Start a rewarding career as a registered nurse (RN) at Perimeter College, where our convenient, affordable and flexible programs have helped aspiring nurses get their start for nearly 50 years.
Study under expert faculty, gain a broad nursing skill set with practical experience and become a registered nurse in two years or less.
- Train with the latest healthcare technology at our Nursing Simulation Lab to learn advanced patient care techniques.
- Practice what you’re learning in class and hone your skills with your clinical rotations, where you’ll work at healthcare facilities to see patient care in action.
- Graduate ready to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), which you must pass to obtain your RN license.
NCLEX PASS RATES
Perimeter ADN Average * 90.5 %
2020 National ADN Average 84.03%
Associate Degree
Nursing Information Sessions
View a recorded info session here
Schedule for Spring, 2021
Georgia State University, Perimeter College Associate Degree Program is pleased to announce its upcoming nursing information sessions. Each session addresses the requirements for admission and the application and registration process. Seminars start promptly on the time, as indicated. The seminars last for approximately 30 minutes with questions and answers afterward. No personal advisement will take place during or after the seminars.
All seminars will be offered through Webex.
Day | Date | Time | Location | Meeting Access Code | Meeting PW | Join by Phone |
Wed | Feb 24 | 1pm | WebEx | 120 438 7887 | R25Hjyd9THF | 1-415-655-0002 |
Tues | Mar 23 | 1pm | WebEx | 120 389 3613 | asUePy5fE36 | 1-415-655-0002 |
Thurs | Apr 22 | 3pm | WebEx | 120 637 2167 | MeharKcg235 | 1-415-655-0002 |
Thank you for choosing Georgia State University School of Nursing, Associate Degree Program, Perimeter College
*Webinar Login Instructions:
Students can login a few minutes before the start of the presentation and follow the prompts.
Mission
The mission of the School of Nursing is to create a premier multicultural learning environment that produces leaders, clinicians, scholars and researchers who exemplify nursing excellence, life-long learning and professional advancement to enhance healthcare delivery to Georgia and beyond.
We offer two degree tracks to serve students new to nursing as well as those who want to advance existing nursing careers.
- GENERIC TRACK: Students with no nursing background after graduating from high school or working in another industry will become an RN.
- LPN-RN BRIDGE TRACK: Licensed practical nurses (LPNs), give yourself a promotion and become a RN so you can diagnose patients, coordinate care, perform tests, analyze results and more.
Message from the Department Chair

Dr. Joan Cranford, Interim Chair/Assistant Dean
The Department of Associate Degree Nursing at Georgia State University Perimeter College is a diverse community of students and scholars where differences and experiential knowledge is embraced. Nursing is a career path that offers personal reward and abounds with job opportunities. The profession of nursing affords the opportunity to positively impact the lives of individuals and communities.
Past achievements that make us proud to be a part of this great institution, also bring a responsibility to continue to innovate, explore and shape teaching and learning with new communities. And so, with an eye to the past, we look to the future with enthusiasm about the many possibilities for learning the science and art of nursing.
The nursing faculty, staff and I invite you to allow us to assist you in achieving your goal for a challenging and rewarding career as a professional nurse. The Department of Nursing enjoys an excellent reputation for preparing outstanding professional nurses who are well prepared to provide excellent nursing care. We are committed to the success of students as we foster a rich learning environment.
Administrative Staff
Dr. Joan Cranford | Assistant Dean of Academics |
Contessar Maddox | Program Director |
Dr. Charlette DeLoach | Assistant Director |
Kevette Woolfalk | Budget Manager II |
Renee Creel | Admissions Counselor |
Mary Brown | Administrative Specialist |
Mrs. Deborah Patterson | Student Success and Retention Coordinator |
Contacts
Campus
555 North Indian Creek Drive
Clarkston, GA 30021
678-891-3840
FAX: 678-891-3870
The Nursing Program is approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing. Graduates of this program are eligible to take the NCLEX examination for Registered Nurses.
