology/.

#1

Emory University

Atlanta, GA - Private 4-year - emory.edu

Master's - Family Nurse Practitioner

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Emory University's hybrid Family Nurse Practitioner program prepares nurses for comprehensive healthcare across all life stages through a 49-credit curriculum. Students complete over 600 clinical hours at 40+ community sites, gaining primary care management skills for acute and chronic conditions. The program offers full-time, part-time, and four-semester options with fall starts, featuring nationally certified faculty and specialty rotations. No entrance exam is required for this master's-level program, which includes certification preparation and post-RN DNP options.

• 49 credit hours
• Four-semester program option
• Part-time study available
• Over 600 clinical hours
• 40+ community-based clinical sites
• Specialty rotation opportunities
• Nationally certified faculty
• Certification exam preparation
• Fall semester start
• Post RN DNP format option

Master's - Family Nurse Practitioner

Campus Based - Visit Website

Emory University's campus-based Family Nurse Practitioner program focuses on community-based primary care, requiring 49 credits and 600+ clinical hours in diverse settings. Available in full-time or part-time formats, it prepares graduates for certification and careers in various healthcare environments through multidisciplinary experiences. The program admits BSN-licensed RNs without requiring an entrance exam and offers financial aid, VANAP-GE eligibility, and DNP pathway options with fall semester starts.

• 49 credit hours required.
• Over 600 clinical hours.
• Full-time and part-time options.
• Community-based primary care focus.
• Prepares for certification exams.
• Diverse clinical settings.
• BSN and RN license required.
• Financial aid available.
• Fall semester start.
• Multidisciplinary experiences.

Show 1 More Programs ˅

#2

Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw, GA - Public 4-Year - kennesaw.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Kennesaw State University's MSN-FNP program is a 44-credit hour hybrid option blending online coursework with monthly on-campus sessions, requiring no GRE. Designed for RNs with at least one year of experience, it spans five full-time or eight part-time semesters, including 18 clinical practicum hours. Emphasizing primary care skills, the program mandates a B grade minimum for progression and an unencumbered Georgia RN license, with a priority deadline of January 15th.

• 44-credit hour program
• Online and hybrid format
• 5 full-time or 8 part-time semesters
• No GRE required
• Priority deadline January 15th
• Minimum 1-year RN experience
• 18 credit hours clinical practicum
• B grade minimum for progression
• Unencumbered Georgia RN license
• Maximum one weekend monthly on-campus

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Accredited by CCNE, Kennesaw State University's MSN-FNP hybrid program offers a fast track to certification in five full-time or eight part-time semesters, totaling 44 credits. Admission requires a BSN, 3.0 GPA, Georgia RN licensure, and professional experience, with no GRE needed. It features small classes, extensive practicum experiences, and a supportive environment, focusing on affordable tuition and employer respect for primary care roles.

• Hybrid program format
• 44 credit hours
• Five semesters full-time
• Eight semesters part-time
• Accredited by CCNE
• Small class sizes
• Practicum experiences
• Online and on-campus
• Affordable tuition
• 3.0 GPA requirement

Show 1 More Programs ˅

#3

Clayton State University

Morrow, GA - Public 4-Year - clayton.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Clayton State University's MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program offers a hybrid learning format tailored for registered nurses seeking advanced primary care roles. This 47-credit curriculum requires a BSN with a minimum 3.0 GPA and includes 585 clinical hours, focusing on managing acute and chronic conditions across adult, pediatric, and geriatric populations. Emphasizing cultural competence and evidence-based practice, the program prepares graduates for national certification through ANCC and AANPCB. An entrance exam is not explicitly required, and it is limited to Georgia residents, with a preference for 1-2 years of clinical experience and two recommendation letters.

• 47 total credit hours
• 585 clinical experience hours
• BSN required, 3.0 GPA minimum
• 1-2 years clinical experience preferred
• Two recommendation letters needed
• National certification eligible
• Georgia residents only
• Campus interview possible
• Diverse patient population focus
• Advanced practice preparation

#4

Georgia State University

Atlanta, GA - Public 4-Year - gsu.edu

Master's - Master's Program - Family Nurse Practitioner

Campus Based - Visit Website

Georgia State University's Family Nurse Practitioner MSN program equips RNs with advanced practice skills through a comprehensive 48-credit curriculum. Emphasizing excellence in clinical practice, research, and leadership, the program offers flexible full-time or part-time study options. Core coursework includes advanced pathophysiology, health assessment, and pharmacology, supplemented by specialized training in gerontological and pediatric nursing. Graduates are prepared for national certification via the American Nurses Credentialing Center, with required clinical hours ensuring hands-on experience. The program fosters interprofessional collaboration and does not require an entrance exam.

• 48 credit hours
• Full-time or part-time study
• Advanced pathophysiology focus
• Clinical hours required
• Eligible for national certification
• Interprofessional collaboration
• Gerontological nursing specialty
• Pediatric health focus
• Advanced health assessment
• Pharmacology for advanced practice

*Data reference: NCES IPEDS 2023 Final Release.

Why Atlanta Is a Hub for Nurse Practitioner Education

Atlanta is home to one of the largest and most advanced healthcare systems in the Southeast, providing an outstanding environment for nurse practitioner education and practice. With nationally ranked hospitals, diverse patient populations, and major public health initiatives, the metro area offers both academic and clinical depth.

Regional advantages include:

• Access to world-class systems such as Emory Healthcare, Wellstar Health System, Piedmont Healthcare, and Grady Health System
• Growing need for primary and preventive care providers across metro and suburban counties
• Opportunities to work with diverse populations in both urban and rural clinics
• Abundant job openings for MSN-prepared nurses and new FNP graduates

Did you know? Atlanta consistently ranks among the top Southern cities for nurse practitioner employment, with expanding opportunities in primary care, family health, and women's health practices.

