Overview: CRNA Programs in Georgia
Georgia is home to 2 accredited nurse anesthesia programs, both offering Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees. These programs are located in the state's two largest medical hubs: Atlanta and Augusta. With an average CRNA salary of $204,380, a cost of living well below coastal states, and a rapidly expanding healthcare sector, Georgia stands out as a practical and financially rewarding state for aspiring nurse anesthetists.
The two programs present distinctly different profiles. Emory University, based in Atlanta, is a nationally ranked private research institution with deep clinical partnerships across one of the Southeast's largest healthcare networks. The Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University is a public, state-funded school that offers considerably lower tuition, particularly for Georgia residents. Together, these programs graduate a steady pipeline of CRNAs who fill roles at hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, and rural facilities across the state.
Georgia's favorable cost-of-living-to-salary ratio gives CRNAs here strong purchasing power. While the average salary of $204,380 trails states like California and New York in absolute terms, the lower housing, tax, and daily living costs translate to a comparable or even superior standard of living. Georgia also has no state income tax on the first portion of retirement income, which can benefit long-term financial planning.
Key Advantages of Georgia Programs
- Strong salary-to-cost-of-living ratio: $204K average salary stretches further than higher-paying states with elevated living costs
- Affordable public option: Medical College of Georgia offers in-state tuition at $82,000, well below the national average for CRNA programs
- Major clinical training sites: Access to Emory Healthcare, Augusta University Health, Grady Memorial Hospital, and the Atlanta VA Medical Center
- Growing healthcare market: Atlanta is one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the U.S., driving sustained demand for anesthesia providers
- Southeastern hub: Georgia-trained CRNAs are well positioned for employment across the Southeast, from the Carolinas to Florida and Alabama
Program Considerations
- Limited seats: Only 2 programs statewide means fewer admission opportunities compared to states with more schools
- Competitive admissions: Average 13% acceptance rate across both programs requires a strong academic and clinical profile
- Supervised practice model: Georgia requires physician supervision for CRNAs; the state has not opted out of the federal supervision requirement
- Relocation may be necessary: Programs are concentrated in Atlanta and Augusta, so applicants from other parts of the state should plan accordingly
Georgia CRNA Programs
CRNA Career Outlook in Georgia
Salary & Compensation
Georgia nurse anesthetists earn competitive salaries that go further thanks to the state's moderate cost of living:
- Average salary: $204,380/year ($98/hour)
- Salary range: $175,000 (entry-level) to $240,000+ (experienced)
- Atlanta metro: $210,000 - $235,000, reflecting the concentration of large hospital systems and surgical volume
- Augusta: $190,000 - $215,000, with academic medical center and VA opportunities
- Savannah: $185,000 - $210,000, with coastal healthcare systems including Memorial Health and St. Joseph's/Candler
- Rural Georgia: $195,000 - $225,000, often with sign-on bonuses and relocation packages due to provider shortages
- National comparison: Slightly above the national average of $202,470, but with 15-25% lower cost of living than Northeast and West Coast markets
Job Market & Demand
Georgia's CRNA job market benefits from several converging factors:
- Population growth: Georgia is among the top 10 fastest-growing states, adding healthcare demand each year
- Physician anesthesiologist shortage: Nationally projected 12,500-provider shortfall by 2033 increases reliance on CRNAs
- Rural access gaps: Many counties in South Georgia and the Appalachian foothills have limited anesthesia coverage, creating persistent openings
- National growth: 40% projected CRNA employment growth by 2033, well above average for healthcare professions
- Surgical volume increases: Aging population and expansion of ambulatory surgical centers drive additional demand
- Retirement pipeline: Approximately 12% of practicing CRNAs nationwide expected to retire by 2027
Top Employers & Practice Settings
- Emory Healthcare: The largest healthcare system in Georgia, with 11 hospitals and over 250 provider locations across metro Atlanta
- Piedmont Healthcare: Major not-for-profit system operating 18 hospitals statewide, with extensive surgical services
- WellStar Health System: 11 hospitals concentrated in northwest metro Atlanta and West Georgia, frequently hiring CRNAs
- Grady Memorial Hospital: Atlanta's public safety-net hospital and Level I trauma center, providing high-acuity anesthesia experience
- Augusta University Health: Academic medical center affiliated with the Medical College of Georgia, offering complex case exposure
- Atlanta VA Medical Center: Federal facility with competitive pay and benefits for veteran-serving CRNAs
- Ambulatory surgery centers: Rapidly growing segment across metro Atlanta, Savannah, and Macon
- Private anesthesia groups: NorthStar Anesthesia, US Anesthesia Partners, and regional groups contract with multiple facilities
Georgia RN License Requirements
Before applying to CRNA programs in Georgia, you need an active Georgia RN license. The Georgia Board of Nursing oversees licensure for registered nurses in the state.
Requirements
- Graduation from an approved nursing program (ADN or BSN from an ACEN or CCNE-accredited institution)
- Pass the NCLEX-RN examination
- Criminal background check with fingerprinting
- Submit official transcripts directly from your nursing program
- Complete the online application through the Georgia Board of Nursing portal
- Georgia participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), so RNs with multistate licenses from other compact states can practice in Georgia without a separate GA license
Timeline & Costs
- Processing time: 4-6 weeks for initial licensure (may be shorter if all materials are received promptly)
- Application fee: $40 for initial RN licensure by examination
- Endorsement fee: $65 for RNs licensed in another state transferring to Georgia
- Fingerprinting: Approximately $50 for background check processing
- Renewal: $65 every 2 years, with continuing education requirements
Board contact: Georgia Board of Nursing - RN License Application
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Georgia-Specific Programs
- Georgia HOPE Scholarship: While primarily for undergraduate students, some graduate-level nursing programs at public universities offer HOPE-related tuition assistance. Check with Medical College of Georgia for applicability to the DNP program.
