Inside Online LPN Programs in Michigan Updated for 2027
If you’re seeking a fast track into healthcare, becoming an LPN is a great choice, with many Michigan programs offering online coursework. This guide helps you understand how online LPN programs in Michigan work, with details on curriculum, duration, and cost. Also find answers to the most commonly asked questions about licensing and financial aid.
The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:
Healthcare Education Nursing Pre-Nursing
Healthcare Adv. Nursing NursingWhy Trust EduMed? We partner with 150+ nursing & allied health professionals to bring you the most in-depth data & insights on higher education & careers in healthcare. Meet our team and review our editorial values.
Jump To Section
You might be interested in:
How the Programs Work
Many LPN programs in Michigan can be completed in two years or less, including options with online coursework (though all programs will require in-person clinical training). You’ll have a choice between a 12-18 month certificate or diploma program or a longer associate degree program that can transfer toward a future bachelor’s degree. Below, you’ll find one of Michigan’s outstanding LPN programs to get you started on your search.
West Shore Community College
West Shore Community College is a public institution that offers an online LPN certificate program that serves as the first year to an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) which could be important if you would like to eventually become a registered nurse (RN). The NCLEX-PN pass rate for this program was 100% in 2023 and 84.62% in 2022, and 100% of the graduates from 2023 found employment. The campus is in Scottville, Michigan, and graduates can start working immediately or transfer credits to an associate degree program.
Duration: One year
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $7,928 (in-district) | $11,048 (out-of-district)
Admissions Requirements:
- Complete the Nursing Application Form
- Submit high school diploma or GED
- Have a GPA of at least 2.5
- Submit a criminal background check
- Take the Medication Dosage Calculation Test
- Take the Kaplan Admission Test and earn a score of 60% or higher
Curriculum:
- Fundamentals of Nursing Practice
- Fundamentals of Nursing Clinical Practice
- Basic Pharmacology for Nurses
- Anatomy and Physiology
- English Composition
- Medical/Surgical Nursing
- Medical/Surgical Nursing Clinical
- Obstetrics & Pediatric Nursing
- Obstetrics & Pediatric Clinical
- Introduction to Psychology
FAQs from Michigan LPN Students
We know many students considering LPN programs in Michigan need more information, so we’ve answered questions prospective Michigan students like you have about earning their LPN certificate or degree online. Below you’ll find information on skills learned, program costs, financial aid availability, program length, and details about the NCLEX-PN exam.
What skills do you learn in LPN programs in Michigan?
Expect to learn all the practical nursing skills you’ll need to perform the following duties:
- Provide care to patients by administering medications, using medical equipment, preventing injuries, and monitoring health.
- Work effectively under the supervision of doctors, registered nurses, and other leadership and management personnel.
- Effective communication skills when interacting with patients, their families, and medical/healthcare team members.
How much do LPN programs cost in Michigan?
The cost of programs varies, but the school we’ve mentioned above is a good marker for affordable tuition. LPN program specific scholarships, tuition reduction opportunities, and payment plans can help offset the cost.
Can I get financial aid to help pay for my LPN program in Michigan?
Yes. Financial aid available to Michigan practical nursing students includes:
- Loans
- Scholarships
- Grants
- Work-study programs
- Employer tuition reimbursement programs
- VA benefits for active military and veterans
The State of Michigan offers an array of MI Student Aid opportunities, including the Michigan Board of Nursing’s Nurse Scholarship Program.
How long do LPN programs in Michigan take to finish?
Most programs can be completed in about one year with three consecutive semesters (including one in the summer) of full-time study.
LPN programs in Michigan typically require one to five prerequisite courses before starting the curriculum. Many also have waitlists, and students usually cannot be added until prerequisites are complete, so plan ahead and start these courses early to avoid delays.
What can I expect from the NCLEX-PN?
First-time LPN license applicants must also pass the National Council Licensure Examination-Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Here’s what you’ll need to do:
- Submit your LPN license application online
- Register for the NCLEX-PN through the exam’s administrator, Pearson VUE
- Receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) that confirms your application is complete
- Schedule and take the exam
Guidelines for LPN Licensing in Michigan
All practical nurses in Michigan must hold an LPN license issued by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). The license application, along with the $208.80 fee, is submitted through the Michigan Professional Licensing User System (MiPlus) portal.
You’ll also need to complete a criminal background check, answer questions to confirm good moral character, complete human trafficking and implicit bias trainings, and pass the NCLEX-PN exam.
You must graduate from a program approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing (MBN)., so double-checking a program’s approval status on the MBN’s Registered Nurse Programs list is always a good idea. And while it’s not required, you might also look for programs accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), which ensures your program meets the national education standards for nursing programs.
Licenses are valid for two years from the date of issue, and renewal through MiPlus costs $128.50. As part of the renewal process, you will be required to complete 25 hours of MBN-approved continuing education, including two hours on pain management, in the two years preceding renewal.
