2023 Best Online Nursing Programs in Michigan

Becoming a Nurse in Michigan

There are a few ways to become a nurse in Michigan that all involve education, assessment, and licensure. The Michigan Board of Nursing issues credentials to each type of nurse in the Wolverine State: licensed practical nurses (LPNs), registered nurses (RNs), and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). The Bureau of Community & Health Systems oversees the Michigan Nurse Aide Registry for certified nurse aides (CNAs).

Aspiring nurses can test for licensure by examination in Michigan by passing the appropriate National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Another option is licensure by endorsement for nurses with an equivalent license in good standing from another state.

Michigan is struggling with a nurse shortage made worse by COVID-19 conditions and a lack of nursing educators to keep students moving through the pipeline. Most surprising is the high number of Michigan nurses under 25 who plan to quit soon because of less-than-idea working conditions in overtaxed healthcare facilities.

To learn about online nursing programs and requirements in other states, explore our list of accredited nursing degrees by state below:

How To Become a Certified Nurse Aide in Michigan

Candidates must complete a board-approved training course and pass a knowledge test to become a CNA in Michigan (often called "certified nursing assistant" in other states). The test involves both a written section and an applied knowledge skills portion.

Each certification lasts for two years. CNAs can renew their licenses if they've worked in the field for pay during these two years. 

How To Become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Michigan

Michigan requires that LPN hopefuls attend a board-approved school for their practical nursing program. Along with official transcripts, LPN license applicants must submit the following items online:

• A background check

• Answers to the state's questions about moral character

• Verification of human trafficking identification training

• Social Security Number

The board can approve examination candidates to take the NCLEX-PN once these steps are complete. Licensure-by-endorsement applicants need to submit proof of licensure in another state.

LPNs can renew their licenses every two years. Applicants must attest to the following as part of the renewal process:

• Good moral character
• No outstanding disciplinary sanctions 
• Completion of human trafficking awareness training and implicit bias training
• Completion of at least 25 continuing education hours 

How To Get a Registered Nursing License in Michigan

Prospective RNs must graduate from an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program before applying for a Michigan RN license. Each candidate then undergoes the same states required of LPN applicants: submitting a background check, answering questions about moral character, and verifying that they've received training about human trafficking identification. 

After this, the nursing board can grant examination candidates permission to take the NCLEX-RN. Licensure-by-endorsement candidates need to submit records from their state's nursing board.

Michigan RN licenses must be renewed every two years. This requires 25 hours of continuing education credits, a clean disciplinary record, and the completion of implicit bias and human trafficking awareness training.

How To Get an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse License in Michigan

Michigan recognizes four APRN license specialties: 

• Nurse practitioner (NP)
• Clinical nurse specialist (CNS)
• Certified nurse midwife (CNM)
• Nurse anesthetist (NA)

APRN applicants must have a graduate degree to qualify, typically a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. They must also hold a national nursing certification in their specialty. Finally, APRN licensees need a valid Michigan RN license before applying for an APRN license.

NPs, CNSs, and CNMs can apply for prescription authority. They need to request a Drug Enforcement Administration registration number as part of this application.

APRNs renew their licenses every two years at the same time as their RN licenses. The renewal requirements are the same for APRNs as they are for RNs, including the 25 continuing education hours.