News Summary
The University of Georgia has announced the establishment of an independent School of Nursing to address the state’s impending nursing shortage. Set to welcome its first cohort in 2027, this new program aims to provide a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), with plans for future Master’s and Doctorate programs. Collaborating with Augusta University, UGA seeks to enhance nursing education pathways and improve healthcare access across Georgia, especially in rural areas. A new Medical School Building will also support the nursing program with state-of-the-art resources.
Athens, GA – The University of Georgia (UGA) is set to establish an independent School of Nursing, welcoming its first cohort of students in the fall of 2027. This initiative comes in response to the growing nursing shortage in Georgia, which is anticipated to reach alarming levels by 2030.
The University System of Georgia Board of Regents approved the creation of the UGA School of Nursing in May. The primary aim of this new institution is to address the pressing need for qualified nursing professionals and faculty within the state. Initially, the program will offer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), with future plans to include a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
UGA plans to collaborate with Augusta University’s leaders to develop the nursing school, showcasing a commitment to tackling healthcare deficits across Georgia. In support of establishing this new academic program, a launch team for the School of Nursing will be formed immediately.
Nursing Shortage in Georgia
The necessity for this nursing school stems from substantial projections indicating that Georgia could experience one of the most significant nursing shortages in the nation by the year 2030. Emphasizing the urgency of the situation, experts point out that the state currently faces a critical lack of both practicing nurses and nursing educators.
To further facilitate educational opportunities in nursing, an articulation agreement has been executed between the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) and the University System of Georgia (USG). This agreement aims to streamline nursing education, allowing graduates from TCSG’s Associate Degree in Nursing programs to directly transfer into BSN programs at USG institutions, thus promoting a seamless transition for aspiring nurses.
Enhancing Nursing Education Pathways
This initiative is designed to enhance career pathways within the nursing field, particularly focusing on rural and underserved areas where healthcare needs are most pronounced. Additionally, other institutions, such as Georgia Northwestern Technical College, are actively participating in this effort. Through a partnership with AdventHealth, the college will receive an $830,000 donation spread over five years to expand its nursing program, with plans to increase enrollment capacity from 50 to 85 students.
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College has also been recognized for its commitment to quality nursing education, with its nursing programs recently ranked among the top 10 in Georgia.
Facilities and Resources
The new UGA School of Nursing will be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, incorporating medical simulation suites, standardized patient rooms, clinical skills laboratories, a gross anatomy lab, and a medical library. The establishment of these resources highlights UGA’s commitment to providing a comprehensive educational environment for nursing students.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the new Medical School Building at the Health Sciences Campus took place on April 19, 2024, marking another significant step in enhancing healthcare education in the region. This facility is expected to complement the nursing program by providing robust educational support and resources.
Conclusion
In summary, the University of Georgia’s launch of the independent School of Nursing is a strategic response to the impending nursing shortage in Georgia. By fostering educational pathways and enhancing training facilities, UGA aims to contribute to the improvement of healthcare access and quality across the state, ensuring that future generations of nurses are well-prepared to meet the challenges of the profession.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- The Red & Black: UGA Announces New School of Nursing
- Fox 5 Atlanta: New Partnership Aims to Stop Georgia Nursing Shortage
- Valdosta Today: Wiregrass Nursing Programs Rank Among Top 10 in Georgia for 2025
- Wikipedia: Nursing
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Nursing
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
