Online NP Schools in Georgia

Dr. Krystal E. Canady is the assistant director of graduate nursing programs and an associate professor of nursing at Georgia College & State University’s School of Nursing. She received her BSN from Georgia College & State University, graduating as vice president of her class. She returned shortly after to pursue her master’s degree as an FNP. She practiced family medicine for several years before returning to the emergency room, where she had also spent most of her time as a BSN-RN.

Dr. Canady completed her post-master’s in nursing education and her DNP at Georgia Southern University, where she received a recognition award for demonstrating exemplary promise in improving patient care.

Dr. Canady has multiple publications and presentations. Her research interests include stressors in the nurses’ working environment and the DNP’s role in nursing education. She currently practices as an FNP at a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) clinic and is passionate about caring for underserved and vulnerable patient populations.

NPSchools.com: What do you wish the public understood about online nurse practitioner programs in Georgia?

Dr. Canady: To all current and future nurse practitioners considering an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) degree from Georgia College & State University (GCSU), please be aware that the journey is both challenging and rewarding. Pursuing an MSN or DNP will push you to reach your highest potential. We uphold rigorous standards and have high expectations for our graduate nursing programs. 

Although our courses are online, we are committed to fostering meaningful relationships with each of our graduate students and are genuinely invested in their success. We also hold mandatory on-campus sessions to assess our students’ competencies frequently and to teach essential APRN skills. Our faculty assesses and evaluates our students during their clinical placements and collaborates with our NP preceptors to ensure our students achieve the program’s goals and outcomes.

NPSchools.com: What advice would you give to aspiring online nurse practitioner program students?

Dr. Canady: Please understand that succeeding in NP school requires dedication. Do not enroll with the expectation that you can casually attend online classes at your convenience. Even though online is convenient, we still have class times that require our students to engage in their learning experience throughout the program. The time commitment is substantial; although you do not have to put your life on “pause,” you must prioritize your education to succeed. At GCSU, we provide you with the best opportunity for success and all the necessary tools, but the effort ultimately lies with you.

I advise you to thoroughly research any institution before applying and ensure its mission and vision align with your goals, offering the opportunities you seek while pursuing your NP degree.

At GCSU, we recognize our profound responsibility to uphold the integrity and respect that the nurse practitioner (NP) degree has garnered in the public eye. 

To sustain and further this respect, our programs must be rooted in rigor and dedication to producing the finest APRNs possible. By challenging our students with a rigorous curriculum and high standards, we ensure they are not only well-prepared to meet the demands of their profession but also capable of contributing meaningfully to the health and well-being of their communities. Our commitment to excellence in healthcare drives us to provide comprehensive education, hands-on experience, and continuous support, ensuring that each of our APRN graduates embodies the highest level of competence, compassion, and professionalism.