Best LPN Programs in Michigan

Last Updated/Verified: Aug 20, 2023

In Michigan, licensed practical nurses (LPNs) play a major role in shaping the quality of healthcare in the state. With the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projecting favorable employment growth for the industry at approximately 11% through 2028, it’s easy to see why many in the state are looking into LPN programs to find rewarding, solid careers. To join the ranks of these valued healthcare workers, you must first find and enroll in an approved Michigan LPN program. LPNs in Michigan earn approximately $27.49 per hour, which equates to an average annual salary of $57,180. This is roughly $1,320 per year more than the national average.

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Are you looking to become a licensed practical nurse in Michigan? The school you choose is important when it comes to getting your license. Approved programs in Michigan are offered at community colleges, technical centers, and private career schools - we list 20 schools across the state. After careful review of NCLEX-PN exam first-time pass rates over the past several years, we have ranked the top 5 programs. For more information on our LPN program rankings, see our Methodology page.

To see all the top ranked LPN programs in Michigan click here.

Details on Michigan LPN Schools & Classes

Michigan is home to many schools that offer accredited LPN programs. From community colleges to technical schools across the state, prospective students have their choice of where they want to complete their LPN education. Most LPN programs take between 1 and 2 years to complete, depending on whether the student attends part-time or full-time, which is an advantage over the 4-year bachelor’s degree in nursing.

LPN programs in the state are comprised of core nursing courses, electives, and labs. Common course titles include:

  • Foundations of Nursing and Critical Thinking
  • Pharmacology
  • Nutrition in Nursing
  • Nursing of Adults
  • Maternal and Child Nursing
  • Geriatrics and Mental Health

Accreditation

When given the choice between schools with LPN programs, students are advised to take great care in picking a school that is properly accredited. Accreditations give students that extra layer of confidence, as they are held to rigorous standards. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing is a main, national accrediting body that lends its seal of approval to LPN programs that fit the bill. Smaller, regional accrediting organizations may also be available. Additionally, students will want to make sure their program of choice is approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing.

Admission Requirements

Choosing the right LPN program is just the first step; you must also ensure that you meet all of the school’s admissions requirements. While these may vary, most schools require the following:

  • High school diploma/GED
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
  • Personal statement (essay)
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Completion of ATI TEAS exam
  • Criminal background check and drug screen

Tuition and Costs

While total LPN program expenses will vary due to a variety of factors (type of school, whether or not the student requires room and board, etc.), all students can count on having to pay for tuition, mandatory fees, and course supplies. For example, the total cost of the LPN program at Muskegon Community College is estimated at about $9,000 for in-district students, and nearly $14,000 for out-of-district students. This does not include the cost of any prerequisite courses that a student may need to take. For those who have a financial need, student loans, scholarships, and other aid is typically available through most schools.

For those interested in advancing their nursing career, see our Michigan LPN to RN/BSN programs page.

Michigan LPN Licensing Requirements

After first completing a state-approved education program that not only provides the necessary curriculum but also hands-on training for patient interaction, the applicant is on their way to becoming an LPN in Michigan. The approved program can usually be completed in one to two years, then the graduate must register and pass the NCLEX-PN to become licensed in the state.

As an LPN, certain physical requirements may be part of the job application. Being able to lift patients, move machinery, and stand for long periods of time may be required to perform the job properly.

Michigan LPN licenses expire every 2 years and require 25 hours of board-approved continued education to renew.

NCLEX Exam Information

To officially gain licensure as an LPN in Michigan, the NCLEX-PN exam must be passed. This test consists of roughly 100 nursing-based questions that cover a variety of categories. For detailed information on the NCLEX-PN, check out our comprehensive guide here.  Students can also take the  NCLEX-PN practice test to study and prepare for the real examination.

LPN Reciprocity and NLC

Michigan is currently pending Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) legislation. The NLC agreement increases patient access to care while maintaining public protection at the state level. Under the NLC, nurses with licenses from other NLC states can practice without having to obtain additional licenses.

Nurses from out of state can apply for an LPN license in Michigan by endorsement as long as they meet the following criteria:

  • Must currently be licensed as an LPN in another state
  • If education was obtained outside of the U.S., must have a Professional Report evaluation of education completed by the Credentials Evaluation Service (CES) of CFGNS, or have a full course-by-course credential evaluation completed
  • Submit the LPN by Endorsement license online application
  • A fingerprint report and criminal background check are required

For more information on Michigan LPN license by endorsement, visit here.

Top Ranked Michigan LPN Programs

1

Muskegon Community College

221 Quarterline Rd, Muskegon Township, MI 49442 - (231) 777-0510 - Visit Homepage

Muskegon Community College (MCC), located in Muskegon Township, Michigan, with satellite campuses in Fremont, Whitehall, Newaygo, and Grand Haven, offers 52 Associate Degree programs, 35 certification programs, and a variety of non-credit courses for personal and professional achievement. MCC offers small classes, affordable tuition, flexible schedules, and an award-winning faculty.

