2026 Michigan Guide

Top LPN Programs & Schools in Michigan

Michigan Reconnect covers community college tuition for adults 25 and older without a degree — potentially making your LPN education cost $0 out of pocket. Macomb CC, Grand Rapids CC, and Schoolcraft College are the primary public pathways. If you can't wait for community college admissions, Hondros College in Southfield offers no-waitlist enrollment at premium pricing. Henry Ford Health and Corewell Health are the dominant employers.

$65,430 Avg. Annual Salary
$31.46 Avg. Hourly Wage
3% Job Growth (10-yr)
~1,800 Annual Openings

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Accredited LPN Programs & Colleges in Michigan

Michigan community colleges run LPN programs across both the Detroit metro and West Michigan — Macomb CC, Grand Rapids CC, Schoolcraft College, and Washtenaw CC are among the largest. Hondros College provides a private no-waitlist alternative with 4 start dates per year. Dorsey Schools offer additional private options at multiple Michigan locations. All programs are approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing.

School City Type Program Length Approx. Tuition
Oakland Community College Waterford Community College 12 months $6,200
Schoolcraft College Livonia Community College 12 months $6,800
Jackson College Jackson Community College 12 months $5,800
Kirtland Community College Roscommon Community College 12 months $5,400
Ross Medical Education Center Multiple locations Vocational School 11 months $18,200

Tuition figures are approximate and reflect in-state rates. Contact each school for current pricing, financial aid, and enrollment deadlines. Always confirm the program is approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing.

Online & Hybrid LPN Programs in Michigan

No Michigan LPN program is fully online — clinical hours at approved facilities are required. Macomb CC and Grand Rapids CC offer some hybrid coursework components. Hondros provides day and evening scheduling as an alternative form of flexibility.

Hybrid programs are ideal for working adults, parents, or anyone who needs scheduling flexibility. Typical hybrid programs cover 40–60% of coursework online, with the remainder as on-site clinical hours at approved partner hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and clinics.

For a complete list of online-friendly LPN programs available to Michigan residents, visit our dedicated guide:

View Online LPN Programs in Michigan →

Requirements to Enroll in a Michigan LPN Program

Community college programs use competitive admissions with TEAS scores as a primary ranking factor. Hondros uses rolling admissions with minimum GPA requirements. Michigan Reconnect eligibility is determined separately — apply before enrolling to confirm coverage. Michigan is an NLC compact state.

Quick Facts: LPN Licensing in Michigan

Licensing Exam NCLEX-PN
Regulatory Board Michigan Board of Nursing
Min. Education State-approved LPN program (typically 12 months)
Background Check Required

After completing an approved program, graduates must pass the NCLEX-PN examination and apply for licensure through the Michigan Board of Nursing. Most candidates receive their results within 48 hours of testing.

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LPN Salary & Job Outlook in Michigan

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, May 2024 OEWS data), LPNs in Michigan earn an average of $65,430 per year ($31.46/hour). This places Michigan near the national average the national LPN average of $62,340.

Salaries in Michigan typically range from $48,400 for entry-level positions to $81,200 for experienced nurses in high-demand specialties or metro areas.

LPN Salary by City in Michigan

City / Metro Area Average Annual Salary
Detroit $68,400
Grand Rapids $64,200
Lansing $63,800
Ann Arbor $67,200

Job Outlook

Employment of LPNs in Michigan is projected to grow 3% over the next decade — about as fast as average for all occupations. The state sees approximately 1,800 annual job openings for LPNs, driven by retirements, career transitions, and growing demand in skilled nursing facilities and home health.

Where LPNs Work in Michigan

The majority of LPNs in Michigan work in skilled nursing facilities and long-term care, which together employ roughly 35% of the state's practical nurses. Other common employers include hospitals, physician offices, home health agencies, and outpatient care centers. Shift differentials for evenings, nights, and weekends can add $2–$5/hour on top of base pay.

First Job Tips for New LPN Graduates

Landing your first LPN position in Michigan is usually straightforward given current demand. Skilled nursing facilities and long-term care centers actively recruit new graduates and often offer sign-on bonuses. Staffing agencies are another option — they can place you quickly and often pay above-average hourly rates. Once you have 6–12 months of experience, you'll qualify for positions in hospitals, clinics, and specialty practices.

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Explore More Nursing & Healthcare Careers in Michigan

Whether you're starting out or planning your next credential, these guides can help:

Michigan

Michigan LPN Scope

Michigan LPN Scope of Practice — What You Can and Can't Do

Michigan LPNs are regulated by the Michigan Board of Nursing under LARA (Dept. of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs). Michigan has enacted NLC legislation but has NOT yet fully implemented it — you need a Michigan-specific license as of 2026.

You Can Direct Patient Care

  • Medication administration (oral, IM, SubQ, topical, rectal, inhaled)
  • Focused assessments and ongoing monitoring
  • Wound care and dressing changes
  • Vital signs and point-of-care testing
  • Foley catheter insertion and management
  • Tracheostomy care and suctioning
  • Contributing to care plans
  • Supervising CNAs/UAPs

Conditional IV Therapy

  • LPNs may perform IV therapy after completing a Board-approved IV therapy course
  • Must work under direction of an RN or physician
  • Peripheral IV starts and IV fluid/medication administration permitted after training
  • LPNs CANNOT administer blood products, chemotherapy, or manage central lines
  • LPNs CANNOT perform IV push medications

You Cannot RN-Only Functions

  • Comprehensive assessments
  • Creating or modifying care plans
  • IV push medications
  • Blood product or chemotherapy administration
  • Central line management
  • Triage
  • Independent practice

Michigan LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs

SchoolFormatTimelineDetails
Grand Rapids Community CollegeOn-campus + clinical12–16 monthsADN bridge in west Michigan
Macomb Community CollegeOn-campus + clinical12–18 monthsADN bridge in metro Detroit area
Excelsior University100% OnlineSelf-pacedOnline + local clinicals, no waitlist

Michigan Board of Nursing Contact

Ready for the Next Step?

Bridge from LPN to RN — Expand Your Scope and Your Paycheck

Tired of scope limitations? RNs earn 35–50% more, perform initial assessments, create care plans, start IVs without extra certification, and run triage. Bridge programs let you earn your RN while you keep working.

Explore LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs →