Best LPN Programs in Michigan 2026
Find Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) programs in Michigan with details on schools, classes, tuition, and clinical training. Review state licensing requirements and the career outlook for practical nurses across Michigan.
2027 Best LPN Programs in Michigan
Jackson College
Jackson, MI - Public 2-Year - jccmi.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Certificate (PN-C)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Jackson College's Practical Nursing Certificate (PN-C) offers a hybrid pathway to LPN licensure, combining online coursework, labs, clinical experiences, and simulation. The curriculum covers human biology, anatomy and physiology, and nursing fundamentals. Graduates are eligible for the NCLEX-PN and find careers in hospitals, long-term care, clinics, and home health. NLN CNEA-accredited and approved by Michigan LARA, the program has competitive admission: prerequisites with a 2.5 minimum grade, Kaplan Admissions Test with a 52% composite minimum (two attempts max), and an October 1 deadline for spring start. A Student Success Navigator aids students throughout the certificate.
- National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA) accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Starts spring
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- Highly competitive admission
- Kaplan test minimum 52% composite
- Only two attempts on Kaplan test
- Minimum grade of 2.5 in prerequisites
- Spring start with October 1 deadline
West Shore Community College
Scottville, MI - Public 2-Year - westshore.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Certificate
Campus Based - Visit Website
West Shore Community College's Practical Nursing Certificate is a 34-credit, two-semester program that prepares students for the NCLEX-PN and immediate entry into the LPN workforce. The curriculum blends classroom instruction with clinical rotations, covering nursing fundamentals, medical-surgical nursing, obstetrics, pediatrics, basic pharmacology, and anatomy and physiology. Students gain hands-on experience in real healthcare settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community clinics, developing skills in patient care, medication administration, and interdisciplinary teamwork. Admission is competitive, reflecting the program's high standards. Graduates emerge ready for compassionate, patient-centered practice, with career opportunities in diverse healthcare environments. The program also provides gainful employment disclosures, ensuring transparency about outcomes.
- 34 total credit hours
- Admission by competitive selection
- Gainful employment disclosure available
St Clair County Community College
Port Huron, MI - Public 2-Year - sc4.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
St. Clair County Community College’s Practical Nursing program offers a campus-based route to LPN licensure, blending anatomy, English, and health sciences with clinical rotations in long-term care, hospitals, rehab, and home health. Admission is competitive, weighing GPA, prerequisite credits, HESI exam scores, and healthcare experience. Applicants must attend mandatory group advising, meet a 2.5 minimum GPA, and pass a drug screening before clinical placements. The application deadline is October 1, 2025. Financial aid and MichiganWorks! funding are available, and technology resources support online course components. Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX-PN exam and entry-level nursing practice under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians.
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: HESI
- Apply by 2025-10-01
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX
- Financial aid available
- HESI entrance exam mandatory
- Deadline October 1 for admission
- Mandatory group advising session
Davenport University
Grand Rapids, MI - Private 4-year - davenport.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Davenport University’s Practical Nursing diploma delivers a focused 45-credit curriculum that blends classroom theory with hands-on clinical experiences. Accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing, the program spans foundational coursework (17 credits) and nursing major studies (28 credits), covering pharmacology, nutrition, adult nursing, maternal-child health, and geriatric care. Students develop skills in the nursing process, interprofessional communication, patient education, and advocacy. Graduates are prepared for LPN licensure and careers in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. The program emphasizes care across all age groups and includes a C+ requirement in biology courses; medical terminology is recommended. Davenport is recognized as a military-friendly institution.
- National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, Inc. accredited
- 45 total credit hours
- Approved by Michigan Board of Nursing
- Prepares graduates for LPN careers
- Covers all patient age groupings
- Emphasizes health teaching and advocacy
- C+ required in biology courses
- Medical terminology recommended
Delta College
University Center, MI - Public 2-Year - delta.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Nursing (LPN)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Delta College's Practical Nursing certificate provides a fast-track LPN pathway in just five semesters. This hybrid program blends online coursework with hands-on clinicals in a 9,000-square-foot simulated hospital lab. Students build critical thinking, team building, and communication skills for acute care, long-term care, clinics, and home health settings. The 44-credit curriculum costs $11,587 in total tuition, with a 100% licensure pass rate and 100% job placement. Prerequisites include CNA skills, and successful candidates secure a guaranteed clinical spot. Accredited by ACEN and the Michigan Board of Nursing, the program also offers an LPN-to-RN pathway and transfer options to four-year colleges. Financial aid is available, and short wait times allow quick entry into clinical training.
- Michigan Board of Nursing, Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing accredited
- $11,587 total program tuition
- 5-Semester program
- 44 total credit hours
- 100% licensure pass rate
- 100% job placement rate
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- Financial aid available
- 9,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art health professions lab
Michigan LPN Program Overview
Eligibility and Admission Requirements
Prospective students seeking admission to a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program in Michigan must meet specific prerequisites before applying. Typical requirements include having a high school diploma or GED, passing a background check, and submitting proof of immunizations. Some programs require applicants to pass the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) and complete prerequisite coursework in subjects such as biology, anatomy, and basic math. Additionally, applicants must be at least 18 years old and demonstrate English proficiency. Each school may have specific admission criteria, so it’s important to carefully review program-specific requirements.
Program Curriculum and Accreditation
LPN program curricula in Michigan blend classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experiences to develop fundamental nursing skills. Coursework commonly includes pharmacology, nursing fundamentals, medical-surgical nursing, mental health, pediatric care, and gerontology. Clinical rotations take place in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community health settings to give students real-world practice under supervision.
Accreditation is a critical element of any LPN program in Michigan. An accredited program meets the educational standards recognized by the Michigan Board of Nursing and national accrediting bodies. Completing an accredited program ensures eligibility to take the NCLEX-PN examination, which is required for licensure in the state. It also increases future employment opportunities and eligibility for further nursing education. Students can verify program accreditation by checking with the Michigan Board of Nursing.
LPN Schools and Classes
In Michigan, LPN programs are offered at community colleges, technical schools, and some universities with allied health departments. These institutions are spread throughout the state to accommodate students in both urban and rural areas. Programs typically include both theoretical and clinical instruction.
Students can expect to take courses such as anatomy and physiology, nutrition, pharmacology, patient care, and infection control. The curriculum also includes specialized classes in areas like maternal health, geriatrics, and behavioral health. Practical training in laboratories and clinical settings helps reinforce skills including patient monitoring, administering medications, and recording vital signs.
Career Outlook
LPNs in Michigan work in various healthcare settings, including nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, assisted living facilities, clinics, and hospitals. LPNs also serve in home healthcare roles and community-based settings. The state’s aging population contributes to continued demand for practical nurses, especially in long-term care facilities and rural areas.
The career offers stable employment and opportunities for professional growth. Many LPNs pursue advanced nursing education over time to become registered nurses. Work schedules often include evening, night, and weekend shifts, which means flexible scheduling options are available, improving work-life balance depending on the workplace.
LPN Program Length
Michigan LPN programs typically take 12 to 16 months to complete when pursued full-time. Part-time options extend the program length to 18 to 24 months, allowing students to balance work and personal commitments. Evening and weekend programs are also available at select institutions, catering to adult learners and those needing flexible schedules. These alternative formats follow the same curriculum and clinical requirements but over a longer duration.
2027 Shortest LPN Programs in Michigan
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| West Shore Community College |
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| Lansing Community College |
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| North Central Michigan College |
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Tuition and Costs
The tuition for LPN programs in Michigan generally ranges from $5,000 to $18,000 depending on the institution and program structure. Community colleges tend to offer the most affordable options, especially for in-district students. Additional costs include books, uniforms, lab fees, and medical supplies, which can range from $1,500 to $3,000. Housing expenses vary by location but often range between $500 and $1,000 per month depending on whether students live on campus, in shared apartments, or commute from home.
2027 Low-Cost LPN Programs in Michigan
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Kalamazoo Valley Community College |
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| Macomb Community College |
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| Schoolcraft Community College District |
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Can I Take LPN Classes Online?