Overall Score: 99.64 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
2

West Shore Community College

3000 N Stiles Rd, Scottville, MI 49454 - (231) 845-6211 - Visit Homepage

West Shore Community College (WSCC) is a comprehensive two-year institution located in Scottvile, Michigan. WSCC offers occupational programs leading to immediate employment or transfer to a senior institution, as well as associates degrees, one-year certifications, and a variety of non-credit personal and professional development courses.

Overall Score: 98.08 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
3

Lansing Community College

515 N. Washington Square, Lansing, MI 48933 - (517) 483-1410 - Visit Homepage

Lansing Community College offers a Career Ladder Nursing program. The coursework for the LPN program provides the basis for an in-depth study of the theory and nursing care of adults, children, and families. Clinical experiences include extended care facilities, hospitals, and community agencies where students provide nursing care to geriatric, medical, surgical, maternity, and pediatric patients.

Overall Score: 98.02 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
4

Gogebic Community College - Ironwood

E4946 Jackson Rd, Ironwood, MI 49938 - (906) 932-4231 - Visit Homepage

At Gogebic Community College, LPN students are trained to care for the sick, injured, convalescent, and disabled under the direction of a physician or registered nurse. They care for infants, children, pregnant women, adults, or the elderly.

Overall Score: 97.71 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
5

Schoolcraft College

1751 Radcliff St, Garden City, MI 48135 - (734) 462-4770 - Visit Homepage

Schoolcraft College is a comprehensive open-door community-based institution located in Garden City, Michigan, with additional locations in Livonia and Radcliff. Schoolcraft offers associate's degrees, certificates, skills certificates, and post-associate certification, as well as occupational course and liberal arts courses designed to help students achieve personal and professional goals.

Overall Score: 97.63 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools

Continued List of All Programs in Michigan

RankedProgramScore
#6 Glen Oaks Community College
62249 Shimmel Rd, Centreville, MI 49032
(269) 467-9945
97.35
#7 Grand Rapids Community College
143 Bostwick Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 234-4000
97.04
#8 Gogebic Community College
47420 Highway M-26 #10, Houghton, MI 49931
(906) 483-0070
96.91
#9 Delta College
1961 Delta Rd, University Center, MI 48710
(989) 686-9000
96.49
#10 Monroe County Community College
1555 S Raisinville Rd, Monroe, MI 48161
(734) 242-7300
96.14
#11 Jackson College
2111 Emmons Rd, Jackson, MI 49201
(517) 787-0800
95.21
#12 Alpena Community College
665 Johnson St, Alpena, MI 49707
(989) 356-9021
94.51
#13 Northwestern Michigan College
1701 E Front St, Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 995-1000
94.32
#14 Davenport University - Midland
3555 E. Patrick Rd, Midland, MI 48642
(989) 835-5588
91.74
#15 Bay College
2001 N Lincoln Road, Escanaba, MI 49829
(906) 786-5802
88.96
#16 St. Clair County Community College
323 Erie St, Port Huron, MI 48060
(810) 989-5500
86.67
#17 Davenport University - Warren
27650 Dequindre Rd, Warren, MI 48092
(586) 558-8700
80.82
#18 Northern Michigan University
1401 Presque Isle Ave, Marquette, MI 49855
(906) 227-1000
73.86
#19 Detroit Business Institute Downriver
19100 Fort St, Riverview, MI 48193
(734) 479-0660
72.84

Programs Not Included In Rankings

Program
Wayne County Community College District
801 W. Fort Street, Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 943-4000

Are we missing your school's program or need to make changes to the information listed? Please contact us.

Additional MI Nursing Resources

 

LPN Salary in Michigan

The table below lists career information organized by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for licensed practical nurses in Michigan. The table is sorted by total employment, with the largest metropolitan areas listed first.

AreaTotal EmploymentAverage Hourly WageAverage Annual Salary
Detroit, Warren, Dearborn3,880$29.10$60,520
Grand Rapids, Wyoming1,310$27.34$56,860
Ann Arbor470$28.93$60,180
Flint360$28.07$58,380
Kalamazoo, Portage340$26.54$55,210
Lansing, East Lansing330$26.80$55,750
Saginaw260$26.75$55,650
Jackson220$27.81$57,850
Monroe150$27.42$57,030
Muskegon150$25.60$53,240
Battle Creek130$27.16$56,480
Niles, Benton Harbor110$27.42$57,040
Bay City100$24.99$51,980
Midland70$25.77$53,600

Table data sourced from 2022 BLS (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292061.htm)