If you’re reading this, you’re probably a Michigan native interested in a career as a Licensed Practical Nurse or LPN.
Well, you’ve come to the right place!
In this article, you’ll find all the steps you need to take to become an LPN in Michigan.
From enrolling in a practical nursing program to getting your license, every stage in this process is detailed and comprehensive yet easy to understand.
Besides the process of how to become an LPN in Michigan, you’ll also find answers to these frequently asked questions:
- How much is the average salary of an LPN in Michigan?
- What are the career opportunities for LPNs in Michigan?
- How long will my Michigan LPN license be valid?
If you’re not entirely sure if pursuing a practical nursing license is the right move, you can also check out this article on How to Become a Nurse.
You’ll discover the different types of nurses and what makes each of them different.
Without further ado, let’s jump in!
How to Become an LPN in Michigan in 3 Steps
- Complete a state-approved practical nursing program
- Apply for your practical nursing license at the Bureau of Health Care Services
- Register for and take the NCLEX-PN
Step #1: Complete a State-Approved Practical Nursing Program
The first step to becoming a licensed practical nurse in Michigan is to enroll yourself in a state-approved practical nursing program.
The program has to be endorsed by the Michigan Board of Nursing. Otherwise, it will not qualify you for an LPN license.
Currently, there are around 30 approved programs in the Michigan state area, offered in colleges and technical-vocational institutions.
You can find the complete list of both RN and LPN nursing programs here.
You should also check the NCLEX–PN passing rates of the schools you are interested in. It will give you an idea of how well they prepare their graduates for the exam.
To be eligible for admission to a licensed practical nursing program, you will usually need to prepare the following requirements:
- High school diploma or GED, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
- Personal statement essay
- Criminal background check
- Drug test
- Letters of recommendation
- Completion of the ATI TEAS exam
Costs vary based on tuition, mandatory fees, and needed supplies; they can range from a few thousand dollars to well into the tens of thousands, depending on what program you want to attend.
But don’t be afraid if you can’t cover the costs! You can always contact the financial aid office of the school hosting your preferred program, where they can guide you on loans, scholarships, financial assistance, or other methods.
Once you’ve enrolled, expect to complete your program within one to two years. Within these years, you’ll learn all about topics like anatomy and physiology, practical nursing fundamentals, and more. Your education will be held in both classroom and clinical settings.
Step #2: Apply for Your Practical Nursing License and Register for the NCLEX-PN
After graduating from a licensed practical nursing program, you may now apply for your license from the Michigan Board of Nursing.
You need to take and pass the NCLEX-PN but to qualify for the exam, you need to send your application to the Board first. The Board will determine if you are eligible.
You first need to complete the application form.
Currently, the Michigan Board of Nursing only accepts online applications for nursing licenses through the MiPLUS service at www.michigan.gov/miplus. Make sure to answer all the questions and give any supporting documents when necessary.
If you’re confused, you can watch this helpful video walkthrough on how to apply for a license through the website!
Here are the other requirements to prepare for your LPN application:
- Professional Education – provide the name of the school you attended and the name of the program completed
- Official Final Transcripts OR the Michigan Nursing School Certification Form
- Good Moral Character Questionnaire
- Completion of training to identify victims of human trafficking
- Social Security Number
- Verification of other licenses (if applicable)
- English Language Proficiency
- Implicit Bias Training
- Criminal Background Check – to be done after your online application is submitted
Besides these requirements, you will also have to pay the application fee of $208.90. This fee can only be paid through credit or debit card.
Aside from the other application requirements, you must also register for the NCLEX with Pearson Vue.
This must be done simultaneously; Pearson Vue will notify the Board of Nursing of your registration for testing, and in turn, the Board will inform them if you are eligible based on your application with them.
If all of your documents and payments are approved by the Board, Pearson Vue will give you your Authorization to Test (ATT), allowing you to make an appointment for the NCLEX-PN.
You can take the NCLEX in any of the Pearson Vue testing sites across states, regardless of which state you applied in.
Step #3: Take and Pass the NCLEX-PN
The final step: taking the NCLEX-PN.
Before you take the NCLEX and even before you apply, you should already start reviewing.
Make sure to go through the NCLEX website.
Besides registration, you can also find practice exams, test plans, and candidate guides. You’ll also find instructions for what to do on exam day, and when you can expect your results.
Once you’ve completed the examination, your results will be given directly to the Bureau of Professional Licensing. If you fail the exam, you will receive your results from their office.
If you pass, you will be notified and given your professional license!
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming an LPN in Michigan
Now that we’ve completed the steps to becoming an LPN, let’s answer some important FAQs.
How much is the average salary of an LPN in Michigan?
According to the BLS, LPNs earn a mean annual income of $54,090.
This is higher than the mean annual income of LPNs at $ 51,850.
Some of the highest-paying cities in Michigan are Livonia, Detroit, and Jackson.
What are the career opportunities for LPNs in Michigan?
In Michigan, the demand for LPNs is expected to grow at a rate of 16.1%.
Thousands of new jobs are opening up every year in the healthcare industry, and the demand for LPNs continues to grow.
It’s safe to say a career as a practical nurse will be full of opportunities!
How long will my Michigan LPN license be valid?
LPN licenses in Michigan expire every 2 years.
To be valid for renewal, you need to complete 25 hours of continued education as approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing.
You have a 60-day grace period to renew your license if you fail to do so within the allotted time.
Is Michigan an NLC State?
No, it is not an NLC state, although it is pending legislation to become an NLC state.
This means it could become an NLC state sometime in the future.
It’s best to keep yourself updated on any developments.
Can I apply for an LPN license in Michigan by Endorsement?
Yes, you can!
If you are already an LPN in another state but want to work in Michigan, you can apply for a separate LPN license through the process of endorsement.
You will not need to take the NCLEX-PN again but will have to verify that you have an active, unencumbered LPN license from another state.
To see the full checklist of requirements, you can look here.
Conclusion
If you’re ready to dedicate yourself to a career in nursing, becoming an LPN could be the perfect choice for you.
There’s nothing more rewarding than taking care of other people and seeing the positive changes you make in their lives, big and small.
We hope this article helped you, and we wish you all the best on your journey!
If you have any questions or comments, you can leave a comment down below.