Office of the Secretary of State
Georgia Board of Nursing
237 Coliseum Drive, Macon, GA 31217
478-207-1300
www.sos.state.ga.us
The Nursing program is also accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN)
Accrediting Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc.
3343 Peachtree Road. NE Suite 850
Atlanta, GA 30326
P: 404-975-5000 F: 404-975-5020
www.acenursing.org
Get Involved
Take advantage of our program’s unique resources and opportunities.
CLINICAL ROTATION PARTNERSHIPS
Work with faculty alongside RNs and EMTs at metro Atlanta hospitals and healthcare providers such as:
- DeKalb Medical Center
- DeKalb County Fire Rescue Department
- Grady Health System
- Gwinnett Medical Center
- Northside Hospital
- Piedmont Healthcare
STUDENT NURSES ASSOCIATION
Join this student organization for access to state and national organizations and conferences, service opportunities, and benefits, such as scholarships and leadership training.
Resources
The School of Nursing Students Success Resource Center was built and designed to provide academic assistance to nursing students at Georgia State University Perimeter College and provides a hands-on learning environment for all students. Students may self-refer or be referred to the program by College faculty and staff. Depending on need, students may receive assistance in such areas as medical-math skills, college survival skills, test taking strategies, time management, stress reduction, and general study skills. Review sessions in specific content areas are offered as well as individual and small group tutoring sessions.
Vision Statement
The School of Nursing Student Success Resource Center supports the acquisition of academic and life management skills to Georgia State University Perimeter College nursing students enhancing retention, graduation, and employment of safe, competent, and caring nursing professionals.
Mission Statement
To promote student success and retention in the Georgia State University, School of Nursing, Associate Degree Program, Perimeter College through enhancing student learning and skill acquisition by providing tutorial resources and life management skills.
Goals
- Increases retention rate of all admitted nursing students through graduation
- Assist students in developing competencies necessary for success including organization techniques, time management, note and test taking, and critical reasoning skills.
Tutoring
- Concept Reinforcement
- Clinical Reasoning Practice
Support Services
- Life Management
- Stress Management
- Time Management
- Study Strategies
- Test Taking Skills
Mentoring
- One-on-one peer support
- Resource sharing and success support
Program Development
- Student Boot Camps/Orientation (NURS 1921, NURS 1926)
- Faculty Mentoring (New faculty, facilitator development and support)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a waiting list?
No. A waiting list is not kept. Any applicant not admitted, or accepted students who decide not to enter the program, may update their application, in writing, the succeeding semester, but will be considered according to the same criteria.
What nursing degree programs are offered at Georgia State University Perimeter College?
The Associate of Science degree for the Registered Nurse is offered. Georgia State University Perimeter College Department of Nursing has articulation agreements with state schools which offer a progression from Associate degrees to the Bachelor degrees. Other articulation agreements include a progression from Associate to a Masters degree. To receive information about these programs, please contact the schools who offer the higher degree.
How long is the nursing program?
Four semesters for the Generic Track and 3 semester for the LPN-RN Bridge Track. This does not include the time it takes students to complete the Nursing General Education courses.
What is the difference between the Associate Degree nursing program at GSUPC and a Bachelor of Science degree program at a four-year institution?
Unlike most Bachelor of Science programs, the Associate degree program at GPC does not require the completion of advance theory courses. The program takes less time to complete yet still prepares students to take the NCLEX examination for registered nurses.
Will I have the same career opportunities with an Associate degree in Nursing, as I would if I completed a Bachelor of Science degree?
You can still become a registered nurse, but without the Bachelor of Science degree you will not be able to obtain an administrative position in nursing. You will also need a Masters to teach or specialize.
Will I need to complete all 35 hours of General Education courses before I can apply to the Nursing Program?
No, although you are strongly encouraged to complete all requirements prior to starting the Nursing Program. You need to complete at least one of the biology courses and labs listed under the Nursing General Education Courses before applying to the Nursing Program.
