Online nursing schools in Georgia can prepare students for opportunities in a state that is growing much faster than average. The U.S. Census Bureau counted more than 9.6 million residents in 2010, and the population increased between 2000 and 2010 by 18.3 percent, which was nearly double the U.S. growth rate.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment opportunities for registered nurses to grow nationally from 2008 to 2018. As for nursing careers in Georgia, the BLS reports that 65,390 RNS in 2010 had annual mean wages of $61,670, while 24,690 licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses earned $35,950 that year.

The largest number of health care professionals in the United States are RNs, according to the BLS. In 2010, more than 2.6 million individuals were employed as RNs. About 60 percent of RNs are employed in hospitals, but opportunities are also available in long-term care facilities, private physicians' offices, ambulatory care centers and home health care agencies, and other settings.

Georgia nursing schools, online and on-campus

Georgia offers a variety of institutions that feature the convenience of a virtual learning forum. The diverse curriculum includes coursework in microbiology, anatomy and physiology, chemistry, nutrition, and psychology and behavioral sciences. Supervised clinical rotations in various health care settings may also be part of a degree program.

Students may choose a specialty in one of many areas such as geriatrics, pediatrics or ambulatory care. After specializing, nurses can become credentialed in the field by organizations such as the American Nursing Credentialing Center or National League for Nursing. Although voluntary, credentialing is required by many employers. Graduates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN), a national licensing examination, before practicing. The Georgia Board of Nursing can provide details on the requirements necessary to practice nursing in this state.