10 Best LPN Programs in Michigan | Accredited Online LPN Programs 2025

As a Michigan resident, if you're interested in the best accredited LPN programs online, it's important to choose one with rigorous academic standards and high graduation rates. Several colleges across the state offer flexible options, including hybrid, full-time, and part-time LPN programs to help start your nursing career in a matter of months. This guide provides essential information to help you find the best program.

Accredited LPN Programs Online in Michigan

Online LPN schools are growing in popularity, making admissions competitive and wait lists common. While some coursework can be completed online, all LPN certificate programs require some in-person classes. The following list encompasses full- and part-time LPN programs in Michigan that offer online flexibility and high academic standards. All are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, or the Michigan Board of Nursing.

1. Muskegon Community College

As one of the state's best LPN programs, Muskegon Community College is highly competitive with a nearly two-year waitlist. The nursing program allows students to earn both an LPN diploma and an Associate of Applied Science in nursing degree. For students interested in LPN online classes, they may take core requirements such as English and math. Located northwest of Grand Rapids, the total cost of the full-time, six-term program is about $10,000 in-district and $15,500 for out-of-district residents.

2. Delta College

Convenient to Bay City and Saginaw, Delta College has a highly rated LPN program where some instructors at Delta College have received national awards for excellence. Approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing, the LPN certificate program takes about a year to complete after prerequisite courses. The prerequisites, like English, math, and psychology, may be taken through Delta's online portal using the Desire2Learn software. Delta College is one of the most affordable LPN programs in Michigan since tuition is $135 per credit hour for in-district students and $235 per credit hour for out-of-state residents.

3. St. Clair College

St. Clair College's yearlong full-time LPN certificate program is also competitive since prospective students must pass a test of basic skills and maintain a 2.5 GPA for enrollment. However, more than 90% of graduates pass the state NCLEX-PN licensure test, making it one of the best accredited LPN programs. Online LPN class options only include core subjects, not nursing classes since those have several in-person elements. Tuition is $200 per credit hour for St. Clair County K-12 school districts and $285 per credit hour for other Michigan residents.

4. West Shore Community College

West Shore Community College's LPN program ensures that nearly 100% of its graduates pass the NCLEX-PN exam for licensure on their first attempt, a sign of solid training. Students must maintain a minimum GPA and enroll in two semesters of almost 18 credit class hours each. Prerequisite classes can be taken online but nursing courses require attendance because in-person evaluations and lab work are necessary. Located near Scottville and Ludington, West Shore is an affordable boost to your career as tuition is under $200 per credit hour for state residents.

5. Grand Rapids Community College

Student services and nursing instructors work hand-in-hand at Grand Rapids Community College to help students overcome academic challenges. Online courses are part of the school's flexibility, as they can be synchronous, independent, or hybrid, facilitating student success when taking LPN program prerequisites. Tutoring and academic assistance are available specifically for the math placement test. The four-semester program is affordable as the total of in-state tuition is $11,200.

6. Northwestern Michigan College

One of the fastest LPN programs in the nation, Northwestern Michigan College requires just two full-time semesters of nursing classes for the LPN certificate once prerequisite courses are completed. To make it easier for students, online courses for the LPN program are readily accessible through NMC's membership in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement, a collaboration with other colleges that allows access to hundreds of virtual classes. In-person classes, which are always required in nursing programs, are convenient to Traverse City. Tuition and fees total $14,300 for local residents and $27,000 for out-of-state students.

7. Monroe County Community College

The Monroe County Community College practical nursing program, located near Detroit, challenges those interested in a nursing career. Completing the program is hard work, as only 60% of students who are admitted to the program finish it. Although online accredited LPN programs are rare, MCCC provides virtual access in six modes (such as hybrid, synchronous, and HyFlex) to make completing prerequisite courses easier. It's an affordable career option as tuition per credit hour ranges from $130 to $246 depending on residency.

8. Alpena Community College

Located in the Thunder Bay region, the LPN certificate program at Alpena Community College emphasizes affordability and flexibility. Available on both the Alpena and Oscoda campuses, the LPN certificate can be completed in three full-time semesters. It is one of the best LPN programs for its low cost of $4,600 annually for local residents and $7,300 for others. Additional financial aid may be found through the school's searchable scholarship database that provides access to school-specific and state-level assistance.

9. Kalamazoo Valley Community College

Enrollment in the Kalamazoo Valley Community College LPN program opens in April, and five applications are received for each available seat, making the LPN certificate a highly competitive program. Admission criteria is a points system, which takes into account the applicant's GPA and character.

