Dean's Welcome
Welcome to the Augusta University College of Nursing!
At Augusta University, we stand out among other colleges within the University System of Georgia (USG) for several reasons. We are the only College of Nursing affiliated with a tertiary care academic medical center, and community home to five (5) large medical centers, all just steps away from our classrooms, as well as quick access to Augusta’s nationally recognized burn center for treatment and research. We are the only college within the system, and among very few in the country, who offer a second-degree MSN entry-level nursing program which can be completed in just 18 months. Finally, we also offer an Accelerated-BSN program where students graduate one full semester earlier, and get a head start on terrific career opportunities. We are dedicated to being educational leaders, innovators, and trailblazers for the nursing profession, education, and research. This is evident by our status as the first Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree in Georgia, the only public nursing anesthesia program in the state, and the state’s only Master of Science in Nursing program where students are eligible to sit for the CNL certification exam. The college is nationally recognized for promoting nursing excellence, improving healthcare delivery, revolutionizing health care, developing visionary leaders, and promoting the highest levels of wellness.
Nurses are consistently voted as the most trusted profession, and the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that by 2030, there will be a global shortage of 4.5 million nurses. We are dedicated to doing our part to bridge this gap and prepare qualified nurses to care for the citizens of Georgia, the Southern region, and beyond. Our academically outstanding and visionary students are mentored by internationally recognized faculty who collectively have seven national fellowships. This partnership and expertise position our college as an innovative institution that transforms health care through exceptional education, innovative practice, and cutting-edge research.
You may be looking at our college because you want to become a registered nurse. As Georgia’s premiere public college of nursing, our students develop and hone their knowledge and skills in our state-of-the-art facilities and in a variety of clinical settings with our numerous community partners. We compare very favorably in cost with other institutions as the flagship college, along with our academic health sciences center, and the exponential growth and size of our programs. Students are well prepared, as evidenced by our graduates represented all over the nation and on the international stage.
Perhaps you’re looking at our college because you are an RN looking to advance your nursing career. Our doctoral-level education programs provide nurses the clinical and leadership expertise to improve health care outcomes within interdisciplinary teams. These programs feature excellent mentoring and teaching by faculty who are experts in their fields, extensive research experiences, and committed peers.
Either way, we invite you to engage with us and stay up to date on the incredible accomplishments of our faculty and students. You’ll find that our college is stronger than ever before, with our 1st time NCLEX pass rates showing 97%, our advanced practice pass rates showing 100% for five years in a row, our ranking as a top college in U.S. News and World Report, our innovative pedagogies and curricula, and our nationally funded research. Explore our newly enhanced website for more information and upcoming webinars, like our Facebook page, LinkedIn profile, and follow us on Instagram! Please contact us with questions you may have, and we will be happy to assist. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Go Jags!
Beth NeSmith, PhD, MSN, RN, FNAP
Dean NeSmith has been Dean of the College of Nursing since May of 2024. Previously, she served as the Chair of the Nursing Science Department and was appointed Interim Dean in November of 2023.