Last Updated/Verified: November 15th, 2024

Michigan offers a bright future for anyone seeking employment in the healthcare industry, including those who are interested in the nursing field.

Instead of committing to a 4-year program to become a Registered Nurse, you can become an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse). Once you graduate and take all necessary steps, you will find work across the state of Michigan. In Michigan, the cities of Detroit and Grand Rapids will have the highest number of potential educational institutions and job opportunities for an LPN.

LPN’s in Michigan Quick Facts

• LPN school programs typically take 12 to 15 months to complete
• The future of LPNS jobs is bright, as employment growth is expected to rise by 11% through 2028
• The average salary for an LPN in Michigan is $48,840
• LPNs make up 18% of nurses in the state

Overview of LPN Schools in Michigan

If you would like to become an LPN in Michigan, there are several approved programs offered at private career schools, trade schools, technical schools, community colleges, etc. There are approximately 35 approved practical nursing programs, mainly offered in colleges. These programs include both classroom and clinical hours and take an average of one year to complete.

LPN programs vary within the state. However, common courses and topics include:

• Maternal and child nursing care
• Pharmacology
• Geriatrics
• Mental health
• Nursing ethics
• Patient care

Once you complete your program and pass the NCLEX-PN exam, you can work full-time in a wide variety of settings, including nursing homes, hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, home health environments, and other care facilities.

LPN Accreditation

When comparing schools, it’s important to select a program that is properly accredited. There are many national and regional accrediting bodies, including the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). In Michigan, it is also recommended that you participate in a course that is approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing.

LPN Admissions Requirements

Understanding each school’s admission requirements will help you plan and prepare. Each school’s requirements differ. However, most schools will require you to:

• Have your high school diploma, GED, or equivalent
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
• Write a personal statement
• Provide letters of recommendation
• Complete the ATI TEAS exam
• Provide a criminal background check
• Pass a drug test

LPN Tuition & Costs

Again, tuition costs can significantly vary depending on where you seek your nursing education. Many variables need to be taken into consideration, including the location of the school, whether you require room and board, etc. Regardless, all students should budget for tuition, supplies, and all other mandatory fees as outlined by each school.

For example, at Gogebic Community College, the LPN program costs a total of $6,294. This includes tuition fees of $5,294. Out-of-state tuition costs a total of $8,898.

Most schools also offer some sort of financial assistance. For example, at Delta College, $600,000 was given out in scholarships in 2020, as well as $34 million in financial aid.

LPN Licensing Requirements in Michigan

In Michigan, completing an LPN program is the quickest route to becoming a nurse. You can graduate in as little as one year, after which you’ll be able to apply for licensure and begin your career.

Checklist to Become a Michigan LPN

You must first seek education, completing an LPN program that is approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing. Select a program that is approved and accredited, appearing on the Michigan Proprietary Schools List.

Once you graduate, your school will send certification to the Board. It will be your responsibility to submit an application to the Bureau of Health Care Services and register for the NCEX-PN.

Once authorization is granted, you will have 90 days to write your exam. Schedule your exam at a choice of testing centers. If you are unsuccessful, you can retake the exam after 45 days.

Although not mandatory, you can join the Michigan Licensed Practical Nurses Association.

NCLEX-PN Exam

To become an LPN in Michigan, you’ll need to pass the NCLEX-PN exam. When selecting a school, it’s important to consider pass rates, which is often a reflection of the quality of education provided.

LPN Reciprocity

If you are an LPN coming to Michigan from other states, you can become licensed through endorsement. Once issued, your licensure is valid for two years. You must show proof that you completed an accredited LPN program and passed in your previous state.

LPN Salaries in Michigan

Earnings as a nurse vary depending on the type of nursing career you pursue. The location of where you work also impacts your salary. Across the state, $42,000 to $54,000 is standard for an LPN, with the average LPN making $48,857 per year. In major cities across Michigan, LPNs make more than $48,820, which is the average annual national pay for LPNs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Nurses in metropolitan areas do tend to make more. However, there is also typically a higher cost of living in these areas compared to non-metropolitan parts of the state.

Here are some of the highest paying cities, including:

• Detroit, Michigan — $27.84/hour
• Ann Arbor, Michigan — $25.52/hour
• Lansing, Michigan — $25.93/hour
• Jackson, Michigan — $27.02/hour
• Livonia, Michigan — $28.06/hour

Source: https://www.bls.gov/

Job Outlook for LPNs in Michigan

U.S. employment of LPNs is projected to grow by 9% from 2019 to 2029, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. In Michigan, thousands of new jobs will be available within the healthcare industry. LPNs are expected to see a growth rate of 16.1%. There are two major factors influencing this growth. The first is that a large segment of the population is aging, creating a higher demand for the services provided by LPNs. A number of chronic conditions, such as obesity and diabetes, have also become more prevalent in recent years. LPNs will be needed to address these conditions.

