Michigan (MI) Nursing Degrees & Licenses
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Michigan is home to some of the best nursing colleges in the nation. In fact, the U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks two Michigan-based universities in their top 100 nursing colleges list. Nursing programs in Michigan colleges and universities include a robust selection of nursing degree options, ranging from bachelor’s and doctoral degrees.
Moreover, many nursing schools have an expansive range of clinical experience opportunities that support students in achieving professional goals. Furthermore, nursing schools offer clinical placements at healthcare facilities to give their graduates a distinct advantage when starting a nursing career. Located at big and small institutions throughout the state, graduates from Michigan-based nursing programs will have many choices for beginning or advancing their skills and knowledge.
Several nursing colleges in Michigan offer online nursing courses to provide greater options for completing nursing education. The state is an excellent place to study nursing and is home to patient-care research initiatives. For example, the University of Michigan School of Nursing’s Healthcare Innovation Impact Program (HiiP) promotes “a culture of innovation” to improve and save lives. Michigan-based nursing programs prepare students for various nursing roles and enable them to become certified in specialty areas in patient care, gerontology, pediatric nursing, and many more.
Many colleges and universities across Michigan offer excellent undergraduate nursing programs to foster skilled and qualified nurses. With all these great opportunities, nursing has the potential to be an enriching and fulfilling career path for anyone interested in it while attending any of these great nursing colleges in Michigan.
Read on for a list of nursing programs in the Great Lakes State, accreditation information, and a side-by-side comparison of nursing salaries in Michigan and the United States.
Featured Online Nursing Programs
Accredited Undergraduate Nursing Programs in Michigan
Undergraduate nursing programs are some of the most sought-after degrees for aspiring nurses, and students in Michigan have several options.
Undergraduate degree programs—such as a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)—can be earned with a high school diploma or GED, an associate’s degree in nursing, or a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. BSN completion makes it possible to enter entry-level positions or pursue graduate studies after graduation.
Eastern Michigan University (online & on-campus)
Eastern Michigan University’s School of Nursing provides BSN degrees in various formats and program lengths. Students can pursue BSN degrees at traditional, on-campus sites and entirely online via the RN to BSN program. The BSN programs range from one to four years, depending on an applicant’s previous education level and chosen BSN path.
The U.S. News & World Report recognizes Eastern Michigan University’s nursing programs for their quality developed through various learning strategies that promote problem-solving and critical thinking skills among the students. Whether aspiring nurses are fresh into an academic setting or already experienced practitioners, EMU’s BSN degree offerings provide multiple paths to earn a BSN degree in a timeframe suited to individual applicants’ needs.
- Location: Ypsilanti, MI
- Duration: One to four years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $608 per credit
Wayne State University (on-campus)
Wayne State University offers a comprehensive range of BSN nursing programs. Students can choose from five BSN degrees covering traditional, direct-admit, second-career, veteran, and RN-to-BSN pathways. The traditional BSN is ideal for nursing students pursuing their first bachelor’s degree. Meanwhile, BSN direct-admit option allows first-year students to enroll directly into the college in their first year.
The BSN second-career degree offers an opportunity for students who already have a degree in another subject to further their education and pursue a career in nursing. BSN for veterans supports military personnel transitioning from a service- to a civilian-based career. Finally, RN-to-BSN is designed to help existing nurses with an associate degree or hospital diploma gain additional qualifications that will present new professional opportunities.
- Location: Detroit, MI
- Duration: One to four years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $511 per credit (residents); $1,176 per credit (non-residents)
Madonna University (hybrid)
For those looking to have a BSN degree in 16 months, Madonna University’s hybrid BSN program in metro Detroit is the perfect fit. This program gives students the academic and practical experiences necessary to become BSN-prepared nurses. They will also master their nursing skills through real-world clinical experience provided by healthcare facilities such as Ascension Michigan and other leading community-based facilities.
Applicants of this program must possess prior knowledge or 60 college credits and uphold Catholic and Franciscan values. Engaging in simulation labs at the ABSN learning site will guide their learning. After graduating, candidates are well-prepared to take the NCLEX licensure exam. Multiple start dates are available during the spring, fall, and summer semesters
- Location: Southfield, MI
- Duration: 16 months
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $53,583 total
Central Michigan University (online)
Central Michigan University’s (CMU) Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions offers an RN-to-BSN program designed for working nurses to complete their BSN degree in less than 12 months. The BSN curriculum follows the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Essentials for Baccalaureate Professional Nursing Practice and the National Quality and Safety Education for Nurses Competencies.
Applicants to this program must have a current and unencumbered RN license in their state, a 2.5 or higher GPA, and need to complete 120 credits, with up to 90 transferable credits from another nursing program accepted. With multiple start dates available each year, CMU is an ideal choice for those already working as registered nurses who want to enhance their qualifications with a BSN degree.