- Georgia Board of Health Care Workforce: Provides loan repayment and scholarship opportunities for healthcare providers committing to practice in underserved areas of Georgia. CRNAs serving rural communities may qualify for state-funded loan repayment.
- Emory University Financial Aid: Emory offers institutional scholarships, graduate assistantships, and need-based aid packages for DNP students. Contact the School of Nursing financial aid office for current opportunities.
- Augusta University Graduate Assistantships: Medical College of Georgia students may be eligible for graduate assistantships that offset tuition and provide stipends.
- Georgia Association of Nurse Anesthetists (GANA): The state professional organization occasionally offers scholarships and awards to student members enrolled in Georgia programs.
National Programs
- HRSA Nurse Anesthetist Traineeships (NAT): Federal program aimed at increasing the CRNA workforce, especially in underserved areas
- AANA Foundation Scholarships: Approximately $297,000 awarded annually through roughly 100 scholarships to AANA student members
- Military and VA educational benefits: Active duty, Guard, Reserve, and veteran educational benefits including the GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon Program
Loan Forgiveness Options
- NHSC Loan Repayment Program: Up to $50,000 in loan repayment for CRNAs working in designated Health Professional Shortage Areas
- NURSE Corps Loan Repayment: Up to 85% of qualifying nursing education loan balance for providers at critical shortage facilities
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): Available to CRNAs employed by qualifying non-profit hospitals or government facilities after 120 qualifying payments
- Georgia State Loan Repayment Program: Targets healthcare providers practicing in rural and underserved communities across the state
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do CRNA programs cost in Georgia?
Georgia CRNA programs range from $82,000 (Medical College of Georgia) to $135,000 (Emory University). The Medical College of Georgia is a public institution offering significantly lower tuition, especially for in-state residents, while Emory is a private university with higher costs but extensive clinical training resources and national prestige. When evaluating total cost, factor in living expenses: Atlanta is more expensive than Augusta, which can add $15,000-$25,000 to total program costs over 36 months. Despite the upfront investment, both programs offer strong return on investment given Georgia's $204K average CRNA salary.
What is the average CRNA salary in Georgia?
The average CRNA salary in Georgia is approximately $204,380 per year ($98/hour). Salaries range from $175,000 for entry-level positions to $240,000 or more for experienced providers. Atlanta-area CRNAs tend to earn the highest salaries due to the concentration of major hospital systems, trauma centers, and ambulatory surgical facilities. Augusta and Savannah offer slightly lower base pay but with correspondingly lower living costs. Rural Georgia positions often include sign-on bonuses of $10,000-$30,000 and relocation assistance to attract providers to underserved communities.
How competitive are Georgia CRNA programs?
Georgia programs are highly competitive, with an average acceptance rate of approximately 13%. Emory University accepts about 10% of applicants, making it one of the more selective programs in the Southeast. The Medical College of Georgia has a 15% acceptance rate. Competitive applicants typically hold a BSN with a 3.5+ GPA (science GPA weighted heavily), 1-2 years of adult critical care experience in a high-acuity ICU, current CCRN certification, competitive GRE scores, and strong letters of recommendation from CRNAs or physicians. Shadow experience with a practicing CRNA is strongly recommended by both programs.
Does Georgia allow CRNAs to practice independently?
Georgia has not opted out of the federal Medicare requirement for physician supervision of CRNAs. This means CRNAs in Georgia practice under a supervisory arrangement with a physician, though the day-to-day level of oversight varies by facility. In practice, CRNAs in Georgia exercise significant clinical autonomy, particularly in rural hospitals and outpatient settings where they may be the primary anesthesia provider. Legislative efforts to expand CRNA practice authority have been introduced periodically, and the Georgia Association of Nurse Anesthetists actively advocates for full practice authority at the state level.
Which Georgia CRNA program should I choose?
The right choice depends on your priorities and circumstances. If affordability is your primary concern, the Medical College of Georgia at $82,000 is the clear winner, particularly for Georgia residents who benefit from in-state tuition rates. If you prioritize a nationally ranked institution with extensive research opportunities and a large clinical network, Emory University justifies its $135,000 price tag with access to one of the Southeast's most comprehensive healthcare systems. Both programs maintain strong board pass rates and employment outcomes. Consider visiting both campuses, speaking with current students, and evaluating clinical rotation sites before deciding.
How long does it take to become a CRNA in Georgia?
The total timeline is typically 7-9 years from the start of your nursing education: 4 years for a BSN, 1-2 years gaining critical care RN experience in a high-acuity ICU, then 36 months (3 years) for the DNP program. Both Georgia programs require a minimum of 1 year of ICU experience, though most admitted students have 2 or more years. After graduating, you must pass the National Certification Examination (NCE) administered by the NBCRNA before practicing. Georgia RN license processing adds approximately 4-6 weeks if you are not already licensed in the state or a Nurse Licensure Compact state.
Related State Programs
Explore CRNA programs in neighboring states and other Southeast markets: