Maria Delgado, RN
June 4, 2025
Michigan depends on Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) to provide critical patient care services across various healthcare facilities throughout the state. LPNs represent trained nursing professionals who provide fundamental nursing services while tracking patient wellness along with helping registered nurses and doctors with their everyday work. The state of Michigan hosts LPNs in hospitals together with long-term care facilities, home health agencies, and community clinics. Practical nursing in Michigan provides meaningful work opportunities with promising job security along with career growth possibilities which make it an attractive nursing profession entry point.
Port Huron, MI - Public 2-Year - sc4.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Practical Nursing program at St. Clair County Community College equips students with the skills needed to become Licensed Practical Nurses. Graduates are prepared to work in diverse healthcare settings, including long-term care, hospitals, and home health. The program emphasizes a comprehensive curriculum, hands-on experience, and preparation for the NCLEX exam. Admission is competitive, based on GPA, HESI scores, and healthcare experience. Financial aid and scholarships may be available to eligible students. This program is ideal for those seeking a rewarding career in nursing with a strong foundation in patient care.
Scottville, MI - Public 2-Year - westshore.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
West Shore Community College's Practical Nursing Certificate provides a comprehensive pathway to becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). This rigorous two-semester program equips students with essential clinical skills and medical knowledge through a blend of classroom learning and hands-on clinical experiences. Students develop expertise in medical-surgical nursing, pediatric care, and obstetric nursing, preparing them for diverse healthcare settings. The competitive program requires maintaining a minimum 75% grade average and offers strategic coursework in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and psychology. Graduates are well-positioned to launch rewarding careers in nursing with strong foundational skills.
Grand Rapids, MI - Private 4-year - davenport.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Davenport University's Practical Nursing Diploma program equips students with the skills and knowledge to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). Approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, this 46-credit program focuses on critical thinking, patient care across all age groups, and effective communication within healthcare teams. Students gain hands-on experience through clinical practice, preparing them for diverse healthcare settings. Admission requires completion of specific biology courses at Davenport, with a C+ or better. The program emphasizes the nursing process, pharmacology, nutrition, and care for adults, children, and the elderly, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the demands of nursing.
Battle Creek, MI - Public 2-Year - kellogg.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Kellogg Community College in Battle Creek, MI, offers a Practical Nursing Certificate program designed for aspiring nurses. This campus-based program prepares students for the NCLEX-PN exam, leading to licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). With options for full-time and part-time study, it caters to diverse student needs. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through state-of-the-art simulation labs, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the workforce. Admission requirements include meeting academic standards and completing prerequisite courses. Graduates can pursue careers in hospitals, long-term care, and other healthcare settings, with opportunities for further education.
Petoskey, MI - Public 2-Year - ncmich.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
North Central Michigan College offers a Practical Nurse Certificate (PN) program designed to prepare students for entry-level positions as Licensed Practical Nurses. This campus-based program spans three consecutive semesters, starting each January. It requires a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher and completion of specific science courses within the last five years. Financial aid and scholarships are available to eligible students. The program emphasizes hands-on clinical experiences across various healthcare settings, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the NCLEX-PN exam and the demands of the nursing profession.
The state of Michigan prohibits fully online LPN programs because nursing education requires direct patient interaction. Several institutions provide hybrid learning options which let students finish their theoretical studies through online courses but require attendance in-person for laboratory sessions and clinical work. Students with work or family responsibilities find hybrid programs suitable because they offer flexible scheduling options. Some colleges provide evening and weekend LPN programs that require a bit more time but allow students to handle their schedules more easily.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Monroe County Community College |
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| North Central Michigan College |
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| Kalamazoo Valley Community College |
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| Certifying Board | Michigan Board of Nursing, Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs |
|---|---|
| Certification | NCLEX-PN via Pearson VUE |
| Educational Prerequisite | Graduation from an approved practical nursing program with official transcripts or School Certification Form |
| Application & Fees | $212.90 application/licensure fee and $200 NCLEX exam fee, fingerprint-based state & FBI background check, completion of human trafficking and implicit bias training |
| Processing Time | Authorization to Test in about 2 weeks, licensure typically issued 6–8 weeks after passing the exam |
| License Renewal | Biennial renewal every two years with a $131 fee and a 60-day grace period |
| Continuing Competency | 25 contact hours per renewal cycle, including required modules in pain management and human trafficking |
| Licensure by Endorsement | Same application fee, verification of active unrestricted LPN license, official transcripts or certification form, fingerprint background check, proof of recent practice or completion of a board-approved refresher. |
LPNs working in Michigan receive salaries that match the industry standards and have many job openings throughout the state. The 2025 average LPN salary in Michigan will be between $55,000 to $65,000 depending on the experience level, work environment, and location. LPNs who work in urban hospitals and specialized clinics earn higher salaries than those working in rural areas and long-term care facilities. Employers offer additional compensation beyond stable pay to their employees through health insurance coverage, paid time off, and tuition reimbursement for additional education. The LPN profession continues to have favorable job prospects because of rising healthcare needs combined with population aging.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Michigan | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual LVN Salary | $56,562 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $27.00 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$63,213 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $56,562 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$50,987 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | 3% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~5,950 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Macomb Community College |
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| North Central Michigan College |
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| Delta College |
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The state of Michigan provides LPNs with several career advancement possibilities through additional education and specialization. The path to RN licensure through LPN-to-RN bridge programs leads students to earn an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing which enables them to become registered nurses. The programs validate past learning achievements which results in a shorter duration needed to achieve RN certification. LPNs can obtain specialized certifications in IV therapy and gerontology along with wound care and pharmacology. The acquisition of specialized credentials enables LPNs to secure more advanced positions which generate higher salaries. Long-term care facilities have LPNs who advance to leadership positions that include charge nurse and team leader roles.
Additional Nursing Programs in Michigan
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