Michigan Nursing Schools and Programs

With more than 75 nursing programs in Michigan for associate degree in nursing (ADN) or bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) programs, finding the right school can be difficult. This guide can help you choose the right program for your needs and career goals. We include the top nursing schools in Michigan, describe how to earn a Michigan nursing license, and outline salary and employment outlooks for nurses.

Keep reading to learn more about the top nursing schools and programs in Michigan.

Finding the right program for you depends on your personal preferences and needs, background, and goals. Because accreditation is so important, this guide only lists accredited programs.

Our Methodology: We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best nursing schools in Michigan, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including: academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.

When comparing top Michigan nursing programs, consider factors like tuition and costs; whether you want to attend online, on-campus, or a hybrid program; the curriculum; the NCLEX-RN pass rate (a strong indicator of program quality); and the location. If you plan to attend an online nursing program in Michigan, find out if you can get clinical placement in your community.

Michigan hosts more than 100,000 nurses in its many hospitals, health systems, and other medical settings. Still, the number of nursing jobs is expected to grow 9.8% between 2018 and 2028.

The median salary for nurses is $73,040, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), while the national median nurse salary is $75,330. However, the cost of living is also lower at 91.4, compared to the national index of 100.

Michigan offers communities of all sizes, including bustling college cities like Ann Arbor. If you prefer smaller towns, Michigan includes rural areas with superb access to nature and outdoor recreation.

The median salary for registered nurses (RNs), according to the BLS, is $73,040, below the national median of $75,330. Similarly, the BLS reports a median salary of $107,170 for nurse practitioners (NPs), below the national median of $111,680. However, the cost of living is lower in Michigan, which offsets the lower salaries.

Michigan nurses also enjoy strong employment prospects. According to the 2020 Survey of Michigan Nurses, 68% report that it was easy for them to find a nursing position. Of those currently employed, another 39% had little trouble getting a nursing position in their preferred practice area.

Ann Arbor is only the fifth largest city in Michigan, but hosts the most nurses and the highest median salary. In fact, it has the fifth highest concentration of nursing jobs among all U.S. metro areas. Ann Arbor is home to the University of Michigan, which features one of the largest campuses in the nation and a prestigious academic medical center.

Other cities also offer high median salaries for nurses, including Flint, Detroit, Lansing, and Kalamazoo.

Like other states, Michigan requires that nurses earn a nursing degree, pass the NCLEX-RN examination, pass a background check, and apply for a license from the state board of nursing. Michigan also requires that you answer questions about your moral character and pass training to identify and act upon the signs of human trafficking.

An ADN program in Michigan typically takes two years to complete with full-time coursework. A BSN program generally takes four years of full-time study. If you have a degree in another field, you may be able to apply those credits to enter an accelerated program.

According to the BLS, registered nurse salaries in Michigan range from $55,280-$90,080. New nurses may expect to earn closer to this lower range. However, salaries vary based on location, specialty, and certifications. Many hospitals currently offer signing bonuses of $10,000 or more.

Michigan is home to several large hospitals and health systems, and the total number of nursing jobs in Michigan is projected to grow by 9.8% between 2018 and 2028. While 35% of nurses have 20 or more years of experience, 61.6% plan to continue working for at least 10 more years, according to a state survey.

To become a nurse in Michigan, you must earn a nursing degree, either a two-year ADN or a four-year BSN, and pass the NCLEX-RN examination. You also need to pass a background check, pass a course on human trafficking, answer questions on your moral character, and submit an application to the state board of nursing.