Best 2-Year Nursing Programs in Michigan (ASN & ADN Online)

Becoming a registered nurse (RN) in Michigan starts with completing a nursing program approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing or accredited by an organization such as the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Some students choose to complete a four-year bachelor's program, while others opt for accredited 2-year nursing programs that lead to an associate degree and RN licensure.

If you're ready to start a nursing career fast, keep reading. Below, we'll highlight where students can earn 2-year nursing degrees online and in-person.

What Is a 2-Year Nursing Program?

A two-year nursing program for students with a non-nursing background prepares enrollees to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NLCEX) and secure a nursing license in the state. In these programs, learners develop RN skills through didactic coursework, labs, and clinical experiences in healthcare settings.

Upon completion, students typically earn an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). Learn more about these programs below.

Associate of Science in Nursing

An Associate of Science in Nursing is a two-year degree that focuses on clinical practice and didactic nursing courses. Concepts explored include pharmacology, health assessment, pediatric nursing, and mental health nursing.

Nursing students participate in clinical rotations in healthcare settings and labs on the campus. When finished, they can take the NCLEX-RN and secure nursing licensure.

Associate Degree in Nursing

An Associate Degree in Nursing is both a nursing degree and a term that describes all associate programs that lead to nursing degrees. For example, an ASN is a type of ADN. However, you can find nursing schools that offer ADNs as their associate degree programs for nurses.

ADN degrees provide similar nursing coursework and hands-on clinical experiences as ASN programs. Upon completion, learners take the NCLEX-RN and obtain a nursing license.

Are There Online 2-Year Nursing Degrees in Michigan?

Yes, you can find accredited online nursing degree programs that lead to licensure in Michigan.

These programs, which are very similar to traditional on-campus programs, explore key nursing concepts and provide clinical training. However, instead of commuting to campus for class, learners take nursing courses online. Clinical experiences are often completed at a medical facility in the student's local community.

Best 2-Year ASN and ADN Programs in Michigan

A new career in nursing starts with enrolling in the right program. Explore the list below to find some of the best two-year ASN and ADN programs in Michigan.

1. Oakland Community College

Oakland Community College in Auburn Hills is home to an ACEN-accredited Associate in Applied Science (AAS), which prepares students for the NCLEX exam and licensure. Program requirements include completing general education courses in social science, fine arts, and English, as well as nursing courses in pharmacology, foundations of nursing, and mental health.

In addition to coursework, learners gain hands-on experience through labs and clinical placements. To enroll, students must show proof of high school graduation or a GED credential, complete the HESI-A2 exam, and attend a mandatory nursing information session.

• Estimated tuition cost: $115 per billable contact hour (in-district); $217 per billable contact hour (out-of-district)
• Accreditation: ACEN

2. Henry Ford College

Students seeking careers as entry-level RNs can pursue an AAS degree at Henry Ford College's School of Nursing. This program teaches students to use evidence-based practices in nursing care delivery. Learners build critical thinking and clinical decision-making skills through surgical nursing, maternity care, and health assessment courses, as well as real-world clinical placements.

To meet the school's admission requirements, students need a 2.70 GPA. They must also complete the Nursing Admission Test (NAT) and attend a virtual nursing information session.

• Estimated tuition cost: $115.50 to $200 per credit (in-district); $202 to $265 per credit (out-of-district); $292.50 to $350 per credit (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: ACEN

3. Grand Rapids Community College

At Grand Rapids Community College, students can pursue the ADN and obtain RN licensure with or without a nursing background. While the program traditionally admits learners entering the field for the first time, students who work as licensed practical nurses (LPNs) can qualify for advanced standing.

Nursing courses explore concepts such as developmental psychology, basic nursing skills, and population health. To enroll, applicants need a 2.5 GPA (or a GED equivalent). They must also submit HESI exam scores and complete prerequisite courses.

• Estimated tuition cost: $124 per credit (resident); $261 per credit (non-resident)
• Accreditation: ACEN

4. Northwestern Michigan College

Students interested in enrolling in an online ADN program can find an ACEN-accredited degree at Northwestern Michigan College. Offered each fall, the full-time program delivers nursing theory and academic classes online. Labs and clinical courses are completed in-person in the Traverse City area, two or three days per week.

Coursework explores the fundamentals of nursing, acute nursing, lifespan nursing, pharmacology, and other key concepts. To gain admission, students should have a 2.75 GPA, complete pre-nursing courses, and pass the HESI-A2 exam.

• Estimated tuition cost: $126 to $151 per contact hour (in-district); $269 to $308 per contact hour (in-state); $350 to $399 per contact hour (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: ACEN

5. Schoolcraft College

At Schoolcraft College in Livonia, learners can begin their nursing career by pursuing the Nursing: Registered (RN) AAS degree. In this program, students prepare for RN licensure while acquiring the academic background to qualify for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program for RNs.

Prerequisite courses include introductory psychology, human anatomy and physiology, and a mathematics course. Once enrolled, learners study the foundations of nursing practice, maternal and child nursing, and advanced medical-surgical nursing.

