Michigan (MI) Nursing Degrees & Licenses
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“Select a nursing education program that not only helps you get to licensure but also positions you for career growth. Michigan needs nurses who are adaptable, resilient, and prepared to lead change.”
Kathleen Poindexter, PhD, Professor, Michigan State University College of Nursing
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 its 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 offer a wide range of clinical experience opportunities to help students achieve professional goals. Furthermore, nursing schools offer clinical placements at healthcare facilities, giving their graduates a distinct advantage when starting their nursing careers. Located at both large and small institutions throughout the state, graduates of Michigan-based nursing programs will have many options to begin or advance 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 the development of skilled, qualified nurses. With all these great opportunities, nursing can be an enriching and fulfilling career path for anyone interested in it, especially when 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
Meet the Expert: Kathleen Poindexter, PhD, MSN, RN, CNE, ANEF, FAAN
Dr. Kathleen Poindexter is a professor of nursing and serves as the interim associate dean for BSN programs at the College of Nursing, Michigan State University. She leads initiatives in student affairs and faculty development, with a focus on mentoring future nurse educators and clinicians.
Dr. Poindexter’s academic background includes a PhD from Western Michigan University, an MSN from Northern Michigan University, a graduate certificate from the University of California, and a BSN from the College of Saint Scholastica. Her scholarly interests include interprofessional education, simulation and clinical application, the scholarship of teaching and learning, and nursing certification. She has published research on nurse educator competency, interprofessional competence, and assessment strategies in nursing education, and her work has been supported by awards and several educational grants.
NursingColleges.com: What do you wish the public understood about nursing programs in Michigan?
Dr. Poindexter: As someone who has been involved in nursing education and workforce development for more than 30 years, I wish the public and aspiring nursing students understood how complex, rigorous, and comprehensive mission-driven nursing programs truly are. This is most important now because our healthcare systems are taxed and under extraordinary strain.
First, nursing programs are not simply academic pathways. They are highly regulated professional preparation programs. Nursing curricular decisions are shaped by licensure requirements, accreditation standards, and essential competencies for providing complex care in a rapidly evolving healthcare system serving patients across diverse care settings.
Second, nursing capacity is a real and persistent problem. There are outstanding nursing programs in the state (and nation); however, they are constrained by a shortage of qualified faculty, limited clinical placement sites, and competition for student preceptors within already overburdened healthcare systems. As a result, nursing education programs cannot admit every qualified applicant. This reflects a commitment to patient safety and educational quality.
Third, nursing education has evolved over the years. Today, programs are redesigned to emphasize clinical judgement, decision making, systems thinking, informatics, population health, and interprofessional collaboration. Simulated and virtual learning experiences in competency-based education are evidence-based strategies that better prepare graduates for the complexity of modern practice. Programs are strongly invested in these areas to ensure graduates are well prepared for transitions into practice.
Lastly, nursing programs are deeply connected to the health of our Michigan communities. Programs are built on partnerships across a broad and diverse network of healthcare and community settings dedicated to health promotion, disease prevention, and acute and chronic care. These partnerships span rural and urban communities, school systems, public health agencies, and the full continuum of care from acute care hospitals to rehabilitation facilities and long-term care settings. The goal is to grow and retain a highly qualified workforce to meet the population’s healthcare needs of Michigan.
NursingColleges.com: What advice would you give to aspiring online nursing students in Michigan?
Dr. Poindexter: Students should carefully evaluate the quality of the nursing program prior to applying. While convenience may be important, a quality nursing education program with qualified faculty, access to clinical partners, and student success resources is imperative.
Be sure the nursing program is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting body. Check the programs’ licensure pass rates, graduation rates, type of degree awarded (associate degree or a bachelor’s degree), faculty-student ratios, student support structures, clinical placements, and reputation.
Next, check the program delivery modality, such as online, face-to-face, or hybrid (a combination of online and face-to-face). Nursing is a hands-on profession that requires clinical experience, skill validation, and, often, participation in simulated learning prior to patient care.
A reputable program will be transparent about how placements are assigned, nursing program student acceptance rates, student support resources, and competency assessment strategies. Nursing programs are rigorous, structured, and highly interactive.
Most importantly, I encourage students to think long-term. Select a nursing education program that not only helps you get to licensure but also positions you for career growth. Michigan needs nurses who are adaptable, resilient, and prepared to lead change. The right educational foundation makes all the difference for future career success.
My hope is that both the public and prospective nursing students recognize the dedication, complexity, and responsibility that define nursing education today and the extraordinary impact it has on the health of Michigan.
Accredited Undergraduate Nursing Programs in Michigan
Undergraduate nursing programs are among the most sought-after 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 enables entry into entry-level positions or graduate studies after graduation.
Michigan State University (on-campus)
Michigan State University College of Nursing offers a traditional bachelor’s program in nursing for students entering the profession with little to no prior nursing education. The on-campus program blends classroom instruction, hands-on clinical experiences, and simulation-based learning to prepare students for modern healthcare settings. Over the course of the program, students build strong foundations in patient care, clinical judgment, and evidence-based practice.
