Our 2024 list of the best online nursing degrees in Michigan is designed to help you find a reputable program from an accredited school. We've selected colleges in Michigan that offer online nursing programs and have available NCLEX data, so you can easily determine which online nursing program results in graduates with the best pass rate. For inclusion on our Michigan list, the colleges are based on the following criteria:
- The nursing school's primary campus is located in Michigan.
- It provides an online bachelor鈥檚 nursing degree or an online RN to BSN program.
- Publicly available NCLEX pass rate data for 2023 is sourced from government records, showing results for the baccalaureate level.
- Most, if not all, coursework is completed online, though some in-person clinical hours, internships, or practicums may still be required by top online nursing programs.
2025 Best Online Nursing Programs in Michigan
| School | NCLEX Pass Rate | Online Enrollment |
|---|---|---|
| Spring Arbor University Online | 95.83% | 1,029 |
| Ferris State University | 95.52% | 1,748 |
| Northern Michigan University | 91.14% | 575 |
| Saginaw Valley State University | 91.08% | 456 |
| University of Michigan - Flint | 88.0% | 2,176 |
| Davenport University | 86.81% | 2,499 |
| Michigan State University | 85.46% | 2,728 |
| Finlandia University | 83.33% | N/A |
| Western Michigan University | 83.18% | 1,811 |
| Concordia University-Ann Arbor | 82.22% | 166 |
| Oakland University | 82.03% | 1,820 |
| Wayne State University | 77.08% | 3,328 |
| Madonna University | 75.29% | 437 |
| Eastern Michigan University | 72.99% | 2,928 |
| Andrews University | 70.83% | 559 |
Becoming a Nurse in Michigan
There are a few ways to become a nurse in Michigan that all involve education, assessment, and licensure. The Michigan Board of Nursing issues credentials to each type of nurse in the Wolverine State: licensed practical nurses (LPNs), registered nurses (RNs), and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). The Bureau of Community & Health Systems oversees the Michigan Nurse Aide Registry for certified nurse aides (CNAs).
Aspiring nurses can test for licensure by examination in Michigan by passing the appropriate National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Another option is licensure by endorsement for nurses with an equivalent license in good standing from another state.
Michigan is struggling with a nurse shortage made worse by COVID-19 conditions and a lack of nursing educators to keep students moving through the pipeline. Most surprising is the high number of Michigan nurses under 25 who soon because of less-than-idea working conditions in overtaxed healthcare facilities.
To learn about online nursing programs and requirements in other states, explore our list of accredited nursing degrees by state below:
How To Become a Certified Nurse Aide in Michigan
Candidates must complete a board-approved training course and pass a knowledge test to become a (often called "certified nursing assistant" in other states). The test involves both a written section and an applied knowledge skills portion.
Each certification lasts for two years. CNAs can renew their licenses if they've worked in the field for pay during these two years.
How To Become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Michigan
Michigan requires that LPN hopefuls attend a board-approved school for their . Along with official transcripts, LPN license applicants must submit the following items online:
-
A background check
-
Answers to the state's questions about moral character
-
Verification of human trafficking identification training
-
Social Security Number
The board can approve examination candidates to take the NCLEX-PN once these steps are complete. Licensure-by-endorsement applicants need to submit proof of licensure in another state.
LPNs can renew their licenses every two years. Applicants must attest to the following as part of the renewal process:
- Good moral character
- No outstanding disciplinary sanctions
- Completion of human trafficking awareness training and implicit bias training
- Completion of at least 25 continuing education hours
How To Get a Registered Nursing License in Michigan
Prospective RNs must graduate from an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program before applying for a Michigan RN license. Each candidate then undergoes the same states required of LPN applicants: submitting a background check, answering questions about moral character, and verifying that they've received training about human trafficking identification.
After this, the nursing board can grant examination candidates permission to take the NCLEX-RN. Licensure-by-endorsement candidates need to submit records from their state's nursing board.
Michigan RN licenses must be renewed every two years. This requires 25 hours of continuing education credits, a clean disciplinary record, and the completion of implicit bias and human trafficking awareness training.
