Best LPN Programs in Michigan
The demand for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) is steadily growing in Michigan. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Michigan employs 11,380 LPNs, ranking 19th in the nation, with an annual average salary of $61,910.
Graduates can pursue employment in various care settings. Candidates should look for accredited programs that fit their financial and academic needs and are approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing.
Discover the top Michigan LPN schools, state licensure requirements, and employment and salary trends for LPNs.
Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top LPN Programs in Michigan
West Shore Community College
Scottville, MI- 2 year
- Campus
- In-State$4,080
- Out-of-state$5,760
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled1,080
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment43%
- AccreditationYes
Glen Oaks Community College
- Centreville, MI
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,488
- Out-of-state$5,328
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate58%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled1,175
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment30%
- AccreditationYes
Alpena Community College
- Alpena, MI
- 4 year
- Campus
- In-State$7,155
- Out-of-state$7,155
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate61%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled1,487
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment23%
- AccreditationYes
Northwestern Michigan College
- Traverse City, MI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,264
- Out-of-state$9,472
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate71%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled3,579
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment33%
- AccreditationYes
Gogebic Community College
- Ironwood, MI
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,425
- Out-of-state$6,324
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate61%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled945
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment47%
- AccreditationYes
Davenport University
- Grand Rapids, MI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$18,408
- Out-of-state$18,408
- In-State$14,958
- Out-of-state$14,958
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate82%
- Students Enrolled6,429
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment73%
- AccreditationYes
Kirtland Community College
- Grayling, MI
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,460
- Out-of-state$7,800
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate62%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled1,460
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment43%
- AccreditationYes
St. Clair County Community College
- Port Huron, MI
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,610
- Out-of-state$12,150
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate59%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled3,602
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment47%
- AccreditationYes
Bay College
- Escanaba, MI
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,762
- Out-of-state$8,262
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate62%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled1,820
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment56%
- AccreditationYes
Delta College
- University Center, MI
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,910
- Out-of-state$11,130
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate62%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled7,819
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment33%
- AccreditationYes
Southwestern Michigan College
- Dowagiac, MI
- 2 year
- Campus
- In-State$5,007
- Out-of-state$5,456
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate51%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,141
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
Monroe County Community College
- Monroe, MI
- 2 year
- Campus
- In-State$5,985
- Out-of-state$6,660
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate60%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,598
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment29%
- AccreditationYes
Grand Rapids Community College
- Grand Rapids, MI
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,350
- Out-of-state$10,950
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate56%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled13,270
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment26%
- AccreditationYes
Northern Michigan University
- Marquette, MI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$10,758
- Out-of-state$16,380
- In-State$9,072
- Out-of-state$12,528
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate66%
- Students Enrolled7,732
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment25%
- AccreditationYes
Muskegon Community College
- Muskegon, MI
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,720
- Out-of-state$12,240
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate65%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled3,999
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment41%
- AccreditationYes
Licensure Requirements for Michigan LPNs
LPNs in Michigan are at the forefront of patient care in a variety of healthcare settings and deliver patient care, perform medical procedures, and complete documentation. The state has established several requirements to ensure that LPNs handle their responsibilities professionally and appropriately. Learn the necessary steps practical nurses must take to receive their license.
Basic Eligibility
Prospective students should ensure they meet the basic eligibility standards to become an LPN before applying to a program. Those standards include:
- Be at least 18 years of age in most states
- Hold a high school diploma or equivalent
- Possess a valid government ID and a signed social security card
- A clear criminal background check
Education & Training Requirements
Students must complete mandatory coursework and hands-on training as part of the state-approved LPN certificate program. Once a student graduates, the program must send official transcripts or a Michigan Nursing School Certification form to validate that they completed their education.
You must pass the NCLEX-PN examination to obtain your nursing license in Michigan. You can register online or over the phone and pay all applicable fees. After registering, you will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT), which you use to schedule your exam date.
Additional Requirements for Licensure
Candidates must complete more requirements before receiving their Michigan LPN license:
- Criminal background check
- Good moral character questions
- Human trafficking training
- Implicit bias training
- Social security number
- Information about licensure in any other states
Michigan LPN License Renewal
Michigan LPNs must renew their license every two years. Renewal notifications are mailed 90 days before your expiration date. You can renew online and have a 60-day grace period to complete the form, show proof of 25 mandatory continuing education credits, and pay the $131 renewal fee.
Michigan LPN Salary and Employment Trends
LPN job growth in Michigan is projected to rise in the coming years. Some areas in the state, especially the more urban regions, employ more LPNS, while others offer higher pay.
For example, the Detroit area employs the most LPNs but offers the third-highest average LPN salary in the state. In contrast, Anne Arbor employs fewer LPNs but pays the highest average salary of $66,400.
The tables below provide data on current LPN employment and average salaries in various parts of the state.
| Area | Total Employment (2023) |
|---|---|
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | 4,500 |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI | 1,270 |
| Balance of Lower Peninsula of Michigan nonmetropolitan area | 710 |
| Upper Peninsula of Michigan nonmetropolitan area | 580 |
| Ann Arbor, MI | 530 |
| Location | 10th Percentile | Median Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan LPN | $47,840 | $61,850 | $74,400 |
| National LPN | $45,670 | $59,730 | $77,870 |
| Area | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Ann Arbor, MI | $66,400 |
| Flint, MI | $64,670 |
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | $64,510 |
| Niles-Benton Harbor, MI | $63,970 |
| Monroe, MI | $63,070 |
Resources for LPNs in Michigan
American Nurses Association (ANA)
The organization provides resources for nursing ethics, career development, and networking opportunities.
Michigan Nursing Association (MNA)
The organization offers support, advocacy, and resources specific to Michigan LPNs.
National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses (NFLPN)
The organization offers professional development resources, certification information, and advocacy for LPNs.
Lippincott Nursing Center
The organization offers CE activities, eNewsletters, a video library, a podcast library, an article collection, and a guide to nursing certification.
Nursing CE
LPNs can access over 500 hours of CE credits, some of which are free. Credits on implicit bias, opioids and controlled substances awareness, and pain and pain symptom management are included.
Frequently Asked Questions About LPN Programs in Michigan
Becoming an LPN in Michigan takes about one year. You must complete a state-approved practical nurse program and pass the NCLEX-PN exam. Then, you can apply for licensure through the Michigan Board of Nursing.