- Location: Mount Pleasant, MI
- Duration: 12 months
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $474 per credit
Ferris State University (online & on-campus)
Ferris State University offers BSN degrees through its School of Nursing in two different formats. Those pursuing initial licensure as registered nurses can enroll in the pre-licensure BSN program, available on-campus. This program consists of a five-semester track for traditional nursing students and completion with eligibility to take the NCLEX-RN.
For experienced nurses, the RN-to-BSN completion program is offered online and designed for those with an associate’s degree or nursing diploma. The accelerated RN-to-MSN program provides the additional option which allows RNs to move directly into their MSN without having to earn a BSN first.
- Location: Big Rapids, MI
- Duration: One to three years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $13,076 per year
Accredited Graduate Nursing Programs in Michigan
In recent years, graduate and doctoral nursing programs have gained greater recognition. Subsequently, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) has advocated for nurses to hold graduate or doctoral degrees and for APRNs to have full-practice authority.
Fortunately, Michigan is home to several highly-esteemed universities offering graduate-level nursing study: on-campus, hybrid, and online MSN, DNP, and post-master’s certificate programs. These programs offer unique opportunities for nurses who wish to expand their expert knowledge beyond their BSN to serve patients’ needs better and provide high-quality care for underserved populations.
Oakland University (online & on-campus)
Oakland University offers graduate nursing degree programs to help professional nurses expand their skill sets and become advanced practice nurses or nurse anesthetists. The School of Nursing has a master of science in nursing program that offers clinical nurse leader, forensic nursing, and nurse practitioner tracks. The school is proud to provide students with an intensive doctor of nursing practice program specializing in nurse anesthesia.
Graduates of the MSN program are prepared to take on leadership roles in academic and clinical settings. DNP graduates are ready for clinical positions and academic and research responsibilities. Both degrees provide promising pathways for furthering one’s career in nursing and succeeding in their chosen field.
- Location: Rochester, MI
- Duration: Two to five years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $834 per credit (residents); $1,027 per credit (non-residents)
University of Michigan (online & on-campus)
The University of Michigan’s School of Nursing is a leader in graduate nursing education, offering several master of science in nursing (MSN) and doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree programs. These pathways provide the best preparation for advanced clinical practice, leadership positions in healthcare organizations, informatics specialization, and research.
Known for excellence and innovation, the School of Nursing has established strong working relationships with leading health systems nationwide to ensure that graduate students gain the experience they need to excel in their chosen fields.
With proximity to one of America’s top-ranked health systems, graduate students gain access to a vast network of learning environments as part of their graduate program at the University of Michigan’s School of Nursing, which is consistently ranked among the best nationwide
- Location: Ann Arbor, MI
- Duration: Two to five years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $1,834 per credit (residents); $3,339 per credit (non-residents)
Michigan State University (on-campus)
Michigan State University offers graduate nursing degree programs for advanced practice registered nurses seeking to further their careers and expand their knowledge.
The College of Nursing features a master of science in nursing (MSN), a doctor of nursing practice (DNP), a PhD in nursing, and graduate certificate programs for students interested in shorter lengths of study. These graduate certificate programs are offered in the same concentration areas as the graduate nursing degrees in specialty areas such as adult gerontology clinical nurse specialists, family nurse practitioners, nurse anesthesiology, adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.
A graduate certificate concentration in nursing education with 27 credits will prepare graduates to take the National Certification Exam as a Nurse Educator (CNE) and nine additional credits for successful completion. With such diverse graduate degree options and concentrations available at MSU’s College of Nursing, future APRNs can find the pathway that best meets their academic and professional goals.
- Location: East Lansing, MI
- Duration: Two to five years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $817 per credit (residents); $1,606 per credit (non-residents)
University of Detroit Mercy (online & on-campus)
The University of Detroit Mercy offers graduate-level nursing education programs through its College of Health Professions and McAuley School of Nursing. The MSN and DNP degrees are taught through a lens that incorporates Mercy and Jesuit traditions and covers a variety of specializations, from clinical nurse leader to family nurse practitioner, adult-gerontology clinical nurse specialist to nursing and healthcare leadership.
One of the school’s standout features is its high success rates; students in these graduate nursing degree programs typically have 100 percent job placement after graduation and 98 percent pass rates on national DNP certification exams. The University further offers masters-entry advanced generalist nursing and a post-master’s doctor of nursing practice for those wishing to further their studies beyond the master’s level.
- Location: Detroit, MI
- Duration: Two to five years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $878 per credit hour
Saginaw Valley State University (online, hybrid & on-campus)
Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) offers graduate nursing degrees tailored to the working nurse’s schedule. Their graduate nursing degree programs offer three levels of study: a master’s, doctoral, and post-master’s certificate. The graduate nursing degree programs are designed for students to enroll in online, hybrid, or on-campus courses, depending on their needs.
SVSU offers one of the lowest MSN tuition rates in Michigan. Graduate-level degrees prepare registered professional nurses to become nurse educators, nurse administrators, or family nurse practitioners (FNPs). SVSU also offers Michigan’s only FNP training with a rural health focus.