Aspiring RNs may want to read OnlineU's resources about how to become a pediatric nurse, how to become a travel nurse, and how to become a neonatal nurse.
How To Get an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse License in Michigan
Michigan recognizes four APRN license specialties:
- Nurse practitioner (NP)
- Clinical nurse specialist (CNS)
- Certified nurse midwife (CNM)
- Nurse anesthetist (NA)
APRN applicants must have a graduate degree to qualify, typically a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. They must also hold a national nursing certification in their specialty. Finally, APRN licensees need a valid Michigan RN license before applying for an APRN license.
NPs, CNSs, and CNMs can apply for prescription authority. They need to request a Drug Enforcement Administration registration number as part of this application.
APRNs renew their licenses every two years at the same time as their RN licenses. The renewal requirements are the same for APRNs as they are for RNs, including the 25 continuing education hours.
Nurses interested in an APRN career can review our resource pages: How To Become a Nurse Anesthetist, Guide to Online Nurse Practitioner Degrees, and 2023 Best Online Nurse Practitioner Degree Programs.
Student Reviews of Online Nursing Programs
Great institution, excellent facility, great program and very affordable. Will recommend my friends and co- workers to apply. My instructors were all helpful and will always assist me no matter what time of the day. The school library has all the learning resources a student will ever need to do their assignments.
Review Date: 4/14/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I have been in the RN to BSN program since August 2014. I do wish that the school would offer an option of continuing courses without waiting 3 weeks in between each one. I don鈥檛 understand where all the negativity comes from with reading all the posts online. I follow the syllabus, do the research, writing, and posting materials in a timely manner. I鈥檝e not had any problems with professors, counselors, etc. I would highly recommend Capella, but one has to be willing to put in the time and effort... Read More
Review Date: 7/4/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I was originally very excited to be able to attend NAU's Nursing Program. However, my experience turned out to be awful. This program is a joke. Many of the teachers have no education background and (while smart) lack the ability to truly teach. I have had to commute up to 4 hours in 1 day for "clinical." The school has no desire to actually work with their students and place them where they want. For clinical placements, I have been told by a professor to "suck it up" and she will put us wherever... Read More
Review Date: 2/9/2016
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: Yes
I really enjoyed the University of Phoenix, I attended once a week for 3 hours in the evening and had in class time with an instructor and then a week to work on assignments. This schedule worked well as I was a full time RN and going to school. I was able to finish in two years. I am enjoying my graduate degree at Western Governors University as it lets me move as quickly as I want through the program. I love their student mentoring program. I am assigned a student mentor who will stay with me and... Read More
Review Date: 3/5/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Chamberlain University is a great start for obtaining your nursing degree! Yes it鈥檚 fast paced, but it also put that fire under you! I always thought I wasn鈥檛 smart enough for acceleration, proved myself wrong. Tons of resources that are offered outside is didactic and clinical to study the material and perform well in the course on tests and exams. Also excellent staff! Very nice environment
Review Date: 3/27/2023
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I am a graduate of NYU's Accelerated Second Degree BSN program and my time there was unmatched and the education I received was invaluable. All of the professors, instructors, advisors and staff worked diligently to assure that the produced the highest quality of Bachelor's prepared nurses. I would absolutely recommend NYU to anyone interested in pursuing a degree in nursing. The course work was rigorous, but support was available all along the way and it was evident that the success of their students... Read More
Review Date: 3/1/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
A very good university to get your bachelors in. Excellent teachers and clinical instructors; a straight forward approach to learning nursing.
Review Date: 7/20/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
My first degree was a wonderful experience in learning my identity and learning about the world around me, not only in my direct community but internationally as well. Now I am learning to be a nurse so that I can make a difference in the world. College made my life better by helping me to think critically and making life long friends.
Review Date: 11/3/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I received my Bachelor of Science Degree from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas in December of 1981. So, to tell you about the school may be old news but it was fabulous then and is even more so now, with many more programs and opportunities!!!!!
Review Date: 9/2/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
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