Best Online and Campus LPN-RN Bridge Programs in Michigan

As the population ages and a generation of nurses are set to retire, the need for competent and compassionate registered nurses (RN) will only continue to grow. RN jobs in Michigan are projected to increase 8% this decade, making now a great time to build upon your training as a practical nurse, expand your nursing knowledge and responsibilities, and dramatically increase your earning potential. LPN to RN bridge programs in Michigan are designed to help you do just that by providing a quick path to earning your nursing associate degree.

This page can help you take the first steps in the research process and school selection process. From school rankings and curriculum details to helping you understand job prospects after graduation, it highlights vital information to help you decide if an LPN to RN program in Michigan is right for you.

2023’s Best LPN to RN Bridge Programs in Michigan

The best LPN to RN bridge programs in Michigan offer quality academics and extensive hands-on training at an affordable price. Additionally, they’re accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing.

While accreditation, academics, and training all play an outsized role in determining the value of your LPN to RN program, your experience as a student is also vital. The best programs offer student services like career planning, job placement, tutoring, and mental health counseling. Continue reading to see what these three standout Michigan LPN to RN programs have to offer.

What You’ll Learn in an LPN to RN Program in Michigan

If you’re a licensed practical nurse (LPN), earning your registered nurse credentials is a popular way to enhance your skills, expand your career options, and earn more. Whether online or on campus, LPN to RN programs in Michigan take one to two years to complete and develop knowledge and skills both in the classroom and in real-world clinical settings.

Program requirements can vary between schools, but expect a blend of theoretical coursework and advanced practical training while honing skills in patient assessment and medication administration. Additionally, expect courses in nursing leadership, nursing ethics, and pharmacology. Students at Grand Rapids Community College, for example, complete 49 credits throughout their LPN to RN bridge program and tackle core requirements like developmental psychology, population health, and the application of nursing skills. Because you’re completing an associate degree in nursing, you’ll also complete various general education classes.

In addition to developing foundational nursing knowledge, you’ll also get the chance to apply what you’ve learned in a safe, supervised, clinical setting. The number of required clinical hours can vary, but many LPN to RN programs in Michigan require 500-600 hours. For instance, students at Henry Ford College secure clinical placements in the Detroit area and tackle clinical assignments outside of scheduled class times.

Common LPN to RN courses are detailed below to give you an idea of what to expect.

Popular LPN to RN Courses

Detailed Look at Online LPN to RN Programs in Michigan

For LPN to RN online programs in Michigan, the reliance on in-person labs and clinical work prevents bridge programs from being entirely online. That doesn’t mean you won’t encounter the virtual classroom., though. Alongside general education classes that schools commonly offer online, it’s common for theoretical nursing coursework to have online components. Online coursework is beneficial for working students because it allows them the flexibility needed to complete class requirements while balancing personal and professional responsibilities.

Although online courses offer a flexible alternative to in-person options, the hands-on training required for your LPN to RN program is inescapable. In-person clinical hours allow you to hone the essential skills you need to offer competent nursing care. Because these clinical hours are vital to your nursing experience, be sure to contact programs to inquire about placement options in Michigan. Some standard healthcare settings where students complete their clinical hours include:

• Community health centers
• Hospitals
• Long-term care facilities
• Ambulatory care settings
• Rehabilitation centers
• Mental health facilities
• Maternity and neonatal units
• Pediatric settings

Frequently Asked Questions About LPN to RN Programs in Michigan

How long does it take to complete an LPN to RN bridge program?

The time it takes to complete your LPN to RN bridge program depends on the specific program, your status as a full-time or part-time student, and your prior higher education. Most LPN to RN programs in Michigan takes 12 to 24 months to complete. At Henry Ford College, for example, nursing students must meet all requirements within three consecutive years.

Throughout your LPN to RN program in Michigan, expect to build upon past nursing knowledge while developing advanced nursing skills spanning patient care management to nursing leadership. Alongside your in-class experiences, you’ll also complete extensive clinical training at an approved healthcare site.

What are the admissions requirements for Michigan LPN to RN bridge programs?