LPN programs in Michigan cannot be completed entirely online because hands-on clinical training is required by state licensure rules. The Michigan Board of Nursing mandates that students complete a specific number of supervised clinical hours in approved healthcare settings. While some theoretical coursework might be available in a hybrid format, all clinical components must be completed in person to ensure students develop the practical skills needed for safe and effective patient care.
LPN Licensure Requirements in Michigan
NCLEX-PN Exam Information
To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Michigan, graduates of a state-approved practical nursing program must pass the NCLEX-PN exam. This nationally standardized exam is administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and tests essential knowledge and skills required for safe and effective entry-level nursing practice.
Applicants must first obtain Authorization to Test (ATT) from the Michigan Board of Nursing after submitting their LPN licensure application and verifying graduation from an approved program. Fingerprints for a criminal background check are required for licensure in Michigan, though this process does not need to be completed before being approved to take the exam. Full details and application forms are available through the Michigan Board of Nursing.
LPN Reciprocity and Nurse Licensure Compact
Michigan offers licensure by endorsement for LPNs who hold current, active licenses in other states. Nurses applying for reciprocity must provide verification of their license, proof of completion from an approved nursing program, and pass a criminal background check. Endorsement applicants licensed for three years or longer in another state must attest to meeting Michigan’s continuing education requirements for the two-year period immediately preceding the application date, or complete a Board-approved refresher course.
Michigan became a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) on January 19, 2023. This means that LPNs holding a multi-state license from Michigan can practice in other NLC member states without obtaining additional licenses. Similarly, LPNs with a multi-state license from another NLC state can practice in Michigan. This enhances multi-state practice flexibility for Michigan-based LPNs.
Licensure Requirements
The Michigan Board of Nursing, operating under the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), regulates the licensure process for practical nurses. To apply for an LPN license in Michigan, candidates must:
- Graduate from a Michigan Board-approved LPN program
- Submit a complete application through the Michigan Professional Licensing User System (MiPLUS)
- Pass the NCLEX-PN exam
- Provide fingerprint-based background check results
Educational programs must be approved by the state for students to be considered eligible for licensure. A list of approved programs can be found on the Michigan Board of Nursing website.
License Renewal
LPN licenses in Michigan must be renewed every two years. As part of the renewal process, LPNs are required to complete 25 contact hours of continuing education during each licensing cycle. At least one of these hours must cover pain and pain symptom management, as required by Michigan law.
LPNs should maintain documentation of their continuing education in case of audit. No minimum number of clinical hours is mandated, but failure to meet the continuing education requirements can prevent renewal. Renewal applications are typically processed through the online MiPLUS system, and nurses should begin the process well in advance of their license expiration date.
Michigan LPN Salary Compared to National Average Salary For LPN/LVNs
The average salary for a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Michigan is $65,430, which is notably higher than the national average of $62,340. This wage premium can be attributed to several state-specific factors, including a regional cost of living that influences compensation benchmarks. Furthermore, Michigan's demographic trends, which affect long-term care demand, coupled with the dynamics of hospital openings and closures, create competitive labor conditions that can drive salaries upward. State regulations governing the LPN scope of practice also play a role in determining overall compensation levels within Michigan's healthcare market.
Average LPN National Salary
$62,340 per year
2024 Median Pay reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Michigan LPN Certificate/Diploma vs. Associate Degree
LPN Diploma/Certificate
Program Length:
12 to 15 months on average.
Credential Awarded:
Certificate or Diploma of Completion.
NCLEX-PN Eligibility:
Yes.
Program Focus:
Concentrated on core nursing theory and essential hands-on clinical skills required for entry-level LPN practice.
Average In-State Tuition in Michigan:
Total program cost typically ranges from $8,000 to $20,000, varying widely between public and private schools.
Best For:
Individuals seeking the quickest and most direct path to enter the nursing workforce as an LPN.
School Types:
Community colleges, private career colleges, and vocational/technical schools.
LPN Associate Degree
Program Length:
2 years (approximately 24 months).
Credential Awarded:
Associate of Applied Science (AAS).
