Michigan may conjure up thoughts of farmland as far as the eye can see, but that’s only part of what Michigan is known for. Visit Detroit and enjoy some Motown music, or Mackinaw City and the delicious fudge, and Traverse City beaches on Lake Michigan. Or go to Southgate to eat the world’s largest commercially available hamburger which is complete with 15 pounds of lettuce, 30 pounds of bacon, and 36 pounds of cheese.
If you are a registered nurse (or are thinking of becoming one) read on to find the information you need, from licensing info, continuing education requirements, job & salary outlook, top hospitals, and nursing associations. Let us help you find your dream job!
In this article, we will cover:
- Licensing information
- Steps for renewing a Michigan nursing license
- Continuing education requirements
- Job & salary outlook for nurses in Michigan
- Top hospitals in Michigan
- Nursing organizations & associations in Michigan
- Basic steps for licensing and certification
- Contact information
Licensing information
Below are the fees for becoming a nurse in Michigan whether you are a first-time nurse or are moving to Michigan from another state. For more information visit the Michigan licensing page.
Licensing fees by examination (first-time nurses):
- NCLEX fee: $200
- Application fee: $208.80 (RN/LPN)
- Fingerprint processing fee: $62.75
Licensing fee by endorsement (already have RN licensure):
- Application fee: $208.80
- Fingerprint processing fee: $62.75
License renewal fee:
- Application fee: $128.50
Michigan legislation is pending for becoming a nursing compact state, which allows nurses to hold multi-state licenses. Check the NCSBN site to stay updated.
*Fees are subject to change.
Steps for renewing a Michigan nursing license
- Verify the status of your license
Visit the Verification page in order to confirm your license.
- Complete your Michigan nursing continuing education requirements before your license expires
You can complete your nursing CEUs online, on your schedule, and 100% free with Incredible Health.
- Go to the Michigan Board of Nursing site to enter your renewal application
Visit the Renewal Requirement page for specifics.
Continuing education requirements
RN/LPN/APRN: 25 contact hours every 2 years (2 hours must be in pain and symptom management)
Incredible Health offers ANCC-accredited continuing education courses for nurses in all 50 states, 100% free and online. The Michigan Board of Nursing accepts courses that are ANCC accredited.
Earn your CEUs free
Our easy online CE courses are ANCC-accredited and 100% free for nurses.
Job and salary outlook for nurses in Michigan
Due to the shortage of nurses, these healthcare professionals are in high demand. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics estimates the profession will grow by about 9% between 2020-2030. The mean annual wage is $73,980.
We can also help you check out salary estimates to help determine if Michigan is the right state for you.
[ MORE: Average nurse salary in Michigan ]
Top hospitals in Michigan
If you’re not already picking up the phone to call movers, maybe this list of the best hospitals in Michigan will sway you in the right direction. Here are the top hospitals according to U.S. News and World Report:
- University of Michigan Hospitals-Michigan Medicine – Ann Arbor, MI: This facility has been named the #15 hospital in the world and is a part of the Magnet Recognition Program®. Along with a long list of awards, this hospital is also named one of the best employers in Michigan. Some specialties include:
- Ophthalmology (#8 in the nation)
- Ear, Nose & Throat (#9 in the nation)
- Diabetes & Endocrinology (#10 in the nation)
- Gastroenterology & GI Surgery (#13 in the nation)
- Beaumont Hospital-Royal Oak & Beaumont Hospital-Grosse Pointe: The Beaumont Hospital system is committed to “compassionate, extraordinary care every day.” They have been recognized by the Magnet Recognition Program® and are also in the top 10 hospitals in the state and 24 specialty programs among the top 10% in the country. Some specialties include:
- Gynecology – Royal Oak (#18 in the nation)
- Cardiology & Heart Surgery – Royal Oak (#19 in the nation)
- Gastroenterology & GI Surgery – Royal Oak (#19 in the nation)
- Neurology & Neurosurgery – Grosse Pointe (#23 in the nation)
- Urology – Grosse Point (#30 in the nation)
*Magnet status – Awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and is considered the “gold standard” for excellence in nursing practice and care. Hospitals must meet certain criteria and apply to be designated.
Nursing organizations & associations in Michigan
Once you become a registered nurse (or even if you’re in the process), joining a nursing organization or association will give you access to networking, job opportunities, and a wealth of information shared between fellow nurses. Here are a few of the organizations and associations for nurses in Michigan:
Michigan Nurses Association: The mission of this association is to empower nurses so they can “act to educate, advocate, organize, and collectively bargain to promote professional practice, quality patient outcomes, and healthy communities.”
Health Care Association of Michigan: The mission of this association is “to promote excellence in senior care by providing support, information and advocacy on behalf of the members we represent.”
Association of periOperative Registered Nurses: This mission of this association is “to establish a national community for operating room nurses who seek to share best practices for patients undergoing surgery. “
Check out the comprehensive list of national organizations as well.
Basic steps for licensing and certification
Step 1: Education
Attend an accredited nursing school to earn either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). An ADN will take between 18 and 24 months to complete, while you can expect to spend roughly four years to earn a BSN. If you already have an ADN, there is an ADN to BSN bridge program that allows you to earn a BSN in 12-18 months. There is also an RN to BSN bridge which takes three semesters of nursing courses to be completed in one year. These programs will save you time and money. The more education you have, the better your chances of landing your dream job.
Step 2: Licensing
When you are six weeks away from graduation, you can apply to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. There are 75 to 265 questions on the NCLEX-RN with a five-hour time limit for completion. If you do not pass the NCLEX-RN on your first attempt, you must wait 45 days before you can try again.
The NCLEX includes questions on the following topics to test nursing candidates’ knowledge:
1. Safe and effective care environment
2. Health promotion and maintenance
3. Psychosocial integrity
4. Physiological integrity
Step 3: Experience
This step in the process is to gain hands-on experience. This will provide you with invaluable opportunities to work with patients making you attractive to future employers.
Step 4: Certification
The final step is to obtain certifications for your chosen career. Requirements for earning a certification vary so it is important to check with the governing body for information. Incredible Health offers free courses in order to obtain or renew certification requirements. Create a free account to access professional development mandates and get instant certificates.
Expert advice from nurses like you
Join the free Incredible Health Nurse Community to get career advice, support, and tips from experienced fellow nurses.
Contact information
Michigan Board of Nursing
Phone: (517) 241-0199
Fax: (517) 241-9416
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.michigan.gov/lara/0,4601,7-154-89334_72600_72603_27529_27542—,00.html
Mailing address:
Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
Bureau of Professional Licensing
PO Box 30670
Lansing, MI 48909
Physical address:
2407 N. Grand River Ave.
Lansing, MI 48906