While admission requirements vary among schools, there are some common requirements you can expect. Schools like Oakland Community College require an active Michigan LPN license along with 1,500 hours of work experience as a licensed practical nurse. Henry Ford Community College requires at least 2,000 hours. Because experience requirements vary, be sure to closely review admission requirements.

Alongside LPN licensure and work experience, your LPN to RN application can require extensive documentation. From proof of vaccinations and health insurance to drug screens and criminal background checks, these programs want to ensure that you meet rigorous health and safety standards. Common admission requirements for LPN to RN programs include:

• Official transcripts from an accredited LPN program
• Proof of high school diploma
• Minimum 2.0+ cumulative GPA
• Proof of unencumbered Michigan LPN licensure
• 1,500+ hours of professional experience
• Proof of health insurance
• COVID vaccination
• Flu vaccination
• A professional resume
• Drug screen
• Criminal background check
• BLS/CPR certification

How much do LPN to RN bridge programs in Michigan cost?

The cost for your Michigan-based LPN to RN bridge program depends on the school and whether you’re paying local tuition or out-of-district rates. At Oakland Community College, local students pay about $7,000 in tuition and fees ($99/credit), while out-of-district tuition can cost more than $13,000 ($192/credit). Other programs, like the one at Delta College, boast similar tuition rates with local students paying $127 per credit.

While tuition rates are the most significant cost when completing your degree, other fees can add up quickly. Oakland Community College estimates that pre-program expenditures can cost more than $1,500, and include books, uniforms, immunizations, drug tests, and background checks.

What features should I look for in an LPN to RN program in Michigan?

Because an LPN to RN program often involves a significant investment of time and money, make sure prospective programs mirror your academic and professional needs. This means considering various factors while recognizing what makes a quality LPN to RN program. First, accreditation is vital and can mean the difference between securing licensure or not. Quality programs are accredited by the ACEN or the CCNE and approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing.

Additionally, student pass rates for the NCLEX-RN are a solid indicator of student success. You’ll also want to consider practical elements like cost, location, and clinical opportunities. Additionally, some of the best schools offer extensive student services like career services, tutoring, and mental health counseling.

A comprehensive list of considerations includes:

• ACEN or CCNE accreditation
• Michigan Board of Nursing certification
• NCLEX-RN pass rates
• Curriculum
• Clinical specializations
• Clinical opportunities
• Cost
• Location
• Flexibility
• Student services

LPN to RN in Michigan: Salary and Job Outlook

While your LPN license is often a quick and inexpensive pathway toward a healthcare career, earning RN licensure is a logical next step. The financial benefits are probably incentive enough since you can expect a significant raise with RN licensure, but your career options will also grow. In Michigan alone, the BLS projects the addition of over 8,000 new nursing jobs by 2030. Keep reading for a deep dive into salary and employment information.

How much more can I make going from an LPN to RN in Michigan?

While your earning potential as a registered nurse can vary by job and location, BLS salary data makes one thing abundantly clear: you can anticipate a minimum 30% raise after earning your RN credentials. The median annual wage for LPNs in Michigan is just over $53,000, but you can anticipate a median yearly salary of nearly $77,000 after completing your LPN to RN program.

RN wages often fluctuate between locations, but the median annual wage for RNs in Michigan mirrors national numbers. Check out the table below to see how much you can earn in various towns across Michigan.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021

What’s the job market like for RNs in Michigan compared to LPNs?

Like other states, Michigan has a shortage of nurses. The BLS projects nursing jobs in Michigan will grow by as much as 8% by 2030, equaling the addition of over 8,000 jobs. While the job growth rate for LPNs isn’t much lower at 6.8%, the raw number of potential new LPN jobs is just 890. Not only can expand your earning potential with an RN, but you can also dramatically expand your career options.

In addition to the projected 8,160 new nursing jobs in Michigan by 2030, the BLS also projects 6,350 new job openings for registered nurses every year. You can also anticipate this need for registered nurses to grow even more in the coming years as the RN workforce ages along with the state’s elderly population.

Source: Projections Central