- Location: University Center, MI
- Duration: Two to three years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $10,800 per semester (residents); $25,380 per semester (non-residents)
Nursing School Accreditation
Nursing schools seeking accreditation must demonstrate they meet the standards of quality nursing care set by specialized nursing-educational organizations.
There are two types of accreditation: programmatic and institutional.
Programmatic accreditation is granted by organizations specializing in nursing education and reviewing specific nursing programs’ curricula, clinical experience, faculty expertise, pedagogic methods, and support system. The two organizations that accredit nursing schools are:
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Institutional accreditation is awarded at the regional and federal levels and ensures the institution a nursing school is affiliated with meets standards for curriculum, resources, and teaching practices. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), affiliated with the US Department of Education, recognizes the following institutional accrediting organizations:
- Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) Western Association of Schools and Colleges
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Institutions that hold programmatic and institutional accreditation assure future nurses, employers, and patients. Graduating from an accredited program ensures nursing school graduates are adequately prepared to practice safe and competent care.
Finally, state authorization status is an essential step that students considering an online or hybrid program should not overlook. Regulations in this area are overseen by the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA), and potential students should research their eligibility before applying. Not double-checking state authorization statuses can cause costly issues when obtaining state licensing tests and credentials later on, which all students must consider. Therefore, researching state authorization status is a critical part of the application process for those interested in pursuing an online or hybrid degree.
How Much Do Nurses Make in Michigan?
Nurses in Michigan typically earn higher salaries than those in other states across the United States.
The nursing wages paid in Michigan demonstrate a significant increase over salaries earned throughout the country, suggesting that nursing is an attractive career option within the state. The tables below highlight the differences in nursing wages between Michigan and the rest of the United States.
All data is from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2022)—the latest data available as of June 2023.
Licensed Practical Nurse Salaries
| United States | Michigan | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 632,030 | 10,460 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $55,860 | $57,180 |
| 10th percentile | $40,490 | $46,450 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $54,620 | $58,010 |
| 90th percentile | $72,650 | $64,720 |
Registered Nurse Salaries
| United States | Michigan | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 3,072,700 | 101,470 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $89,010 | $80,660 |
| 10th percentile | $61,250 | $64,270 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $81,220 | $79,180 |
| 90th percentile | $129,400 | $100,920 |
Nurse Anesthetist Salaries
| United States | Michigan | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 46,540 | 3,590 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $205,770 | $199,690 |
| 10th percentile | $143,870 | $178,830 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $203,090 | $195,840 |
| 90th percentile | >$208,000 per year | $230,120 |
Nurse Midwife Salaries
| United States | Michigan | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 7,950 | 290 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $122,2450 | $118,420 |
| 10th percentile | $77,510 | $93,600 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $120,880 | $121,100 |
| 90th percentile | $171,230 | $137,010 |
Nurse Practitioner Salaries
| United States | Michigan | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 258,230 | 7,250 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $124,680 | $113,780 |
| 10th percentile | $87,340 | $95,960 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $121,610 | $109,250 |
| 90th percentile | $165,240 | $132,800 |
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Licenses in Michigan
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
Michigan licensure requirements for LPNs include:
| Michigan LPNs are required to renew their license every two years. To renew, candidates must have completed 25 required contact hours and pay the $131 renewal fee. |
Registered Nurse (RN) Licenses in Michigan
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Board of Nursing | Michigan licensure requirements for RNs include:
| License renewals for Michigan RNs are due every two years. To renew, candidates must have completed 25 required contact hours, of which at least two must be in pain management, and pay the $131 renewal fee. |
Nurse Practitioner (NP) Licenses in Michigan
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
To be eligible for an NP license in the state of Michigan, applicants must meet the following requirements:
|
In order to renew a license in Michigan, applicants must:
|
Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) Licenses in Michigan
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
To be eligible for a CNM license in the state of Michigan, applicants must meet the following requirements:
|
In order to renew a license in Michigan, CNMs must:
|
Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) Licenses in Michigan
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
To be eligible for a CRNA license in the state of Michigan, applicants must meet the following requirements:
|
In order to renew a license in Michigan, applicants must:
|
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Licenses in Michigan
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
To be eligible for a CNS license in the state of Michigan, applicants must meet the following requirements:
|
In order to renew a CNS license in Michigan, applicants must:
|
Rachel Drummond, MEd
WriterAt NursingColleges.com, Rachel Drummond has applied her extensive experience in education and mindfulness to elucidate the importance of self-care for nursing students since 2022. Through her writings, she underscores the role of mental and physical well-being in fostering resilient and compassionate healthcare professionals.
Rachel is a writer, educator, and coach from Oregon. She has a master’s degree in education (MEd) and has over 15 years of experience teaching English, public speaking, and mindfulness to international audiences in the United States, Japan, and Spain. She writes about the mind-body benefits of contemplative movement practices like yoga on her blog, inviting people to prioritize their unique version of well-being and empowering everyone to live healthier and more balanced lives.