Aspiring students hoping to become a Licensed Practical Nurse or Licensed Vocational Nurse in the state of Michigan must complete a training program to attain a diploma, certificate, or associate degree. Most programs take a year however, some may take longer. Accelerated programs are usually available as well and can often be completed in as little as nine months. Students who complete their training must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Licensed Practical Nurses are often referred to as LPNs or Licensed Vocational Nurses LVN’s. However, the roles people who hold these two titles play are essentially the same.
Top 5 LPN Programs in Michigan
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Muskegon Community College | Muskegon, Michigan |
| 2 | West Shore Community College | Scottville, Michigan |
| 3 | Gogebic Community College – Ironwood | Ironwood, Michigan |
| 4 | Schoolcraft College | Livonia, Michigan |
| 5 | Glen Oaks Community College | Centreville, Michigan |
LPNs or LVNs are an essential part of a healthcare team and often play the role of monitoring vital statistics and administer basic care which can include tasks as simple as helping patients dress or perform other essential activities. They also monitor and communicate concerns to registered nurses and doctors. LPNs in Michigan are required to complete a state-approved education program as well as clinical hands-on training for patient interaction. Then LPNs must register and pass the NCLEX-PN to become licensed in the state. Fortunately, there are many LPN programs in Michigan that meet these requirements.
Best 9 LPN Programs in Michigan
Muskegon Community College
Muskegon Community College is a public community college located on 111-acres in Michigan. The college has two other campuses located in Ottawa and Newaygo counties. Students interested in the nursing program can earn their LPN or diploma in Practical Nursing and an Associate Degree in Nursing. Students can take advantage of small classes and flexible schedules.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
School Overview
West Shore Community College
West Shore Community College was founded in 1967 and is located in Mason County, Michigan. Students can pursue associate degrees and other forms of certifications as well as use the credits earned to transfer to a senior university. Students interested in obtaining an LPN can take advantage of the nursing program that prepares them for the NCLEX-PN exam. WSCC’s LPN program serves in the program to work towards an associate’s degree in nursing.
- Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission and the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation
School Overview
Gogebic Community College – Ironwood
Gogebic Community College was founded in 1932 as Ironwood Junior College. The college has a main campus in Ironwood and another campus in Houghton, Michigan. The Gogebic Community College nursing program is approved by the Michigan State Board of Nursing and provides two options for prospective nursing students. Students have the option of taking the 42-credit hour program which helps them to earn their Advanced Standing LPN to RN Associate Degree. However, students also have the option of choosing the 64-credit hour program to earn their Associate Degree in Nursing with an LPN exit option.
- Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission and the Michigan State Board of Nursing
School Overview
Schoolcraft College
Schoolcraft College is a public community college with campuses in Livonia, Michigan as well as Garden City, Michigan. Students wishing to pursue their LPN can take advantage of a program that offers a practical nursing program that prepares them for licensure as a licensed practical nurse (LPN). However, there are both pre-admission and admission requirements that must be met. The LPN program emphasizes basic nursing theory and clinical practice for patients of all ages. All courses must be taken in order.
- Accreditation: The Michigan Board of Nursing and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
School Overview
Glen Oaks Community College
Glen Oaks Community College is a small public community college founded in 1965. Nora Hagen donated 120-acres that would become the grounds from which Glen Oaks Community College would be built and approved as an institution of education. Students wishing to pursue an LPN have the option of engaging in courses that will prepare them for the NCLEX-PN exam. They also have the option of continuing their course study to receive their RN degree. Students hoping to earn their LPN must complete 60-credit hours of coursework that includes pre-requisites.
- Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission’s (HLC) and the Michigan Board of Nursing
School Overview
Grand Rapids Community College
Grand Rapids Community College was founded in 1914 after the University of Michigan established a need for junior colleges as viable institutions of education in Michigan. Between 1914 and 1924 Grand Rapids Community College operated from Central High School in Grand Rapids. Students intent on pursuing an LPN will have to meet eligibility requirements that include certain prerequisites. The LPN program is a 35-credit hour program that encourages the use of judgment skills, physical/neurological functions, as well as the ability to communicate and empathize well with patients. The program also teaches and develops other skills needed to be effective in the field of nursing.
School Overview
St. Clair County Community College
St. Clair County Community College is a public community college that operates as the main center of higher education for the Blue Water Area. Students interested in the LPN program can become involved with a program that boasts a 75% pass rate for students who taking nursing courses. This 63.3 credit hour program immerses students in all the elements of practical nursing through both clinical learning opportunities and coursework.
- Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
School Overview
Bay College
The Bay de Noc Community College was founded in 1962 and has a main campus in Escanaba and a 25-acre campus in Iron Mountain, Michigan. Students interested in obtaining an LPN will need to complete the practical nursing three-semester program to receive a Practical Nursing Certificate. Students will take courses that span the biological sciences, social sciences, universal learning, and nursing theory. They will also engage in supervised clinical experiences in the hospitals, home health care/long-term care facilities, and doctor’s offices. Students will also have the opportunity to learn and take part in a high-tech simulation center on campus. Students who complete their LPN can further their education and earn their RN degree through the bridge program.
- Accreditation: the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the State of Michigan Board of Nursing/ accredited with conditions through the Accrediting Commission for the Education of Nurses (ACEN)
School Overview
Alpena Community College
Alpena Community College is a public two-year college founded on 700-acres in 1952. The college has a main campus in Alpena, Michigan, and another one on Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda, Michigan. The LPN program provides two options for nursing students. The one-year Certificate program allows students to earn their Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) certification by completing 12.5 credit hours. Another track allows students to earn their LPN with 42.5 credit hours and 66.5 contact hours. Both options are available to students wishing to obtain an LPN.
- Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission and the State of Michigan Board of Nursing
School Overview
The medical field is a diverse field providing many opportunities for a wide variety of different careers within the field. Students who wish to enter the medical field without spending an extended amount of time in school may have an interest in investing in career training as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Many programs provide the opportunity to gain this certification, diploma, or licensure through a year or two-year program, depending on the school and the program. Most programs and jobs within the medical field will require a certificate or diploma as an LPN as well as a passing score on the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEXPN). Fortunately, many LPN programs include preparation for this essential exam as part of the program curriculum. Also, many students who complete an LPN program also have the opportunity to further their education and receive more advanced nursing degrees through continued study. Before enrolling in any LPN/LVN program, students should verify that the program meets their state’s LPN licensing and training requirements and is approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing. Accreditations are valuable and essential because they are held to meticulous and rigorous standards. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing is a main, national accrediting body that lends its seal of approval to LPN programs. However, regional accrediting organizations are available.
