Family nurse practitioner program named most affordable in Georgia

The University of North Georgia's (UNG) Master of Science with a major in family nurse practitioner (FNP) program has earned recognition for its affordability.

GraduateNursingEDU.org named UNG the most affordable program at a public college in Georgia, coming in at $3,476 less than the average total in-state tuition for other programs. The list also commended UNG's pass rate on the FNP certification exam and study abroad opportunities in Uganda, Bolivia and the Dominican Republic.

It also noted the 100 percent job placement and 89 percent program completion rate.

The website said the numbers "paint a picture of how effectively this program prepares students to become advanced-practice RNs." Only programs accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) were considered. UNG has ACEN accreditation.

UNG's program can be completed in as little as two years or at a more relaxed pace, according to the list. Classes are held one day a week.

"UNG continues to keep graduate tuition affordable for our students, resulting in the ability to provide quality graduate education at a reasonable rate," said Dr. Vanessa Jones, assistant professor and director of graduate nursing studies at UNG. "We are proud that 100 percent of our graduates passed the national certification exam in 2018 and are now providing primary care services in our region."