Inside Online LPN Programs in Michigan
If you’re seeking a fast track into healthcare, becoming an LPN is a great choice, with many Michigan-approved programs offering online coursework. This guide helps you understand the structure of online LPN programs with details on curriculum, duration, and cost. We’ve even provided answers to the most commonly asked questions about licensing and financial aid.
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Navigating Online LPN Classes in Michigan
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.
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
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
Responding to FAQs from 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.
Compensation & Career Growth for Practical Nurses in Michigan
- Area ↕
- 10th Percentile ↕
- Median ↕
- 90th Percentile ↕
| U.S. | |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $47,960 |
| Median | $62,340 |
| 90th Percentile | $80,510 |
| Michigan | |
| 10th Percentile | $53,360 |
| Median | $63,810 |
| 90th Percentile | $77,290 |
| Ann Arbor, MI | |
| 10th Percentile | $60,380 |
| Median | $65,610 |
| 90th Percentile | $79,930 |
| Battle Creek, MI | |
| 10th Percentile | $56,000 |
| Median | $61,510 |
| 90th Percentile | $74,270 |
| Bay City, MI | |
| 10th Percentile | $55,550 |
| Median | $58,890 |
| 90th Percentile | $69,290 |
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | |
| 10th Percentile | $59,330 |
| Median | $65,030 |
| 90th Percentile | $77,320 |
| Flint, MI | |
| 10th Percentile | $56,780 |
| Median | $61,470 |
| 90th Percentile | $78,080 |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI | |
| 10th Percentile | $52,860 |
| Median | $62,540 |
| 90th Percentile | $74,460 |
| Jackson, MI | |
| 10th Percentile | $54,450 |
| Median | $62,860 |
| 90th Percentile | $76,150 |
| Kalamazoo-Portage, MI | |
| 10th Percentile | $56,070 |
| Median | $63,180 |
| 90th Percentile | $78,200 |
| Lansing-East Lansing, MI | |
| 10th Percentile | $53,490 |
| Median | $64,140 |
| 90th Percentile | $78,990 |
| Midland, MI | |
| 10th Percentile | $51,350 |
| Median | $56,820 |
| 90th Percentile | $77,100 |
| Monroe, MI | |
| 10th Percentile | $54,340 |
| Median | $62,200 |
| 90th Percentile | $73,780 |
| Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI | |
| 10th Percentile | $51,560 |
| Median | $59,490 |
| 90th Percentile | $75,240 |
| Niles, MI | |
| 10th Percentile | $58,670 |
| Median | $72,960 |
| 90th Percentile | $85,180 |
| Saginaw, MI | |
| 10th Percentile | $52,910 |
| Median | $62,220 |
| 90th Percentile | $77,050 |
| Traverse City, MI | |
| 10th Percentile | $50,120 |
| Median | $59,740 |
| 90th Percentile | $74,550 |
Source: Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| United States | |
|---|---|
| Curr. Jobs | 655,000 |
| Proj. Jobs | 689,900 |
| New Jobs | 34,900 |
| Growth % | 5.30% |
| Avg. Ann. Openings | 54,400 |
| Michigan | |
| Curr. Jobs | 10,590 |
| Proj. Jobs | 10,730 |
| New Jobs | 140 |
| Growth % | 1.30% |
| Avg. Ann. Openings | 820 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Ranking the Best Online LPN Programs in Michigan
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $3,677 Avg. Aid Amount
- 42% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected West Shore Community College
- The Practical Nursing program at West Shore Community College offers an employer-sponsored apprenticeship model, enabling students to earn while they learn through direct employment and sponsorship by a healthcare facility.
- Students complete cognitive coursework online combined with virtual labs and on-site clinicals, providing flexible learning paired with real-world clinical experience.
- Admission requires current employment in direct patient care and passing specific entrance tests, ensuring students enter with practical experience and readiness for nursing responsibilities.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $3,677 Avg. Aid Amount
- 42% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Northwestern Michigan College
Traverse City, MIProgram Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,659 Avg. Aid Amount
- 34% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Northwestern Michigan College
- The Practical Nursing program at Nebraska Methodist College offers a one-year certificate with a seamless pathway to progress into a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, supporting career advancement for LPN graduates.