The LPN to RN Bridge Track requires all courses to be completed.
How do I registered to take the TEAS?
Contact ATI (Assessment Technologies Institute) at www.atitesting.com to schedule the exam.
Does the TEAS exam expire?
Georgia State University Perimeter College Department of Nursing requires the TEAS to be less than two years old. Other schools may have different requirements.
If I do not pass the TEAS the first time, can I take again?
Yes. However, the Admission and Progression Committee does take into consideration for admission the number of attempts at the TEAS.
Can I work full-time during the day and take my nursing courses in the evening?
No. Classes and clinical experiences under the Professional Curriculum occur on varying days and times of the week.
Can I enroll in a course in the summer?
The LPN-RN Bridge Track requires that you begin the program during the summer. No other nursing courses are available in the summer.
Is the Repeat to Re-place policy recognized in the Nursing Program?
No. The Admissions and Progression Committee averages all grades listed under the General Education Courses for the BIOL and GEN ED GPAs. The only exception made is for the three biology courses. Those that are older than six years old will not be included in the required GPAs.
Where can I get a current copy of the Student's Handbook?
Acceptance
New students are accepted into the Nursing Program by way of a special admissions procedure, which goes beyond admission into Georgia State University Perimeter College.
To be considered for acceptance in the Nursing Program, students must do the following:
- Apply for admission to Georgia State University Perimeter College. (If you are a Georgia State Perimeter College student, you need not re-apply)Students with college degrees or college credits must apply as a Transfer Student. If you have applied as another status you must change your status at the College Admissions Office. Students should indicate on the College application form that their major is Health Sciences Profession.
- Be accepted by Georgia State University Perimeter College. Courses from other institutions must be evaluate for transfer and posted.
- Complete at least one Biology course and lab listed under Nursing General Education. All Biology courses, listed under Nursing General Education, must be less than six years old at the time of enrollment in NURS 1921.
- Complete the TEAS exam. Contact ATI (Assessment Technologies Institute) to schedule the exam and purchase a study guide. Study guides are also available at the Georgia State University Perimeter College Clarkston Campus Bookstore. After completing the TEAS exam, contact ATI to have the scores sent to Georgia State University Perimeter College TEAS.
- Apply for admission to the Nursing Program here. Students must apply and be accepted by Georgia State University Perimeter College. Students must finish at least one Biology course and lab listed under the Nursing General Education prior to applying to the Nursing Program. Students are encouraged to complete all general education courses prior to enrolling in the Nursing Program.
Admission to the Nursing Program is selective and competitive.
The following are the requirements to be considered for admission.
- Eligibility for college level English and Math
- Cumulative GPA of 2.8 in courses listed under Nursing General Education
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 for required biology courses listed under Nursing General Education
- Georgia State University Perimeter College cumulative GPA must be a minimum of 2.0 and student must be in Good Standing with the college
- Passing score of 63 in the Adjusted Individual Total Score, the Reading, and Mathematics portions of the TEAS exam.
- Academic and institutional history (This requirement includes the following; repeated courses, number of attempts at the TEAS, number of withdraws, number of “D” and “F” grades in other non-related courses; and violations of the Georgia State University Perimeter College Code of Conduct.)
Note:
- Students who have failed or received a “D” in nursing courses within the last five years will not be considered for admission to the Georgia State University School of Nursing, Perimeter College Associate Degree Program.
- The Nursing Program does not acknowledge “Repeat to Replace” while calculating GPAs. Previous course grades will be calculated along with the repeated grades for a final GPA.
Curriculum Information
Please note the new curriculum listed below. SCOM 1500, RSCH 1203, and PHED 1101 have been removed and ENGL 1102 and PSYC 2103 have been added. The changes were made to be more in line with Bachelor Degree programs.
