How To Become a Nurse in Michigan 2025

Nursing can be a lucrative and rewarding career path for those with an interest in patient care. If you live in Michigan and are wondering how to become a nurse, you're in the right place.

Keep reading as we take a closer look at the nursing requirements in your state. We'll explore a step-by-step process you can follow to become a nurse in Michigan and answer various questions you may be wondering about.

What Does an RN Do?

A certified registered nurse (RN) is a healthcare professional who performs many daily tasks by providing nursing care and assisting doctors with procedures. Some of their many job duties include:

• providing direct care (e.g., administering medications, checking vital signs, and conducting assessments)
• educating patients about recovery and self-care
• providing and assisting with treatments ranging from CPR and wound care to surgical procedures
• acting as liaisons between patients and other healthcare providers
• keeping patient records and documenting care provided

Nurses work in many different healthcare settings like hospitals, critical care facilities, doctor's offices, nursing homes, and more. Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) may also act as primary care providers in their own private practices.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Nurse in Michigan?

There are many different pathways to becoming a nurse. Students who are just starting out will need to earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which takes two to four years.

Those who already hold a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field can enroll in accelerated nursing programs online or in-person. These programs build on their existing education to help them earn a second bachelor's degree in as little as 12 months.

5 Steps To Become a Registered Nurse in Michigan

There are a few educational requirements for nurses that you'll have to meet to pursue licensure in Michigan. Let's take a closer look at each step.

Step 1: Earn a High School Diploma or GED

If you're still in high school, work hard to get good grades and earn your diploma. If you're out of high school but don't have your diploma, work toward earning your GED or an equivalent level of education.

All nursing school programs require students to have a high school diploma or equivalent. To give yourself an edge and to prepare for challenging nursing courses, consider taking high school classes in anatomy and physiology, psychology, advanced mathematics, and sciences.

Step 2: Enroll in a State-Approved Nursing Program

In Michigan, you can earn your RN license by pursuing either an associate degree or a bachelor's degree in nursing. Many schools throughout the state offer these nursing education programs.

Associate degrees help students develop basic nursing skills and take about two years to complete. Bachelor's degrees provide a more advanced level of education and are completed in about four years of full-time study. Though both degrees lead to licensure, employers typically prefer candidates who hold bachelor's degrees.

Step 3: Complete Clinical Training

As part of your training program, you will need to gain hands-on clinical experience under the supervision of a nurse practitioner or other healthcare professionals. Your nursing program will provide opportunities to complete this training and help you schedule shifts at local healthcare facilities.

Clinical training allows students to put into practice the skills they learn in the classroom and nursing simulation lab. It is an essential part of nursing education that will help you prepare for real-world nursing scenarios and careers.

Step 4: Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam

The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) is the standard licensing exam for nursing candidates throughout the U.S. After graduating from their training programs, Michigan residents sign up to take the NCLEX-RN in person at testing centers throughout the state.

The exam assesses candidates' overall understanding of nursing practice and safety and is designed to get more difficult as it progresses. Upon passing the exam, you can apply for a nursing license through the Michigan Board of Nursing by completing an application and application fee. You'll need to submit supporting documents (e.g., official transcripts) and complete a criminal background check as part of the process.

Step 5: Complete Continuing Education

Once you've earned your RN license, it will remain active for two years. You'll need to renew the license every two years to remain qualified to work as an RN in Michigan.

To renew your license, you'll need to complete 25 hours of continuing education every two years. At least two of the 25 hours must cover pain and pain management topics � you can only earn a max of 12 hours of continuing education credits within a 24-hour period.

Top Nursing Degree Programs in Michigan

If you're ready to begin meeting the requirements for an RN license, keep reading. Below, we'll look at some top schools in the state of Michigan that provide nursing degrees, including online nursing programs.

1. Michigan State University

Michigan State University is a large public school located in East Lansing. Its school of nursing provides several degree programs, including BSN, Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees.