Learn more about nurse practitioner schools in Georgia.

What to Look for in a Top FNP Program

Not all Family Nurse Practitioner programs are alike. When researching MSN programs in the Atlanta area, consider accreditation, clinical placement support, flexibility, and certification preparation.

Accreditation from either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) is a must. It not only guarantees quality education but is also a requirement for licensure in Georgia.

Clinical Training Opportunities Around Atlanta

Clinical practicum hours are central to every FNP program. Students gain real-world experience by working with patients under the supervision of preceptors in diverse healthcare settings. Atlanta's extensive healthcare network ensures rich, varied experiences in family practice, internal medicine, pediatrics, and women's health.

These sites give FNP students exposure to complex medical conditions, culturally diverse patient groups, and advanced models of team-based care. Many schools maintain standing partnerships with Atlanta's hospitals and clinics, making it easier to complete clinical hours without long commutes.

Admissions and Curriculum Overview

Most Atlanta-area FNP programs share similar admissions standards. Applicants typically need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and an active Georgia RN license. Many schools also require at least one year of clinical nursing experience.

Typical admissions requirements:

• BSN from an accredited nursing program
• Unencumbered Georgia RN license
• Minimum GPA (usually 3.0 or higher)
• Resume and statement of purpose
• Two or three letters of recommendation
• Interview or writing sample (varies by institution)

Most full-time programs can be completed in two years, while part-time or hybrid tracks typically take between two and three years.

Online and Hybrid FNP Options in Georgia

Online and hybrid Family Nurse Practitioner programs make it easier for working nurses to advance their education without leaving their jobs. These programs deliver coursework online while arranging clinical placements within students' local communities.

Examples of online and hybrid FNP programs that serve the Atlanta area:

• Emory University offers distance-accessible FNP pathways with in-person clinical intensives.
• Georgia College and State University provides a fully online MSN-FNP program for Georgia residents.
• Kennesaw State University delivers most coursework online, with clinicals coordinated regionally.
• Brenau University features a hybrid model, combining online instruction with periodic on-campus sessions.

When choosing an online or hybrid program, confirm that the school helps identify preceptors and secure clinical sites within the metro Atlanta area or nearby counties. This support can make the difference between a smooth practicum experience and one that is logistically difficult to complete.

Georgia FNP Licensure Overview

After completing an accredited FNP program, graduates must meet the state's requirements for advanced practice licensure. The process is straightforward but requires completing both national certification and state application steps.

Steps to become a Family Nurse Practitioner in Georgia:

1. Graduate from an accredited MSN or DNP FNP program.
2. Pass a national certification exam from either the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
3. Apply for Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) licensure through the Georgia Board of Nursing.
4. Obtain a Georgia Board of Nursing-approved collaborative practice agreement if prescriptive authority is needed.

Learn more about nurse practitioner licensing and certification.

Career Outlook and Major Employers in the Atlanta Area

Atlanta offers strong job prospects for Family Nurse Practitioners across multiple healthcare systems, clinics, and specialty practices. The area's aging population and shortage of primary care physicians continue to drive demand for FNPs.

Major Atlanta-area employers for FNPs:

• Emory Healthcare
• Wellstar Health System
• Piedmont Healthcare
• Northside Hospital
• Grady Health System
• Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
• Kaiser Permanente Georgia
• CVS Health MinuteClinic

Salary estimates based on Bureau of Labor Statistics and regional job postings for 2025.

Employment opportunities extend across both metropolitan and suburban counties, with FNPs working in family practices, urgent care centers, women's health clinics, and integrated care settings.

Tips for Choosing the Right FNP Program in Greater Atlanta

• Confirm that the program is CCNE or ACEN accredited.
• Ask whether the school arranges local preceptors or expects you to secure your own.
• Compare part-time and full-time study tracks to match your work schedule.
• Check certification exam pass rates and graduate employment outcomes.
• Look into tuition reimbursement or scholarship options through major health systems like Emory or Piedmont.

If you plan to continue working as an RN while studying, consider hybrid or online programs with evening and weekend course options.

The Greater Atlanta area provides an exceptional landscape for nurses pursuing Family Nurse Practitioner training. With a wide range of accredited MSN programs, strong clinical partnerships, and growing workforce demand, Atlanta offers the perfect mix of academic rigor and career opportunity. Whether you study on campus, in a hybrid format, or online, an Atlanta-based FNP degree prepares you to deliver advanced care, expand your professional reach, and meet the state's increasing primary care needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How long does it take to earn an MSN-FNP degree?
A: Most programs take two to three years, depending on whether you attend full-time or part-time.

Q: Where do FNPs typically work in the Atlanta region?
A: Family practice clinics, hospitals, urgent care centers, and community health organizations across Fulton, DeKalb, and Cobb counties.

Q: Are FNPs in demand in Georgia?
A: Yes. Georgia ranks among the top states for nurse practitioner employment, with continued growth projected in primary care, preventive health, and telehealth roles.

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Erin Doyle, MSN, FNP-BC

Erin Doyle, MSN, FNP-BC, is a skilled family nurse practitioner and contributing writer for NursePractitionerOnline.com. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing in 2007 and brings years of hands-on experience in primary care and preventative health. Passionate about patient education and expanding access to quality healthcare, Erin blends clinical expertise with a love for writing to help guide future nurse practitioners. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys spending time with her family, hiking local trails, and exploring new coffee shops.

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