General Education |
Credits |
BIOL 2110/2110L (Human Anatomy & Physiology I) | 4 |
BIOL 2120/2120L (Human Anatomy & Physiology II) | 4 |
BIOL 2300/2310 (Microbiology and Public Health) | 4 |
ENGL 1101 (English Composition I) * | 3 |
ENGL 1102 (English Composition 2) * | 3 |
HIST 2110 (Survey of United States History)* | 3 |
HUMANITIES/FINE ARTS (Choose one from Area C listed in the college catalog)* | 3 |
MATH 1001 (Quantitative Reasoning) or MATH 1111 (College Algebra) | 3 |
POLS 1101 (Introduction to American Government)* | 3 |
PSYC 1101 (Introduction to General Psychology)* | 3 |
PSYC 2103 (Introduction to Human Development) | 3 |
Total | 36 |
* or honors version
Professional Curriculum | Credits |
NURS 1921 (Fundamental Concepts of Nursing) First Semester | 8 |
NURS 1930 (Intermediate Concepts of Nursing) Second Semester | 9 |
NURS 2924 (Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Concepts) Third Semester | 3 |
NURS 2922 (Childbearing Concepts of Nursing) Third Semester | 3 |
NURS 2927 (Childrearing Concepts of Nursing) Third Semester | 3 |
NURS 2928 (Advanced Concepts of Nursing) Fourth Semester | 9 |
Total | 35 |
LPN-RN BRIDGE TRACK
- 28 credit hours professional curriculum + 35 hours general education*
- Summer semester deadline: SEPTEMBER 30
- Application must include a copy of a current GA LPN license and a letter of recommendation on employer letterhead indicating length of employment, duties, and performance evaluation.
Professional Curriculum for LPN-RN BRIDGE Track
You must be admitted to the Nursing Program to start the Professional Curriculum.
First Semester | Credit Hours |
NURS 1926 Bridge to Professional Nursing | 9 |
Second Semester | |
NURS 2922 Childbearing Concepts of Nursing | 3 |
NURS 2927 Childrearing Concepts of Nursing | 4 |
NURS 2924 Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Concepts | 3 |
Third Semester | |
NURS 2928 Advanced Concepts of Nursing | 9 |
Total Credit Hours | 28 |
You must complete the following before applying to the Nursing Program:
- Admission to Georgia State University, Perimeter College.
- If a transfer student, transfer courses must be evaluated.
- Complete one BIOL course and lab listed under the Nursing General Education Courses.
- TEAS exam must be received by the application deadlines.
Additional LPN-RN Bridge Application Materials
Letter of recommendation to include:
- length of employment
- evaluation
- duties to include
- skills
Please complete all information. You may submit this form by e-mail (there is a submit button at the end of the form) or print the printer friendly form, sign it and return it to: Admission Counselor, Georgia State University, School of Nursing, Associate Degree Program, Perimeter College, 555 N. Indian Creek Drive, Clarkston, GA 30021.
Part of the admission criteria will include but is not limited to, Nursing Biology courses GPA, Nursing General Education GPA, Nursing Entrance Test, and academic and institutional history. The academic and institutional history will include the following; repeated courses, number of withdraws, number of “D”s and “F”s in other non-related courses, and violations of the Georgia State University, Perimeter College Student Code of Conduct.
All general education courses must be complete before starting the LPN-RN Bridge Program.
IMPORTANT NOTE FOR ALL APPLICANTS: An arrest or conviction of any offense other than a minor traffic violation may affect placement in a clinical site during the program and/or a graduate’s becoming licensed. Questions should be directed to the Georgia State Board of Nursing who is the authority in this situation.
Additional medical information is required by the clinical facilities. Georgia State University School of Nursing Associate Degree Program, Perimeter College has no control over what requirements are needed for the clinical facilities.
All students must meet the required medical requirements including immunizations, titers, and physicals. Students who do not meet these requirements may be ineligible to complete the clinical component of the course which will result in a clinical failure.