MSU’s traditional bsn emphasizes interprofessional collaboration and real-world clinical exposure across a variety of healthcare environments. Graduates are well prepared to sit for the NCLEX RN exam and pursue nursing roles in hospitals, community health settings, and specialty care areas.
- Location: East Lansing, MI
- Duration: Approximately four years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
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 or entirely online through 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.
U.S. News & World Report recognizes Eastern Michigan University’s nursing programs for their quality, developed through a range of learning strategies that promote problem-solving and critical thinking amongstudents. Whether aspiring nurses are new to an academic setting or experienced practitioners, EMU’s BSN programs offer multiple pathways to earn a BSN in a timeframe suited to individual applicants’ needs.
- Location: Ypsilanti, MI
- Duration: One to four years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
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 program offers an opportunity for students with a prior degree 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 nurses with an associate degree or hospital diploma earn additional qualifications that create new professional opportunities.
- Location: Detroit, MI
- Duration: One to four years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
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 provides students with the academic and practical experience needed to become BSN-prepared nurses. They will also master their nursing skills through real-world clinical experience at healthcare facilities such as Ascension Michigan and other leading community-based organizations.
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. Upon graduation, candidates are well prepared to sit for 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)
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 semester credit hours – with up to 90 transferable credits from another nursing program accepted. With multiple start dates each year, CMU is an ideal choice for 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)
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 a registered nurse can enroll in the on-campus pre-licensure BSN program. This program consists of a five-semester track for traditional nursing students, culminating in eligibility to sit for 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 an additional option that 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)
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)
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)
Michigan State University (on-campus)
Michigan State University offers graduate nursing degree programs for advanced practice registered nurses seeking to further their career 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, including adult gerontology clinical nurse specialist, family nurse practitioner, nurse anesthesiology, adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner, and psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner.
Additionally, a 27-credit graduate certificate concentration in nursing education will prepare graduates to sit for the National Certification Exam for Nurse Educators (CNE) and requires nine additional credit hours 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)
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)
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)
Nursing School Accreditation
Nursing schools seeking accreditation must demonstrate that they meet the standards for quality nursing care set by specialized nursing education organizations.
There are two types of accreditation: programmatic and institutional.
Programmatic accreditation is granted by organizations specializing in nursing education that review specific nursing programs’ curricula, clinical experience, faculty expertise, pedagogical methods, and support systems. 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 that the institution 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 for students considering an online or hybrid program. 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 2024)—the latest data available as of March 2026.
Licensed Practical Nurse Salaries
| United States | Michigan | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 632,430 | 11,060 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $64,150 | $65,430 |
| 10th percentile | $47,960 | $53,360 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $62,340 | $63,810 |
| 90th percentile | $80,510 | $77,290 |
Registered Nurse Salaries
| United States | Michigan | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 3,282,010 | 104,210 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $98,430 | $90,580 |
| 10th percentile | $66,030 | $70,150 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $93,600 | $85,670 |
| 90th percentile | $135,320 | $106,770 |
Nurse Anesthetist Salaries
| United States | Michigan | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 50,350 | 2,960 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $231,700 | $230,360 |
| 10th percentile | $137,230 | $187,110 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $223,210 | $234,520 |
| 90th percentile | >$239,200 per year | >$239,200 per year |
Nurse Midwife Salaries
| United States | Michigan | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 8,280 | 270 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $128,110 | $118,090 |
| 10th percentile | $74,670 | $94,320 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $128,790 | $116,810 |
| 90th percentile | $177,040 | $142,440 |
Nurse Practitioner Salaries
| United States | Michigan | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 307,390 | 7,900 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $132,000 | $127,200 |
| 10th percentile | $97,960 | $101,200 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $129,210 | $125,620 |
| 90th percentile | $169,950 | $149,330 |
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Licensure in Michigan
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Board of Nursing | Michigan licensure requirements for LPNs include:
|
|
Registered Nurse (RN) Licensure 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 renewal fee. |
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Licensure 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:
|
Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) Licensure in Michigan
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Board of Nursing | 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 Practitioner (NP) Licensure in Michigan
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Board of Nursing | 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 Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CNRA) Licensure 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:
|
Kimmy Gustafson
WriterThanks to her experience writing in healthcare, Kimmy Gustafson has delivered in-depth articles on timely topics for NursingColleges.com since 2022. Her aim is to assist both students and professionals in navigating the intricate process of selecting a nursing program and understanding the ever-evolving realm of nursing education.
Kimmy has been a freelance writer for more than a decade, writing hundreds of articles on a wide variety of topics such as startups, nonprofits, healthcare, kiteboarding, the outdoors, and higher education. She is passionate about seeing the world and has traveled to over 27 countries. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. When not working, she can be found outdoors, parenting, kiteboarding, or cooking.