How to Become an RN in Michigan: 5 Steps
Curious about how to become an RN in Michigan? The Great Lakes State has plenty to offer for healthcare professionals, including cutting-edge medical institutions, affordable cost of living, and abundant job opportunities. Ranked among the top states for business and medical technology, Michigan opens the door to innovative, forward-thinking roles for nurses.
Ready to start your nursing career? This article has all the information you need to become an RN in Michigan, from getting licensed to exploring the state’s thriving job market.
What Does an RN in Michigan Do?
As you explore how to become an RN in Michigan, it’s important to consider the day-to-day responsibilities of the role. With the state’s growing healthcare job market, you’ll have opportunities in various settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home care agencies. While each workplace brings its own unique duties, here are some core responsibilities you can expect in most nursing jobs:
- Patient care: You’ll be responsible for performing head-to-toe assessments, administering medications, and developing nursing care plans.
- Patient education: You’ll teach patients and their families about health conditions, the importance of adherence to treatment regimens, and other relevant topics.
- Administrative tasks: You’ll maintain accurate medical records and update patient charts with progress notes about the care provided.
- Specialized care: You’ll perform specialty-specific tasks, such as surgical assistance and wound care.
- Collaborating with healthcare teams: You’ll work closely with doctors, nurse practitioners, and other professionals.
How Long Does It Take to Become an RN in Michigan?
There are several ways to become an RN, with an average timeline of two to four years. Here’s a breakdown of some options:
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): This is the fastest route to becoming an RN, typically taking about 2 years.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): This program takes about 4 years to complete at a university or college. Many employers are increasingly seeking nurses with a BSN degree due to the broader scope of education it provides.
How to Become an RN in Michigan: 5 Steps
Ready to begin your nursing career? Follow these five essential steps to become an RN in Michigan.
Step 1: Complete an Accredited Nursing Program
The first step to becoming an RN is to enroll in and complete an accredited nursing program. These programs are designed to provide you with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on training you’ll need to excel in the nursing profession.
Thinking about earning your BSN? Check out these highly rated universities in Michigan:
- University of Michigan Ann Arbor
- Michigan State University
- Michigan Technological University
- Wayne State University
- University of Detroit Mercy
If you’re aiming for an ADN degree, consider exploring these community colleges:
- Monroe County Community College
- Muskegon Community College
- St. Clair County Community College
- Lake Michigan College
- Southwestern Michigan College
Wondering how you can afford to become an RN in Michigan? If you’re a Michigan resident, you may qualify to earn a degree or skills certificate for free or get help with repaying your student loan. Be sure to also explore nursing scholarships and grants that can lighten the financial load.
Another way to pay for nursing school is by finding a student nurse job. It’s a great way to earn extra income while in school and gain valuable clinical experience. This experience can significantly strengthen your nursing resume and help you land higher-paying jobs right after graduation.
Step 2: Prepare for and Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam
Once you’ve completed your nursing program, your next big milestone is passing the NCLEX-RN exam. This essential test evaluates your nursing knowledge, critical thinking, and ability to deliver safe, high-quality patient care. Successfully passing this exam is your ticket to earning your Michigan RN license.
Here are several key details about taking NCLEX-RN in Michigan:
- Create a MiPLUS account on the Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) website.
- Apply for licensure by examination through your MiPLUS account, which involves submitting proof of your education and paying the required fee.
- Complete NCLEX registration via Pearson. Once your application is reviewed and approved, you’ll receive authorization to test along with instructions on how to schedule your exam.
- Undergo a criminal background check by submitting your fingerprints through Michigan’s approved vendor.
You’ll encounter a few fees during the application process. Here’s a quick breakdown of what to budget for at this stage:
- NCLEX fee: $200
- Application fee: $212.90
There’s no limit to how many times you can take the NCLEX in Michigan, but you must wait 45 days between attempts. If you don’t pass within 3 years of graduation, you’ll need to complete a skills certification or request an extension from the Board.
Step 3: Apply for Your Michigan RN License
Once you’ve passed the NCLEX, the Michigan Board of Nursing will review your results and issue your RN license. If you don’t pass, they’ll provide guidance on how to retake the test.
It’s worth noting that Michigan isn’t part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). This means that Michigan-licensed nurses can’t practice in NLC states without applying for licensure by endorsement, and nurses with a compact license will need to apply for a Michigan license to work in the state.
Step 4: Start Your Job Hunt
The journey of how to become an RN in Michigan ends with an exciting milestone — applying for RN jobs. Michigan offers a wide range of options, from top-tier hospitals to specialty clinics. Here are some of the state’s top hospitals to begin your job search:
As a new graduate nurse, you can start by gaining experience in specialties like med-surg or progressive care, which help build a strong foundation in all essential nursing skills. If you’re aiming for a specialized field like the operating room or intensive care, consider applying for a nursing externship or internship to get the experience you need.
If you want to work in education and research, Michigan is a hub for medical innovation, with institutions like Wayne State University and Van Andel Institute leading advancements in areas such as cancer and neuroscience. For nurses who want to work in the medical technology field, consider applying to companies like Stryker that design and manufacture cutting-edge medical equipment. Check out our video on fining your first nursing job as a new grad.
Step 5: Keep Your License Up to Date
You’ll need to renew your Michigan nursing license every two years. This process involves submitting a renewal application and completing 25 hours of continuing education, including 2 hours focused on pain and pain symptom management.
How Much Do RNs Earn in Michigan?
Now that you know how to become a registered nurse in Michigan, let’s talk about what you can expect to earn. On average, an RN salary in Michigan is $86,210 a year, but factors like experience, education, and the type of facility you work in can make a big difference.
Your pay could be higher in larger cities. Here are five of Michigan’s most populated cities to help you get started with your job search:
Helpful Resources for Michigan Nurses
Looking for more details on living and working as an RN in Michigan? Check out these valuable resources to find answers to all your questions about how to become an RN in Michigan:
- Coalition of Michigan Organizations of Nursing
- Michigan Nurses Association
- Michigan Nurse Practice Act
- Michigan Organization for Nursing Leadership
- Michigan Nursing Student Association
Explore the Latest RN Jobs With IntelyCare
Whether you’re learning how to become an RN in Michigan or you’re an experienced nurse looking for a new role, we can match you with the best-fitting nursing jobs in your specialty and location. Find out how you can receive a personalized list of roles.