Are you interested in becoming a nurse in Michigan? Michigan houses 176,952 active registered nurses (RNs), not including the advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) – certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), certified nurse midwives (CNMs), and nurse practitioners (NPs). Michigan has a vast amount of opportunities available to become a nurse and, if desired, to expand your knowledge and schooling to become an APRN. Here are some Michigan RN stats:
- Michigan has a nurse-patient ratio law in which morning shifts cannot exceed 8:1 patient ratio to nurse and 12:1 for the afternoon shift.
- In 2023, nearly 50% of Michigan RNs started with a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
- More Michigan RNs are now working in anesthesia, child and family care, critical care, occupational health and transitions of care, and surgical services.
- 8% of Michigan RNs are travel nurses.
- 85% of Michigan RNs under the age of 65 are currently employed.
Educational Requirements
The first step to becoming a Michigan RN is to obtain your high school diploma or equivalent. The next step is to decide what type of nursing school to attend. There are currently over 75 nursing programs in Michigan with varying tuitions and requirements. If possible, try not to limit yourself by applying to one program. Sometimes, the wait lists can be extensive and seats limited.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
An ADN is offered at many community colleges and takes approximately 2-3 years. Obtaining an ADN is a great start to your nursing career in a cost-efficient way.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
A BSN is a 4-year program that is offered at many Michigan state universities and some private colleges. While an ADN can open most doors for prospective nurses, obtaining your BSN may provide a higher earning potential or better opportunities for career advancement.
State Licensing Requirements
The Michigan Board of Nursing (BON) and the Michigan Nursing Licensing Guide are key resources to completing all necessary tasks to be a Michigan RN. To be licensed, complete the following:
- Prospective nurses must first complete the Michigan BON application.
- Once the application has been submitted, you must have a criminal background check and get fingerprinted. Information and instructions will be sent to you.
- Complete human trafficking and implicit bias training.
- Answer good moral character questions.
NCLEX-RN Examination
Regardless of the nursing program you graduated from, all nursing graduates take the same National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX)-RN. This is a computerized test that is given 6 days a week. It is recommended to take this exam as soon as you can after graduation as this is when you have the most knowledge retention and are likely to have a better success rate. Visit the NCLEX Test Centers website for locations.
If you are interested in taking NCLEX prep classes, there are many options available online. Some are listed below. Before signing up for one, talk with your instructors and classmates to see if they have had success with a previous program or recommend one.
- Kaplan – often a top choice; 97% of students pass the NCLEX on their first try.
- Nursing.com – pass the NCLEX or they will pay you back 200%
- NurseAchieve – most advanced practice exam technology
- Hurst Review – best first-attempt pass rate
- NCLEX Mastery – most affordable
- Mometrix University – best free resources
- ATI – best product offerings
- Crush NCLEX – best online course
Job Outlook and Opportunities
The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects an 8% increase in Michigan RNs between now and 2030. Additionally, the demand for NPs is expected to grow exponentially, with a 50% growth by 2030.
On average, RNs in Michigan make $76,000 a year. However, certain areas in Michigan pay more, or less, than others. If you want to maximize your salary, the Ann Arbor area can pay upwards of $80,000 per year, followed by Detroit/Warren/Dearborn at $78,790 and Flint at $78,670. Bay City and Saginaw are among the lowest-paying Michigan RNs, with an average salary of $75,040. Many employers also offer shift differentials, which are specific shifts that pay more than others (e.g., evening or night shifts, weekends).
Resources and Support
There are many state and national resources available to nurses as they navigate schooling and the difficulties of working in this new field.
- American Nurses Association
- Michigan Nurses Association
- Support groups
- Operation Happy Nurse: Free! To help all nurses decompress and engage with another to practice stress-relief and talk work-related issues.
- New Nurses Facebook Support Group
- Don’t Clock Out: Free virtual peer support group for nurses, nursing students, and nursing assistants.
Why become a nurse? Nursing is a rewarding career with numerous opportunities to advance your career and/or specialize. You will always be in demand and can find the nursing niche that provides the most personal and professional rewards, whether that is working in the hospital in an inpatient unit, as an APRN, or even behind the scenes with an insurance company. Becoming a nurse in all these career opportunities has the same timeline:
- Graduate with a high school diploma or equivalent
- Apply and complete a nursing program
- Fill out the application for the Michigan Board of Nursing and complete their requirements
- Take the NCLEX-RN
- Find a job!
Nurture your calling – start your nursing journey today
