LPN to RN Online Programs in MI: Top Schools, Tuition, and More
Current Michigan LPNs can further their careers by becoming a registered nurse (RN) with an online LPN to RN bridge programs. EduMed’s guide can help you understand LPN to RN programs and how they can accommodate your working schedule while expediting your education. We’ve included information about prerequisites, accredited schools, curriculum details, and clinical hour requirements. You’ll also discover licensing requirements for RNs in Michigan and answers to FAQs. Start your journey towards an RN career today.
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Profiling Three of Michigan’s Top LPN to RN Programs
Online LPN to RN bridge programs in Michigan are designed for working LPNs who want to use their clinical experience as credit in an RN program. These programs expedite the process of becoming an RN by using the experience you already have.
What is even more convenient is how these programs come in a “mostly online” or “hybrid” format:
- Mostly online: majority of coursework is completed remotely in an online learning management system; clinical training is completed in-person at healthcare sites
- Partially online (hybrid): some learning activities are online while others are held in-person on campus; clinical training is held at an off-campus health facility
Except for clinicals being in person, you can expect the lectures to be held either synchronously (at a scheduled set time) or asynchronously (on your own time). The flexibility allows you to continue working full-time, and some programs even allow you to complete your clinicals at your current place of employment.
Below are some examples of accredited programs that offer schedules that cater to each student’s individual needs while ensuring that they receive the education necessary for licensure.
Grand Rapids Community College
Grand Rapids Community College is a public institution that offers an LPN to RN bridge program approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Designed to assist licensed LPNs in growing their skills and earning their RN licensure, this 60-credit program is often completed in just three semesters. Students tackle theoretical coursework and extensive hands-on clinical training. Courses include:
- Developmental psychology
- Family health illness concepts
- Synthesis of nursing concepts
- Population health and education
Students complete clinical rotations, a critical component of their training, arranged at affiliated healthcare facilities. GRCC’s NCLEX-RN pass rate in 2022 was 100%, demonstrating how graduates gain the necessary information to earn licensure.
Duration: Two years
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $9,000 to $10,000 per year
Admissions Requirements:
- Active LPN license
- Completed prerequisite courses
- Minimum GPA (typically around 2.5 or higher)
- Official transcripts
- Health requirements
- Criminal background check
- Interview (potentially)
Curriculum:
- Advanced Nursing Concepts
- Pharmacology
- Nursing Ethics and Law
- Maternal-Newborn Nursing
- Pediatric Nursing
- Adult Health Nursing
Delta College
Delta College is a public community college serving Bay, Midland, and Saginaw counties in Michigan offering an LPN to RN Track Program that can be completed in just 16 months. Delta is home to a 9,000-square-foot health professions lab, and the program is ACEN accredited and approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing.
In this 67-credit LPN to RN program, students tackle courses such as:
- Math for allied health
- Healthcare ethics
- Pharmacology for healthcare professionals
- Pediatric nursing
- Mental health nursing
- Adult care nursing
Students are required to complete in-person clinical hours at healthcare facilities in the region, providing hands-on training and real-world experience. Delta’s RN programs boast an 88% NCLEX-RN pass rate for first-time test takers, and it has a 100% job placement rate.
Duration: Two years
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $4,500 per year
Admissions Requirements:
- Active Michigan LPN license
- Completion of prerequisite courses
- Minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher in prerequisite courses
- Official transcripts
- Interview or entrance assessment (potentially)
Curriculum:
- Nursing Theory and Concepts
- Pharmacology and Dosage Calculations
- Medical-Surgical Nursing
- Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing
- Leadership and Management in Nursing
Oakland Community College (OCC)
Oakland Community College is a public institution that’s home to an LPN to RN Bridge Program where students complete both general education classes and courses in the theory and practice of nursing. Additionally, students develop foundational nursing skills in the area’s extensive network of healthcare settings.
Major requirements for this LPN to RN program include courses in subjects such as:
- Pharmacology for nursing
- Nursing of adults
- Integrated physical assessment and decision making
- Transition to the graduate nurse role
As a full-time nursing student, you can anticipate several hours of lectures and two eight-hour clinical shifts each week. OCC holds ACEN accreditation and is approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing. In 2022, OCC nursing program graduates had a 93% NCLEX-RN pass rate.