Salary & Career Growth for Michigan LPNs
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
| Area ↕︎ | 10th Percentile ↕︎ | Median ↕︎ | 90th Percentile ↕︎ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | $56,160 | $65,460 | $77,780 |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $51,860 | $64,670 | $78,260 |
| Battle Creek, MI | $55,750 | $65,360 | $76,130 |
| Bay City, MI | $53,820 | $61,380 | $73,800 |
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | $61,550 | $69,300 | $77,790 |
| Flint, MI | $58,250 | $65,670 | $77,750 |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI | $55,250 | $65,230 | $78,410 |
| Jackson, MI | $60,900 | $64,290 | $79,080 |
| Kalamazoo-Portage, MI | $59,990 | $66,320 | $79,010 |
| Lansing-East Lansing, MI | $53,880 | $66,680 | $78,260 |
| Midland, MI | $53,210 | $64,100 | $78,100 |
| Monroe, MI | $53,770 | $63,240 | $75,250 |
| Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI | $49,540 | $62,290 | $77,140 |
| Niles, MI | $60,920 | $74,530 | $83,600 |
| Saginaw, MI | $51,530 | $64,280 | $76,880 |
| South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI | $51,970 | $65,240 | $77,680 |
| Traverse City, MI | $51,940 | $62,260 | $78,520 |
Source: Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2025
Data does not reflect school-specific information.
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
| Area ↕︎ | Curr. Jobs ↕︎ | Proj. Jobs ↕︎ | New Jobs ↕︎ | Growth % ↕︎ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕︎ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 651,400 | 668,500 | 17,100 | 2.6% | 54,400 |
| Michigan | 11,200 | 11,590 | 390 | 3.5% | 950 |
Source: Projections Central, 2024-2034
Ranking the Best Online LPN Programs in Michigan
Program Details
- Location: University Center, MI
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 58%Students W/ Aid
- $6,487Avg. Aid Amount
- 16/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Delta College
- The Practical Nursing program offers an advanced certificate that provides a fast-track entry into the medical field.
- Students benefit from extensive clinical education across multiple partner hospitals and healthcare facilities, strengthening real-world skills and employability.
- Graduates can work in diverse care settings—acute hospitals, long-term care, clinics, home health—expanding job opportunities immediately after licensure.
Program Details
- Location: University Center, MI
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 58%Students W/ Aid
- $6,487Avg. Aid Amount
- 16/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Mott Community College
Program Details
- Location: Flint, MI
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 62%Students W/ Aid
- $8,156Avg. Aid Amount
- 19/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Mott Community College
- Students gain access to a state-of-the-art Health Sciences Lab with high-fidelity simulation manikins and specialized pediatric and critical care training areas.
- The program offers extensive open lab hours Monday–Thursday, allowing students to independently practice and refine clinical skills in a supportive, skills-focused environment.
- Mott’s nursing programs report exceptionally high student achievement outcomes, including a 99% success rate for Associate Degree Nursing, highlighting strong preparation for licensure and employment.
Program Details
- Location: Flint, MI
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 62%Students W/ Aid
- $8,156Avg. Aid Amount
- 19/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Muskegon Community College
Program Details
- Location: Muskegon, MI
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 55%Students W/ Aid
- $5,579Avg. Aid Amount
- 18/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Muskegon Community College
- Practical nursing students benefit from MCC’s career ladder curriculum, enabling seamless advancement to RN and concurrent BSN enrollment.
- The program’s structure supports clear progression and advising, with counseling-based course planning and guided application support for nursing students.
- Graduates of the Practical Nurse diploma become eligible to take the NCLEX-PN licensure exam, enhancing direct employability in nursing roles.
Program Details
- Location: Muskegon, MI
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 55%Students W/ Aid
- $5,579Avg. Aid Amount
- 18/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Southwestern Michigan College
Program Details
- Location: Dowagiac, MI
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 60%Students W/ Aid
- $6,768Avg. Aid Amount
- 17/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Southwestern Michigan College
- SMC offers free tuition for many recent Michigan high school graduates, making nursing far more affordable.
- Students may also qualify for Michigan Reconnect, which can provide free or reduced tuition for adults 21 and older.
- The college’s nursing tuition is relatively low, helping Practical Nursing students keep overall program costs down.
Program Details
- Location: Dowagiac, MI
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 60%Students W/ Aid
- $6,768Avg. Aid Amount
- 17/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Wayne County Community College District
Program Details
- Location: Detroit, MI
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 65%Students W/ Aid
- $3,195Avg. Aid Amount
- 26/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Wayne County Community College District
- WCCCD’s Practical Nursing program is ACEN-accredited, 12 months to completion, and specifically designed to prepare students for NCLEX-PN licensure and LPN practice, giving a fast, clearly focused path into the workforce.
- Students gain extensive hands-on training in high-fidelity simulation labs plus diverse clinical rotations in long-term care, hospitals, and community sites across urban and suburban Detroit, strengthening skills and employability through real-world experience.
- The program offers strong academic and support resources, including multi-learning labs, tutoring, Early and Often intervention, a formal pinning ceremony, and honors graduation opportunities, helping students persist, succeed, and build professional recognition.
Program Details
- Location: Detroit, MI
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 65%Students W/ Aid
- $3,195Avg. Aid Amount
- 26/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves:
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic and career counseling on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted*.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Avg. Aid Amount – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Students w/ Aid – Percent of full-time, first-time students undergraduates awarded institutional aid.
- Online Enrollment – Percent of undergraduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time receiving an award in 6 years.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
*Metrics #2-5 and #6-7 were equally weighted.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2025
Keep Learning
Online Nursing Aid Training in Michigan: State Approved Programs for 2027
Online Nursing Programs in Michigan: Choosing the Right School
Reviewing the Best Online Accelerated BSN Programs