- Students benefit from a hybrid structure combining in-person and online coursework with clinical experiences, preparing them effectively for the NCLEX-PN licensure exam while offering flexible learning options.
- The program is designed to meet growing workforce needs and aging population demands, positioning graduates for employment in diverse healthcare settings with strong job prospects.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,659 Avg. Aid Amount
- 34% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,720 Avg. Aid Amount
- 33% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Gogebic Community College
- The Practical Nursing program at Gogebic Community College offers an accelerated LPN-to-RN pathway allowing licensed practical nurses to join the second year and graduate in just two semesters.
- Students benefit from an interactive classroom environment with experienced, certified faculty and extensive hands-on lab and patient care simulation experiences.
- The program provides diverse clinical practicums at various affiliated healthcare sites, giving students real patient interactions in hospital and community settings.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,720 Avg. Aid Amount
- 33% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,902 Avg. Aid Amount
- 44% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Alpena Community College
- The Practical Nursing program offers a tuition discount equal to 50% of the resident undergraduate tuition costs for eligible students, significantly reducing financial barriers to enrollment.
- The program provides high-quality clinical experiences in diverse healthcare settings, ensuring students gain practical, hands-on skills that enhance job readiness upon graduation.
- Students benefit from strong employer partnerships facilitating high clinical placement rates and better opportunities for employment immediately after program completion.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,902 Avg. Aid Amount
- 44% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Schoolcraft Community College District
Livonia, MIProgram Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,076 Avg. Aid Amount
- 28% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 21/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Schoolcraft Community College District
- The Practical Nursing program at Schoolcraft College offers seamless progression to the Registered Nursing program without further admission requirements for graduates completing the first year, enabling accelerated career advancement.
- Students benefit from a partnership with Michigan’s largest healthcare system, enhancing clinical placement opportunities and readiness for nursing employment upon graduation.
- Up to $8,500 in financial support from the Schoolcraft College Foundation is available to assist students with tuition and book expenses, reducing the financial burden of nursing education.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,076 Avg. Aid Amount
- 28% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 21/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $2,059 Avg. Aid Amount
- 29% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Lansing Community College
- The Practical Nursing program offers a career ladder concept with both a traditional 2-year track and an accelerated 2nd Degree track for students holding a bachelor’s degree.
- Students benefit from national accreditation and approval by the Michigan Board of Nursing, ensuring program quality and eligibility for the NCLEX-PN licensure exam.
- The curriculum emphasizes development of clinical judgment, technical skills, and lifelong learning with competency standards set by NAPNES, preparing graduates to effectively join interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $2,059 Avg. Aid Amount
- 29% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
St Clair County Community College
Port Huron, MIProgram Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,921 Avg. Aid Amount
- 33% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected St Clair County Community College
- The SC4 Practical Nursing program boasts a consistently high pass rate exceeding state and national averages on the licensure exam, demonstrating strong student success and program quality.
- Students benefit from experienced, knowledgeable nursing faculty with extensive real-world patient care backgrounds and access to advanced simulation labs that provide hands-on training in realistic clinical scenarios.
- The program offers a direct pathway to career advancement with options to transfer into SC4’s Associate Degree Nursing program and other health sciences degrees, supported by university partnerships and articulation agreements.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,921 Avg. Aid Amount
- 33% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Grand Rapids Community College
Grand Rapids, MIProgram Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,058 Avg. Aid Amount
- 31% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 20/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Grand Rapids Community College
- The Practical Nursing program at GRCC features a 100% NCLEX-PN licensure exam pass rate, demonstrating exceptional student success and program quality.
- The program offers an Advanced Standing option that allows experienced LPNs to fast-track their Associate Degree Nursing completion by applying prior work experience.
- Robust clinical partnerships provide extensive hands-on training and connect students with potential employers, enhancing job placement opportunities after graduation.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,058 Avg. Aid Amount
- 31% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 20/1 Student/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
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