Michigan, MI | LPN Nursing Program Information

How to Become an LPN in Michigan

Demand for nursing programs outstrips supply in Michigan. Therefore, only the most qualified applicants are often accepted. Before applying to a Licensed Practical Nurse program, prerequisite college courses must be completed. This takes around six months and usually results in around 30 credit hours of completed study. From microbiology and physiology to psychology and communication, courses focus on both interpersonal training as well as scientific knowledge. It is necessary to do well in these courses—although minimum requirements for entry can be as low as a C average, entry into nursing programs is highly competitive and grades are the biggest factor in deciding who gets into the best programs.

State-approved LPN programs in Michigan typically take around a year to complete. Available at private institutions like hospitals and clinics, as well as colleges and universities, there is significant variance in entry requirements based on school guidelines, so it is good to be familiar with what is expected of a prospective LPN before applying to your school of choice. Every nursing school has its own admission procedures but, once admitted, LPN programs typically require around 60 credit hours of schoolwork in a traditional institution, which takes a year of full time study. The most efficient route to an LPN is through a diploma program, but it is also possible to take the National Counsel Licensing Examination-Practical Nursing (NCLEX-PN) after the first year of an Associate Degree, Nursing. The Michigan Board of Nursing charges $54 for application to take the exam, which includes an evaluation of any previous criminal record—it is important to note that a criminal record may stand in the way of approval, so it is best to check with a nursing program before applying if you have a record as to whether it may stand in the way of approval. Then, the exam itself costs $200 to take through Pearson Vue.

Once a student has received their official passing results from the Michigan Board of Nursing, they are eligible to begin working as a Licensed Practical Nurse in Michigan. And once licensure is achieved, it must be renewed every two years at a cost of $48.

Michigan LPN Job Opportunity and Career Information

While close to two thirds of Licensed Practical Nurses in Michigan work in hospitals, there are many other settings where LPNs may be employed such as doctor’s offices, retirement homes, and even private homes. No matter where they work, salaries for the 27,500 LPNs in Michigan average around $44,000 per year (according to BLS.gov). In addition, full time LPNs usually receive good benefits such as health, dental and more. Although the Michigan economy may be down, demand for LPNs remains high and, according to the Michigan Center for Nursing, it is only expected to grow as many nurses reach retirement age.

Typically, LPNs in Michigan assist both registered nurses and doctors in patient treatment. In fact, 91 percent of LPNs are engaged in direct patient care in the state. Typically, they mostly work in day-to-day care of patients by monitoring patients, administering medicine, and so forth. They may also be responsible for other types of bedside care such as feeding, bathing, collecting samples and maintaining medical equipment. Because LPN’s work directly with patients, they must also be emotionally prepared to help people through hardship—an important part of any patient care work.

A Michigan LPN usually works a normal 40 hours per week, although with a shortage in the state, they are sometimes asked to work overtime. In addition, patients need care around the clock and this can mean LPNs sometimes work nights, weekends and holidays and even split shifts. Although this doesn’t work for everyone, it can be the perfect fit for nurses who appreciate a flexible schedule due to other commitments such as family, school and so on.