NCLEX-PN Eligibility:
Yes.
Program Focus:
Includes all LPN clinical and theory coursework, plus required general education courses like English, math, and social sciences.
Average In-State Tuition in Michigan:
Total program cost typically ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 at a community college.
Best For:
Students who plan to continue their education to become a Registered Nurse (RN) and want a degree with transferable credits.
School Types:
Primarily community colleges. This option is less common in Michigan than the certificate/diploma route for LPNs.
Choose Diploma/Certificate If:
- Faster Completion: You can enter the workforce and start earning an income in about one year, significantly faster than a degree path.
- Lower Overall Cost: With fewer required credit hours and a shorter time in school, the total tuition and associated costs are generally lower.
- Focused Curriculum: The program concentrates solely on the nursing skills and knowledge needed to pass the NCLEX-PN and work as an LPN, avoiding general education requirements.
Choose Associate Degree If:
- Clearer Pathway to RN: The general education credits earned are typically designed to transfer directly into an LPN-to-RN or LPN-to-BSN bridge program, saving time later.
- Broader Education: The curriculum develops stronger critical thinking and communication skills, which are highly valued in healthcare settings.
- Enhanced Career Foundation: Holding a college degree (AAS) can be a personal achievement and may provide a stronger academic foundation for future leadership or specialized roles.
- Financial Aid Options: As a full degree program, it may qualify for different or more extensive types of federal financial aid and scholarships compared to some non-credit certificate programs.
📚 LPN vs Other Entry Level Healthcare Careers in Michigan
| Career | Salary | Program Length | Exam | Clinical Hours | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LPN | $52,000 - $78,000 | 10-15 months | NCLEX-PN | 500-600 hours | $12,000 - $18,000 |
| MA | $32,000 - $48,500 | 8-12 months | CMA (AAMA), RMA (AMT), or CCMA (NHA) | 160-200 hours | $6,000 - $17,000 |
| CNA | $31,000 - $47,500 | 3-8 weeks | Michigan Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation | 16-40 hours | $500 - $2,000 |
| DA | $37,000 - $57,500 | 9-11 months | DANB (CDA) Exam; MI RDA Exam | 300-450 hours | $8,000 - $18,000 |
| Pharm Tech | $31,000 - $47,500 | 7-12 months | PTCB (CPhT) or NHA (ExCPT) Exam | 120-200 hours | $5,000 - $16,000 |
| Phlebotomist | $32,000 - $49,000 | 4-16 weeks | PBT (ASCP), CPT (NHA), or RPT (AMT) | 40-120 hours | $800 - $3,000 |
| OTA | $49,000 - $79,500 | 2 years (Associate's Degree) | NBCOT COTA Exam | Minimum 640 hours | $18,000 - $25,000 |
List of LPN Programs in Michigan
Alpena, MI
Alpena Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Licensed Practical Nursing Certificate
Campus Based - Website
- ACEN accredited
- 3-Semester program
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Hands-on learning in simulated hospital
- Partnership with MyMichigan Health for surgical services
- LPN career paths: hospitals, nursing homes, doctors' offices
- State-of-the-art technology: simulators and Anatomage table
Battle Creek, MI
Kellogg Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Certificate
Campus Based - Website
- ACEN accredited
- Full-time and part-time options
- 96% licensure pass rate
- 50% job placement rate
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- High-fidelity patient simulators
- Employer praise: best prepared graduates
- LPN to RN bridge option
Detroit, MI
Wayne County Community College District
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Program
Campus Based - Website
- ACEN accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: HESI
- 12-Month program
- 40 total credit hours
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- Simulation lab with high-fidelity manikins
Escanaba, MI
Bay de Noc Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nurse, Certificate
Campus Based - Website
- 36 total credit hours
- 1 start dates per year
- Starts fall
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- Nearly 100% employment rate
- Michigan salary range $54,710-$59,400
- Transfer credits to ADN/BSN
- Background check and drug test
Flint, MI
Mott Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Certificate
Campus Based - Website
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: HESI
- 41 total credit hours
- Starts fall/winter
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- Eligible for NCLEX-PN licensure
Grand Rapids, MI
Davenport University
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, Inc. accredited
- 45 total credit hours
- Approved by Michigan Board of Nursing
- Prepares graduates for LPN careers
- Covers all patient age groupings
- Emphasizes health teaching and advocacy
- C+ required in biology courses
- Medical terminology recommended
Grand Rapids Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Certificate
Campus Based - Website
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), Michigan Board of Nursing accredited
- Prerequisite courses required
- National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX)