• Estimated tuition cost: $139 per credit (residents); $200 per credit (non-residents); $270 per credit (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: ACEN

6. Mott Community College

The AAS in nursing at Mott Community College teaches evidence-based practice, foundations in patient care, care of pediatric patients, advanced patient care management, and beyond. Clinical placements provide hands-on experience in medical settings.

To gain admission, students must possess a high school diploma or GED, submit standardized test scores, and complete prerequisite courses. Nursing programs at this community college boast an impressive first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate of 99.1% and a job placement rate of 100%.

• Estimated tuition cost: $160 per hour (in-district); $210 per hour (out-of-district); $299 per hour (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: ACEN

7. Bay College

Bay College's AAS in nursing is a five-semester program providing the competencies students need to become RNs in Michigan. Enrollees take theoretical nursing courses and get practical experience by working in a cutting-edge simulation lab. They also participate in supervised clinical rotations in hospitals and long-term care facilities.

After earning this degree, learners can start their RN careers or transfer to a bachelor's degree program to pursue roles as nurse anesthetists, nurse practitioners, and nurse administrators. Students who complete Bay College nursing programs have an NCLEX pass rate of nearly 92%.

• Estimated tuition cost: $160 to $238 per contact hour (Delta and Dickson counties); $275 per contact hour (in-state and Wisconsin reciprocal counties); $337 per contact hour (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: ACEN

8. Lake Michigan College

Lake Michigan College, with locations in Benton Harbor, Niles, and South Haven, offers an AAS in nursing that teaches core nursing values, such as professionalism, evidence-based practice, safety, and patient-centered care. Eligibility for admission starts with completing prerequisite courses and having a GPA of 2.5 or higher.

Once enrolled, learners study pharmacology, community mental health nursing, current issues in nursing, and beyond. Graduates of this program have a 100% first-time NCLEX pass rate. All students have obtained a job within six months.

• Estimated tuition cost: $187 per contact hour (domestic)
• Accreditation: ACEN

9. North Central Michigan College

The ACEN-accredited ADN program at North Central Michigan College combines classroom teaching, clinicals, and labs to provide a comprehensive experience in nursing education. Enrollees explore concepts such as holistic health, acute care, complex care, and physical assessment.

This two-year program accepts 48 students per cohort, with one cohort starting each fall. Admission requires a 2.75 GPA, the appropriate Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) score, and completion of prerequisite courses.

• Estimated tuition cost: $190 per contact hour (in-district); $290 per contact hour (in-state); $368 per contact hour (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: ACEN

10. Herzing University

Herzing University's 24-month online ASN program offers real-time and on-demand didactic courses in health assessment, nursing fundamentals, and family nursing while providing in-person learning via on-site clinicals and intensives at designated Herzing or partner sites. Michigan is one of several states eligible for enrollment.

Herzing offers other nursing degrees, including traditional and second-degree BSN programs. A direct-entry Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) for non-nurses is also available.

• Estimated tuition cost: $925 per credit
• Accreditation: ACEN

How We Rank Schools

Our team rigorously vetted the schools in this ranking list to confirm that each meets the following criteria for providing a high-quality academic experience:

• Accreditation: All colleges and universities in this list are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Programs are accredited by the ACEN.
• Program length: We selected schools with nursing programs that students generally complete in two years.
• Program reputation: Nursing programs in this list have quality reputations with high NCLEX pass rates and job placement rates.

FAQs About 2-Year Nursing Programs in Michigan

Do you want to take the next step toward a two-year nursing degree in Michigan? Review the FAQs below to learn more about these programs.

How Can I Become a Nurse in 2 Years in Michigan?

ADN and ASN programs make it easy to become a nurse in two years in Michigan. Most associate programs are designed for completion in this timeframe. If you want to improve your ability to graduate in 24 months, consider enrolling in your program full-time.

What Is the Fastest RN Program in Michigan?

Most ASN and ADN programs in Michigan last two years. However, you might be able to speed up degree completion in a few ways. As you research programs, consider nursing schools that accept transfer credits to help students graduate sooner. You can also look for colleges that take prior learning credits, such as CLEP or AP.

What Is the Easiest Nursing School in Michigan?

When searching for the easiest nursing programs to get into, look for institutions with higher acceptance rates and more lenient admissions policies. For instance, you might consider programs that have low or no GPA requirements or are test-optional.

How Much Does a 2-Year Nursing Program Cost?

Two-year nursing programs don't have a set tuition cost. Several factors, including residency (e.g., in-district vs. out-of-district vs. out-of-state), can play a major role in the amount you'll pay to earn your degree. If you're looking for an affordable program, consider the AAS at Oakland College. This program charges $115 per billable contact hour for in-district learners and $217 per billable contact hour for out-of-district students.

What Are the Prerequisites for a 2-Year Nursing Program?

For most two-year programs, meeting educational requirements for nurses begins with completing prerequisite courses such as:

• psychology
• English or language arts
• human anatomy and physiology
• algebra
• social science
• nutrition
• biology

Discover Nursing Programs

Begin your journey toward a rewarding career in nursing by exploring the accredited degree programs on Learn.org. Contact schools of interest today to learn how they can help you reach your career goals.