The other factor is that the baby boomer population is retiring, many of whom are working are nurses. The supply of healthcare talent is decreasing, while the demand for healthcare services is increasing. If you are interested in becoming an LPN, now is a great time to do so.

Top LPN Schools in Michigan

Delta College – Practical Nursing Program

1961 Delta Rd., University Center, MI 48710
989-686-9000

This community college offers a Practical Nurse program that is one year, made up of both classroom and clinical experience. Offering hands-on learning, Delta is home to a 9,000-square-foot state-of-the-art health lab. This helps students learn and practice nursing skills in a simulated hospital care environment. The college offers financial aid to those who qualify.

Grand Rapids Community College – Practical Nursing Certificate Program

143 Bostwick Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
616-234-4000

The Practical Nursing program at GRCC contains a pre-nursing semester and two-and-a-half semesters of nursing course work. The average class size is 22.9 students, all of whom benefit from expert faculty members — many of which hold a doctoral or PhD degree. This college promotes employee, community, and student learning. For those who qualify, the college offers funds and scholarships to reduce financial burden. The NCLEX-PN pass rate is 97.59%.

Muskegon Community College – Nursing Program

221 South Quarterline Road, Muskegon, MI 49442
231-773-9131

The MCC Nursing Program offers an opportunity to get your practical nurse diploma. If you’d like to advance in your career, there are additional opportunities to do so. MCC is one of the oldest community colleges and the top nursing school in Michigan. Committed to providing high standards of education, this college boasts an NCLEX-PN pass rate of 98.95%.

West Shore Community College – Nursing & Allied Health Program

3000 North Stiles Road, Scottville, MI 49454
231-845-6211

Founded in 1967, West Shore Community College makes programs affordable through financial aid services. Their mission is to provide training programs that help students get a job after completion of the LPN program. This program is two semesters and includes programs such as clinical practice, anatomy, surgical nursing, obstetrics, and introduction to psychology. West Shore has an NCLEX-PN pass rate of 98.71%.

Houghton Health Careers Center – Gogebic Community College – Nursing

E 4946, Jackson Road, Ironwood, MI 49938
906-932-4231

The Nursing Program at Gogebic Community College offers an immense opportunity for career development and growth. After you complete 64 credits, you will earn your Associate Degree Nursing to become an LPN. You can then complete 42 more credits to get your Advanced Standing LPN to RN Associate Degree. Financial aid is offered and the college has an NCLEX-PN pass rate of 98.60%.

Lansing Community College

409 N Washington Square, Lansing, MI 48933
(800) 644-4522

The nursing program at Lansing is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. This highly regarded program has been approved for over 45 years. Of the 2017-2018 graduates, 90% were employed within three months. Nearly 82% of the students that year completed the program and in 2019, over 88% passed the NCLEX exam. Numerous scholarships are available.

Schoolcraft College

18600 Haggerty Rd, Livonia, MI 48152
(734) 462-4400

At Schoolcraft College, all nursing courses must be taken in sequence, and you must obtain a minimum grade of 80% to progress to the next course. Students are admitted once a year for the fall program. You will need to complete 44.5 credits, across four semesters to graduate. Courses include foundations in nursing, surgical medical nursing, and advanced concepts in practical nursing.

Glen Oaks Community College

62249 Shimmel Rd, Centreville, MI 49032
(269) 467-9945

Glen Oaks offers an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing Degree with opportunities to transition from an LPN to an RN. Some of the courses you’ll need to take include fundamentals of nursing, medical terminology, family nursing, and professional issues in nursing. All courses must be completed with a grade of 2.5 or higher. The college is proud to offer an exciting student life on campus, providing residents with various facilities.

St. Clair County Community College

323 Erie St, Port Huron, MI 48060
(810) 984-3881

St. Clair offers three nursing programs, including practical nursing. This program will prepare you for a rewarding career in a variety of settings, including home healthcare, doctor’s offices, and long-term care facilities. To pass, you will need to maintain 75% in all nursing courses. At this college, first-time pass rates exceed the state and national averages. Some of the required courses include newborn nursing, math related to drug administration, nutritional concepts, and adult nursing.

Alpena Community College

Madeline Briggs University Center, 665 Johnson St, Alpena, MI 49707
(989) 356-9021

This program is one year, offered across four semesters. You will need to get a minimum of 42.5 credits, including reproductive health, microbiology for the health sciences, and dosage calculation. You will also need to take English composition and general chemistry during your first semester. Financial aid is available to those who qualify.

Additional Resources

Michigan Board of Nursing — Located at 611 W Ottawa St, Lansing, MI 48933, the Michigan Board of Nursing is associated with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. In addition to applying for your license, this resource provides up-to-date information on various topics within the field of nursing in Michigan.

Michigan Licensed Practical Nurses Association — Located at 5900 Executive Dr., Lansing, MI 48911, the MLPNA is the professional organization that supports LPNs and LPN students.