Undergraduate students can choose between a traditional BSN program, an accelerated second-degree program, and an RN to BSN program (for current RNs looking to complete their bachelor's degree). Various scholarships and funding options are available to help students cover their costs at this highly ranked nursing school.

• Estimated tuition cost: $16,458 (in-state); $43,842 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. Wayne State University

Wayne State University is a public school in Detroit. It offers a wide range of nursing degrees tailored to the needs of different students.

Undergraduate options include a traditional BSN, a direct-admission option for first-year students, and a program designed specifically for military veterans. Students in these programs are prepared for immediate nursing careers, as well as advanced studies.

• Estimated tuition cost: $15,190 (in-state); $32,037 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC

3. Grand Valley State University

Grand Valley State University is a public school in Allendale, MI. It offers a range of undergraduate and graduate nursing programs, along with short-term certificates and badges.

Those seeking a bachelor's degree can enroll in a traditional or accelerated program, or the primarily online RN to BSN option. Students benefit from individualized attention and state-of-the-art facilities as they prepare for their careers.

• Estimated tuition cost: $15,140 (in-state); $21,548 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC

4. University of Michigan

The University of Michigan is a public school in Ann Arbor, MI. It offers a world-renowned college of nursing that provides several different degrees.

A traditional BSN program is available with first-year and sophomore transfer entry options. Students can also pursue MSN programs with a range of specializations, a DNP program, and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in nursing with traditional and accelerated plans.

• Estimated tuition cost: $17,736 (in-state); $60,946 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC

5. Oakland Community College

Oakland Community College is a public school with locations throughout Oakland County. This two-year school provides an Associate of Applied Science in nursing for beginning nursing students.

The program comprises 64.5 to 66.5 total credit hours and provides the entry-level education necessary to help students pursue RN licensure. Students must complete a background check upon acceptance into the program.

• Estimated tuition cost: $3,120-$5,660 (in-state); $5,660 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC

Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Michigan

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are more than 102,000 registered nurses currently employed in Michigan. The average salary for RNs in the state is $86,210 per year.

The BLS states that the demand for RNs is expected to grow by 6% by 2033, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This means that nurses in Michigan and throughout the U.S. can expect better-than-average job security in the coming years.

FAQs About How To Become a Nurse in Michigan

If you still have questions about beginning a nursing career, you're not alone. Read on as we provide answers to some commonly asked questions.

How Much Does a Nursing Degree Cost in Michigan?

Nursing degree costs vary widely depending on the school you attend and the kind of degree you're pursuing. Generally speaking, associate degrees from community colleges are most affordable; accelerated bachelor's degree programs and degrees from private schools tend to be more expensive.

The average tuition among the schools featured in this article ranges from just over $3,000 to nearly $18,000 a year for in-state students. Attending an online college that accepts FAFSA can help you save money and graduate on a budget.

What Are the Prerequisites for a Nursing Degree?

Many nursing programs require students to complete prerequisite courses before enrolling in the programs themselves. Different schools have different requirements, but common prerequisites include anatomy and physiology, biology, nutrition, mathematics, and chemistry.

Many schools allow students to take self-paced nursing prerequisites online so they can prepare to enter their nursing program whenever they are ready.

What Is the Fastest Way To Become a Nurse?

For a student just starting out after high school, the fastest way to become a nurse is to earn an associate degree in nursing. This type of degree typically takes about two years to complete. If you already have a bachelor's degree in another field, the fastest way to start your nursing career is to enroll in an accelerated BSN program, which can be completed in as little as one year.

What Is the Easiest Nursing Degree?

All nursing degrees provide challenging coursework and intensive clinical training. That said, the easiest nursing degree is often considered to be the associate degree, which consists of as little as 60 credit hours and largely consists of general education courses. Regardless of the type of program you choose, having the best laptop for nursing students can make your life easier as you work through your courses and take steps toward your Michigan nursing license.

Find a Nursing Degree

If you're ready to pursue your career goals with an ADN or BSN degree, check out the schools featured on Learn.org. Contact any of the schools today to learn more about their admission requirements and to find the right nursing program for you.