KVCC has structured the program in four full-time semesters. LPN online classes, which may substitute for basic requirements like English and math, use the Canvas platform. Hands-on laboratory work and patient care evaluations taught in nursing classes require in-person attendance. The cost per credit hour varies from $127 for local residents to $292 for out-of-state.

10. North Central College

The three-semester practical nurse certificate program at North Central College isn't particularly competitive, but it produces successful practical nurses: graduates have achieved a 100% pass rate on the state licensure exam in the last two years. Careful planning is necessary for prospective students as new classes start only in January and are limited to 40 available seats. Prerequisites include an introduction to healthcare and two anatomy and physiology classes, which must be completed with an acceptable grade prior to beginning the LPN program. Tuition is $200 to $300 per credit hour depending upon residency.

Our Selection Criteria

The best nursing certificate programs are a mix of academic rigor, transparency, student support services, and strong outcomes. In addition to those components, the following standards were necessary for inclusion on this list:

• Accreditation: All colleges included are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the Michigan Board of Nursing, or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing to ensure graduates are prepared for a nursing career or further education.
• Accessibility: Student services at each college are available and committed to accommodating students' financial and academic needs.
• Transparency: Each program provides prospective students with clear and accessible information on all requirements, standards, and costs.

What To Expect From a Licensed Practical Nurse Program

In order to be accepted into an LPN program, or even an online accredited LPN program, you will always need to have a high school diploma. Some programs will require that you have completed certain post-high school prerequisite courses, which you can enroll in at your local community college or take those LPN classes online.

In the LPN program, you'll take courses that focus on the following topics:

• anatomy and physiology
• basic pharmacology
• chemistry
• biology
• maternity care
• pediatrics
• adult health

These courses will combine classroom learning with lab experiences or even in-person hospital and long-term care facility experiences as well. If you enroll in an accelerated program, you should expect to devote yourself entirely to earning this diploma because the courses are intensive and demanding.

All LPN programs should prepare you to pass the NCLEX-PN, which is required for licensure in your state. It's always good to check what a school's pass rate is to see how well-prepared you will be for the exam.

Fast-Track LPN Programs in Michigan

Fast-track LPN programs in Michigan allow students to complete all of the necessary courses on an accelerated basis. For instance, a 12-month LPN program is normal, allowing ample time to meet requirements, but a 6-month LPN program is rare. Completing an accredited program in six months would mean the school has a generous transfer credit policy or enrolls students with experience that counts as credits.

A couple accredited programs allow students to graduate in a 9-month LPN program, including Northwestern Michigan College, which has a two-semester program. It still requires satisfactory completion of four prerequisite courses in English, biology, and math. If finishing quickly is your goal, ask an academic advisor to discuss whether an accelerated program is realistic.

Read More: What Is the Fastest Way To Become an LPN?

FAQs About Online LPN Degree Programs in Michigan

If you still have questions about LPN programs in Michigan that are flexible, have online classes, offer part-time LPN programs, or provide learning accommodations through student services, read below for answers to the most common questions.

What Is the Easiest LPN School To Get Into in Michigan?

Community colleges in remote areas are unlikely to have competitive admissions and a waiting list. Grand Rapids Community College requires a 2.0 GPA (C) on prerequisite courses for admission to the accredited LPN certificate program. However, demand for the program usually results in a wait list of six months or more.

Kalamazoo Valley Community College allows students with a 2.0 GPA (C) to enter the program if other requirements are met, such as a successful background check.

What Courses Are Typically in an Online LPN Program?

Classes required for an LPN program include basic education classes like:

• English composition
• psychology
• algebra

Standard nursing courses within an LPN certificate program include:

• nursing fundamentals
• pharmacology
• maternal and child health nursing

How Long Does It Take To Become an LPN in Michigan?

LPN programs in Michigan are typically three semesters long, after prerequisite classes are complete. A full-time student can complete most LPN program requirements in less than two years. Like online LPN programs in Michigan, fast-track programs are uncommon, but some students can finish in about a year.

Can I Get Financial Aid To Help Pay for my LPN program in Michigan?

Yes, community colleges are typically the cheapest online colleges that accept FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), the application for federal student aid that's available online, through high school guidance counselors, or at college financial aid offices. Submit a completed FAFSA to the financial aid office of the college you want to attend, and ask to meet with a financial aid counselor who can explain loans, grants, and scholarships.

Find Online LPN Programs

When you're ready to take a step toward a new career, Learn.org is a great resource. Students seeking online LPN and other vocational programs to improve their job opportunities should gather as much information as possible to weigh their options. To plan your future in healthcare, request more information from the LPN schools that fit your needs.