Michigan Nursing License Renewal: 3 Steps

Michigan is a nature lover’s paradise with over 3,000 miles of shoreline, 11,000 lakes, and abundant forests. Whether you’re skiing down snowy slopes, casting your lines into beautiful lakes, or pursuing a career in the best healthcare facilities, Michigan has it all. With a population of over 10 million, the Great Lakes State has plenty of people who need care. To stay open to this flourishing ecosystem of opportunities, it’s important to stay up to date with all the Michigan nursing license renewal requirements.

In this article, we will teach you how to renew a nursing license in Michigan in three easy steps. Whether you’re a CNA, RN, LPN, or APRN, we’ll equip you with all the knowledge and resources necessary to ensure your nursing license remains current and your career stays on track.

Michigan Nursing Facts

To navigate the renewal season successfully, make sure you have these key pieces of information at your fingertips. For general information about laws regarding nursing in this state, check out our article on the Michigan Nurse Practice Act.

Is Michigan part of the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC)?

No.

How much do nurses in Michigan earn?

• The average CNA salary in Michigan is $38,930 per year.
• The average LPN salary in Michigan is $61,910 per year.
• The average RN salary in Michigan is $86,210 per year.

How can I contact the Michigan Board of Nursing?

Michigan Board of Nursing Phone Number: 517-241-0199

Email Address: BPLHelp@michigan.gov

Web page: https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bpl/health/hp-lic-health-prof/nursing

Michigan Nursing License Mailing Address:
Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
Bureau of Professional Licensing
PO Box 30670
Lansing, MI 48909

Michigan Nursing License Renewal Steps

If you reside in Michigan and work as a CNA, RN, LPN, or APRN, just follow three simple steps below to apply for a Michigan nurse license renewal. Alternatively, you can obtain your nursing license by endorsement or by successfully passing an examination.

It’s important to note that Michigan is not presently a member of the Nursing Licensure Compact. They have pending legislation to become a compact state, as reported by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). If you hold a compact license, keep in mind that you’ll need to go through the endorsement process before you can work in the Great Lakes State.

Step 1: Determine Your Renewal Deadline

Start by knowing your license expiration date — it’s essential. In Michigan, RN and LPN licenses require renewal every two years. You can renew as early as 90 business days prior to the expiration date. There’s a 60-day grace period for renewal, but remember, there’s a $20 late fee if you wait until that time.

For CNAs, your certification stays valid for 24 months from the last certificate’s expiration date. Remember to renew promptly, as any delay will result in the certificate lapsing the day after it expires. Now, for APRNs — your renewal date lines up with your RN license, so you’ll renew both licenses together.

If you’re still uncertain about your expiration date, just visit the official Michigan nursing license renewal portal for the most up-to-date information. Another useful resource is the Michigan nursing license lookup site, which allows you to find your license and check its current status.

Now, if you happen to come across this article when it’s too late — and your license already expired — don’t rush to throw your scrubs away. You can get your license back by using the Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) license renewal resource. Of course, you’ll have to do some extra work and pay the late fee, but life’s journey is sometimes filled with twists.

Step 2: Satisfy Continuing Education Requirements

The next significant milestone in your Michigan nursing license renewal journey is to meet all continuing education requirements.

• RN, LPN, and APRN requirements: You need to complete 25 hours of continuing education in courses or programs approved by the board. This must include a minimum of 2 hours dedicated to pain and pain symptom management. Keep in mind that you can’t earn more than 12 credit hours within a 24-hour period. This means you can’t cram all your continuing education requirements into a single day — you’ll need to spread it out over at least 3 days.
• CNA requirements: You need proof of 40 hours of relevant work experience in the last 24 months. Starting March 23, 2024, you’ll also need proof of 12 hours of continuing education, which must include training on abuse, neglect, and care plans.

Please remember, contact hours and continuing education units are not the same. A contact hour is 50 to 60 minutes. A continuing education unit consists of 10 contact hours. In Michigan, you need to earn 25 credits or 2.5 continuing education units in each 2-year licensure cycle.

Another important thing to know — you can’t just submit any courses you’ve taken; they need to hold certain accreditation to satisfy Michigan nursing license requirements.

If you are wondering where to find continuing education opportunities, IntelyEdu offers a variety of courses that carry accreditation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Take advantage of this opportunity.

Step 3: Submit Your Online Renewal Application

Now, let’s delve into the heart of the Michigan nursing license renewal process. To get started, log in to your MiPLUS account and fill out all the required fields. For CNAs, you’ll go through a similar process using the MI-NATES system. If you’ve changed your address, last name, or any other license-related details, don’t forget to update them.

The Michigan Board of Nursing has developed a valuable resource to guide you through your online application. There is a similar resource for CNAs. Just follow the instructions outlined in the presentation for a smooth application process.

Keep in mind that the Michigan Board of Nursing is regulated by LARA, so don’t get confused when you see this name on your screen or in your emails.

Continue making your way through the application. Eventually, you will reach “Pay Fees.” The Michigan nursing license renewal fee structure is as follows:

• CNA: $20
• RN and LPN: $131
• RN with a specialty: $161.40

You can pay the fee with a credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover). After making the payment, remember to print or save an electronic receipt for your records.

After completing these steps, you’re well-prepared to kick off your job search for RN, LPN, nurse practitioner, and CNA jobs in Michigan. You can also look for careers in specific cities:

• Detroit
• Grand Rapids
• Garden City
• Taylor
• Ann Arbor

Find Great Michigan Nursing Jobs

With your Michigan nursing license renewal successfully completed, it’s time to start your job search. Explore all nursing jobs in Michigan that are available on IntelyCare right now, and discover the right match for you.