Duration: Two years
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $5,000 to $6,000 per year
Admissions Requirements:
- Active Michigan LPN License
- Completion of prerequisite coursework
- Official transcripts
- Criminal background check
- Health requirements, such as vaccinations and health status
- Nursing Entrance Exam (potentially)
Curriculum:
- Nursing Theory and Practice
- Pharmacology
- Medical-Surgical Nursing
- Mental Health Nursing
- Nursing Leadership and Management
- Clinical Practice
Answering Online LPN to RN Programs FAQs
While the program spotlights above give you a general idea about the structure of these bridge programs, you most likely have questions regarding financial aid, accreditation, and licensing requirements. To give you more specific information, EduMed has compiled the five most frequently asked questions from prospective LPN to RN students looking to study in Michigan.
What should I look for in an LPN to RN program in Michigan?
When selecting an LPN to RN program in Michigan, prioritize accredited nursing programs that adequately prepare you for the NCLEX-RN exam and meet state licensing requirements. Look for programs that offer flexible learning options, such as online courses, and include local clinical placements for hands-on experience.
Additionally, consider the program’s cost, the availability of financial aid for nursing students, and the support services offered, such as academic advising and career assistance. Research graduation rates, read program reviews, and assess the program’s reputation to ensure you receive a quality education.
What are the licensing requirements for the LPN to RN program in Michigan?
The only licensing requirement for entry into an LPN to RN bridge program in Michigan is holding an active LPN license in Michigan. After graduation, you’ll need to complete other requirements to become licensed as a RN in the state. These include:
- Applying for an RN license through the Michigan Board of Nursing
- Submitting a criminal background check
- Passing the NCLEX-RN exam to qualify for licensure
Check out our guide to essential health student study skills to tackle the NCLEX-RN with confidence.
What clinical opportunities are available for the LPN to RN program in Michigan?
LPN to RN programs in Michigan offer clinical opportunities that involve hands-on experience in local healthcare facilities, such as hospitals, clinics, and long-term care centers. Students participate in clinical rotations across various nursing specialties, including:
- Medical-surgical nursing
- Pediatrics nursing
- Maternal-newborn care
- Mental health nursing
These clinical placements provide essential real-world experience and allow students to apply their theoretical knowledge in patient care settings. Typically, clinical sites are arranged by the program, and students are required to meet specific health and background check requirements.
Expert Insight
To maximize your clinical education, consider a nursing externship at a health facility in your area. Externships are often completed after you graduate, but you don’t always need your RN license yet to begin. You can find externships by doing an online search or reaching out to local facilities.
What academic advising and career counseling is available for the LPN to RN program in Michigan?
LPN to RN programs in Michigan typically provide academic advising to help students with course selection, navigate prerequisites, and stay on track for graduation. Career counseling services may assist with:
Many programs also offer networking opportunities with healthcare professionals, career fairs, and job placement assistance. These services are designed to support students academically and professionally as they transition from LPN to RN.
Where can I get financial aid assistance for the LPN to RN program in MI?
For financial aid assistance with LPN to RN programs in Michigan, students should begin by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application helps them qualify for federal grants, loans, and work-study opportunities.
Many schools also provide institutional scholarships for nursing students and nursing-specific grants. In addition, state programs such as the Michigan Competitive Scholarship and the Michigan Tuition Grant can offer valuable financial support.
Students are encouraged to explore private scholarships from nursing organizations and healthcare employers that provide educational assistance.
LPN vs. RN Salary & Career Path in Michigan
As you consider transitioning from LPN to RN, think about the impact on your future career opportunities and earning potential. The growth rate for RNs in Michigan is 2.7%. While this is lower than the national average of 5.6%, RNs still experience a more rapid growth rate than the 1.3% growth of LPNs.
Additionally, the market for RNs remains stable and growing. There are 5,950 annual job openings, with an anticipated 2,760 new RN jobs in the coming years.
RNs also earn significantly more than LPNs:
- The 10th percentile of RNs in Michigan earns $67,450, which is higher than the median salary of $61,850 for LPNs, indicating the promise of high earnings and potential for growth.
- Nurses with extensive experience or in-demand specializations can earn over six figures; the 90th percentile of RNs earns $101,610.
Check out the table below for more data on what to expect.
| Occupation | Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | Michigan | $47,840 | $61,850 | $74,400 |
| Registered Nurses | Michigan | $67,450 | $81,710 | $101,610 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Occupation | Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | United States | 655,000 | 689,900 | 34,900 | 5.30% | 54,400 |
| Registered Nurses | Michigan | 104,150 | 106,910 | 2,760 | 2.70% | 5,950 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | Michigan | 10,590 | 10,730 | 140 | 1.30% | 820 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
