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Online Nursing Programs in Michigan

Updated November 17, 2021

Registered nurses looking to complete their advanced nursing degree and work as a nurse in the state of Michigan will find many options. Northwestern Michigan College has one of the lowest tuition rates for online nursing programs in the state at $9,611 per year and has campuses in nine Michigan cities. Michigan State University, located in East Lansing, offers an RN to BSN program, three master’s degrees, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. Michigan nurses must complete 25 contact hours of continuing education every two years in order to renew their licenses.

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Comprehensive List of Online Nursing Schools in Michigan

School Annual Tuition NCLEX Pass Rate Locations
# Andrews University $30,158 86.0% Berrien Springs
# Baker College Online $9,920 83.64% Cadillac (and 8 others)
# Central Michigan University $24,120 Not Reported Mount Pleasant
# Chamberlain College of Nursing $19,638 88.32% Multiple Locations
# Concordia University-Ann Arbor $30,205 73.24% Ann Arbor
# Davenport University $19,338 87.88% Grand Rapids
# Eastern Michigan University $13,758 80.0% Ypsilanti
# Ferris State University $12,068 87.0% Big Rapids
# Finlandia University $23,308 100.0% Hancock
# Grand Valley State University $18,296 Not Reported Allendale (and 1 other)
# Madonna University $23,100 Not Reported Livonia
# Michigan State University $39,766 93.0% East Lansing
# Northern Michigan University $16,751 Not Reported Marquette
# Northwestern Michigan College $10,491 76.67% Traverse City
# Oakland University $24,710 88.92% Rochester Hills
# Olivet College $28,692 Not Reported Olivet
# Rochester University $23,996 90.0% Rochester Hills
# Saginaw Valley State University $25,401 94.94% University Center
# Siena Heights University $27,152 53.33% Adrian (and 1 other)
# Spring Arbor University Online $29,630 Not Reported Spring Arbor
# St Clair County Community College $12,340 93.27% Port Huron
# University of Detroit Mercy $28,840 81.98% Detroit
# University of Michigan - Ann Arbor $51,200 Not Reported Ann Arbor
# University of Michigan - Flint $23,502 88.0% Flint
# University of Phoenix $9,552 90.0% Nationwide
# Western Michigan University $16,041 96.55% Kalamazoo

Becoming a Nurse in Michigan

The Michigan Board of Nursing in the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (or LARA) oversees nursing licensing in Michigan. Nursing schools in Michigan offer a variety of options for nursing students, including degrees and diplomas that can lead to a CNA certification, LPN license, RN license, or APRN license. In 2020, nearly 98,000 RNs and more than 4,800 nurse practitioners were employed in Michigan. The annual mean wage for Michigan RNs is $73,980, while the annual mean wage for nurse practitioners is $109,150.

How to Get Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) Certification in Michigan

The Michigan Bureau of Community & Health Systems oversees the Michigan Certified Nurse Aide registry. Applicants can apply to register as a certified nurse aide (another name for certified nursing assistant or CNA) once they complete a training course approved by the board and pass a knowledge test. The test involves both a written and applied knowledge skills assessment. After individuals pass both parts of the test, they will receive a certificate and be placed on the state nurse aide registry.

This certification lasts for two years, at which time it will expire. Nurse aides who have worked in their field and been paid for their work during these two years will be eligible for renewal. Renewal documents should be submitted to Prometric, not to the state of Michigan's nursing board, prior to the license's expiration. The renewal fee is $20 and must be received in the form of a money order.

How to Get a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) License in Michigan

A Michigan LPN license is obtained much like an RN license. Michigan nursing licenses for LPNs require that the student attend a school approved by the Michigan nursing board, apply for an LPN license online at the nursing board's website, and submit to fingerprinting and a background check. After these steps have been completed, students will be approved to take the NCLEX-PN exam, which is also administered by Pearson Vue. Students who are not able to pass the exam will need to reapply and retake the test.

Those who wish to renew their LPN licenses will need to do so every two years before March 31. The cost to renew is $126. Those who do not renew before their expiration date have 60 days to renew and must apply, pay their renewal fee and pay a late fee. Those with LPN licenses in other states may apply for the opportunity to receive a Michigan LPN license by endorsement.

How to Get a Registered Nursing (RN) License in Michigan

Students may obtain a Michigan nursing license as a registered nurse (RN) after graduating from an RN education program (like an ADN or BSN) approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing, submitting an application to the board online, having their fingerprints taken, and submitting a criminal background check. After all this information has been reviewed, the board will give the student permission to take the NCLEX-RN exam. The student must pass the exam, which is administered by Pearson Vue. Those who fail the test will need to reapply and take the test again.

Michigan RN licenses must be renewed every two years before March 31. Renewal costs $126. It is also possible to receive an RN license in Michigan by endorsement if an individual already has their RN license in another state. If this is the case, the individual must apply for endorsement online at the board website and submit to fingerprinting and a criminal background check.

How to Get an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) License in Michigan

Michigan recognizes four APRN license specialties: nurse practitioner (NP), clinical nurse specialist (CNS), certified nurse midwife (CNM), and nurse anesthetist (CRNA). To qualify for an APRN license, applicants must have a graduate degree in their chosen speciality and must hold national certification in the same specialty. APRN licensees must also hold a valid Michigan RN license. When these conditions are met, individuals may submit their application online to the Michigan state nursing board.

The APRN license expiration date in Michigan is based on when the individual's RN license expires. Those who want to renew their APRN license in Michigan will need to do so every two years on March 31. The cost to renew is $29.30.

This website offers school details to prospective students as an informational resource. The appearance of a school listing on this website should not be interpreted as an endorsement of the school by this site.

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