Best LPN Programs in Michigan

Details on Michigan LPN Schools & Classes

Michigan is home to many schools that offer accredited LPN programs. From community colleges to technical schools across the state, prospective students have their choice of where they want to complete their LPN education. Most LPN programs take between 1 and 2 years to complete, depending on whether the student attends part-time or full-time, which is an advantage over the 4-year bachelor’s degree in nursing.

LPN programs in the state are comprised of core nursing courses, electives, and labs. Common course titles include:

• Foundations of Nursing and Critical Thinking
• Pharmacology
• Nutrition in Nursing
• Nursing of Adults
• Maternal and Child Nursing
• Geriatrics and Mental Health

Accreditation

When given the choice between schools with LPN programs, students are advised to take great care in picking a school that is properly accredited. Accreditations give students that extra layer of confidence, as they are held to rigorous standards. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing is a main, national accrediting body that lends its seal of approval to LPN programs that fit the bill. Smaller, regional accrediting organizations may also be available. Additionally, students will want to make sure their program of choice is approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing.

Admission Requirements

Choosing the right LPN program is just the first step; you must also ensure that you meet all of the school’s admissions requirements. While these may vary, most schools require the following:

• High school diploma/GED
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
• Personal statement (essay)
• Letters of recommendation
• Completion of ATI TEAS exam
• Criminal background check and drug screen

Tuition and Costs

While total LPN program expenses will vary due to a variety of factors (type of school, whether or not the student requires room and board, etc.), all students can count on having to pay for tuition, mandatory fees, and course supplies. For example, the total cost of the LPN program at Muskegon Community College is estimated at about $9,000 for in-district students, and nearly $14,000 for out-of-district students. This does not include the cost of any prerequisite courses that a student may need to take. For those who have a financial need, student loans, scholarships, and other aid is typically available through most schools.

For those interested in advancing their nursing career, see our Michigan LPN to RN/BSN programs page.

Michigan LPN Licensing Requirements

After first completing a state-approved education program that not only provides the necessary curriculum but also hands-on training for patient interaction, the applicant is on their way to becoming an LPN in Michigan. The approved program can usually be completed in one to two years, then the graduate must register and pass the NCLEX-PN to become licensed in the state.

As an LPN, certain physical requirements may be part of the job application. Being able to lift patients, move machinery, and stand for long periods of time may be required to perform the job properly.

Michigan LPN licenses expire every 2 years and require 25 hours of board-approved continued education to renew.

NCLEX Exam Information

To officially gain licensure as an LPN in Michigan, the NCLEX-PN exam must be passed. This test consists of roughly 100 nursing-based questions that cover a variety of categories. For detailed information on the NCLEX-PN, check out our comprehensive guide here.  Students can also take the  NCLEX-PN practice test to study and prepare for the real examination.

LPN Reciprocity and NLC

Michigan is currently pending Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) legislation. The NLC agreement increases patient access to care while maintaining public protection at the state level. Under the NLC, nurses with licenses from other NLC states can practice without having to obtain additional licenses.

Nurses from out of state can apply for an LPN license in Michigan by endorsement as long as they meet the following criteria:

• Must currently be licensed as an LPN in another state
• If education was obtained outside of the U.S., must have a Professional Report evaluation of education completed by the Credentials Evaluation Service (CES) of CFGNS, or have a full course-by-course credential evaluation completed
• Submit the LPN by Endorsement license online application
• A fingerprint report and criminal background check are required

For more information on Michigan LPN license by endorsement, visit here.

LPN Salary in Michigan

The table below lists career information organized by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for licensed practical nurses in Michigan. The table is sorted by total employment, with the largest metropolitan areas listed first.

Table data sourced from 2022 BLS (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292061.htm)