Becoming an RN in Michigan

Why does a person become a professional nurse? Michigan’s official nursing career site references Florence Nightingale, and notes that from her era on up to the present day, people have become nurses because they wanted to combine medicine and compassion.

In Michigan, one becomes a professional nurse by completing a board-approved degree program and taking the licensing exam. There are a lot of programs to choose from. Michigan boasts 37 board-approved associate’s programs and 21 at the baccalaureate level. Entering a program isn’t quite the first step in the process. You can expect to complete prerequisites in classes like microbiology, nutrition, and human development before you begin the clinical portion of your study. Your performance in these classes is a part of what will gain you admission to a formal program.

Prospective RNs should be aware that an accredited program from another state is also acceptable. Those educated outside of the country, though, must have their credentials evaluated though a separate process. Wherever you get your education, licensure depends on passing the NCLEX-RN exam.

Education Pathways to Registered Nursing in Michigan

In order to attract enough qualified candidates, schools around the nation are reaching out to second degree professionals. Candidates for second degree nursing programs often have many prerequisites completed; they also have a track record for academic success. Second degree programs are often much faster than traditional ones. According to the Michigan Center for Nursing, there are nine fast track RN programs in Michigan.

There are additional options for licensed practical nurses and paramedics. Nationwide, LPN to RN is the more common track, but if your current licensing is as a paramedic, you’ll find some options within Michigan.

RN Career Outlook in Michigan

Nursing continues to be an area of high need in Michigan and around the nation. One reason for this is changing demographics. 33% of Michigan nurses who applied for biannual renewal in 2007 were over 55. This was an increase of 6% over the previous year. In short, Michigan’s workforce is aging and getting closer to retirement. Some nurses of course leave the field for other reasons. Fully 40% expected to leave within ten years time, either for retirement or other reasons. That translates into an increased need for professional nurses in the coming years.

In a time of recession, experienced nurses often hang onto their positions longer; some even return to the workforce after an absence. This can make it more difficult to land that first position. Once you’ve proven yourself, though, you can expect solid prospects for years to come. When it comes time to apply, you can do so directly on the site of iCON, a state job board for nurses.

The Application Process

Some ADN programs admit all qualified candidates, but place them on a wait list for a period of time. In early 2011, the wait list for the standard full-time track at Delta was listed as 2 ½ years to 3 years. The wait for the LPN/ paramedic to RN track was listed as 2 years. What does it take to be considered qualified at this particular institution? One must have a completed their prerequisite courses and maintained a 2.5 GPA or better.

Other ADN programs use a point system in lieu of a wait list. Monroe Community College, for example, admits students through a competitive process, based on GPA, ACT test scores, college credits completed, and grades in particular science courses. A person with a GPA of 3.9 will receive 20 points while a person with a 2.5 will receive just 6. An ACT score of 27, meanwhile, earns the maximum credit for this category. A person gets a few additional points for being a resident of the county.

BSN programs may take a holistic approach and consider many factors. Mercy considers test scores, academic performance, activities and interests, and career goals. The school notes that applicants with a B average and competitive scores on the SAT or ACT do generally make it into the nursing program.

Michigan Board of Nursing Approved ADN Programs

Michigan Board of Nursing Approved BSN Programs