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- Pass rates above national and state averages
- Simulation lab hospital skills practice
- Clinical partnerships with local employers
Ironwood, MI
Gogebic Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical/Vocational Nursing Program
Campus Based - Website
- National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA) accredited
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-LPN
- Interactive classroom with certified faculty
- Hands-on lab and simulation experiences
- Clinical experiences with real patients
- Articulation agreements for RN to BSN
Jackson, MI
Jackson College
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Certificate (PN-C)
Online & Campus Based - Website
- National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA) accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Starts spring
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- Highly competitive admission
- Kaplan test minimum 52% composite
- Only two attempts on Kaplan test
Kalamazoo, MI
Kalamazoo Valley Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing accredited
- Apply by 2027-04-15
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- Careers in acute care hospitals
- Pathway to RN licensure
Lansing, MI
Lansing Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing - PN Option CA 0235
Campus Based - Website
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing accredited
- 2-Year program
- 42 total credit hours
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- Career ladder concept
- Traditional or 2nd Degree tracks
- Eligible to take NCLEX-PN
Livonia, MI
Schoolcraft Community College District
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing: Practical Certificate (PN)
Campus Based - Website
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts fall/winter
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- Financial aid available
- Approved by Michigan Board of Nursing
- Two start terms: fall and winter
Madison Heights, MI
Dorsey College
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nurse
Campus Based - Website
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), Council on Occupational Education accredited
- 1-Year program
- Complete in just one year
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- Financial aid available
- NCLEX-PN preparation included
- Hands-on clinical training
- Multiple Michigan campuses
Monroe, MI
Monroe County Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing: Practical, Certificate
Campus Based - Website
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing accredited
- 1 start dates per year
- Michigan Board of Nursing approved
- PN to RN bridge pathway
- Limited enrollment program
- Classroom, lab, and clinical training
- Prepares for LPN licensure roles
- Employment in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes
Muskegon, MI
Muskegon Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nurse Diploma
Campus Based - Website
- 40 total credit hours
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- Seamless pathway to RN and BSN degrees
- Concurrent enrollment with MSU and GVSU
- Minimum C+ (2.3) in nursing courses
- 8-year rule for course validity
- Must meet with advising for application
Petoskey, MI
North Central Michigan College
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nurse Certificate (PN)
Campus Based - Website
- ACEN accredited
- 1-Year program
- 1 start dates per year
- Starts winter
- 90% licensure pass rate
- Cohort-based structure
- 80% job placement rate
- 2.0 GPA minimum
Port Huron, MI
St Clair County Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: HESI
- Apply by 2025-10-01
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX
- Financial aid available
- HESI entrance exam mandatory
Scottville, MI
West Shore Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Certificate
Campus Based - Website
- 34 total credit hours
- Admission by competitive selection
- Gainful employment disclosure available
Traverse City, MI
Northwestern Michigan College
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing - Practical, Certificate of Achievement
Campus Based - Website
- Approved by Michigan Board of Nursing
- Projected job growth 5 to 10 percent
- Nursing care facilities, home health, hospitals
- Articulation agreement with Davenport University
University Center, MI
Delta College
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing (LPN)
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Michigan Board of Nursing, Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing accredited
- $11,587 total program tuition
- 5-Semester program
- 44 total credit hours
- 100% licensure pass rate
- 100% job placement rate
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
Warren, MI
Macomb Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Licensed Practical Nurse
Campus Based - Website
- Entrance exam required
- $12,000 total program tuition
- 1-Year program
- Apply by 2025-06-02
- Starts fall
- $64,000 median earnings
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for LPN board tests
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