Licensed Practical Nurse in Michigan
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MI. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Michigan.
Jobs (MI)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a licensed practical nurse in Michigan
To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Michigan, applicants must complete a state-approved practical nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN examination. The licensing body is the Michigan Board of Nursing, and a state license is required. There is an application fee of $208.80, and the license must be renewed every two years. Continuing education requirements include 25 hours per cycle, with specific hours in pain management, human trafficking (one-time), and implicit bias training. Michigan is not a Nurse Licensure Compact state, but endorsement is available for out-of-state licensees and reciprocity for Canadian licensees. A criminal background check and fingerprinting are also mandatory.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Michigan. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Michigan requirements
| Licensing body | Michigan Board of Nursing |
| State license | Required |
| Education | Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program |
| Exam | NCLEX-PN ($200) |
| Application fee | $209 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing education | 25.0 hours per cycle |
| Reciprocity | Michigan does not participate in NLC; LPNs licensed elsewhere can apply for licensure by endorsement.Reciprocal states: Michigan does not participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact. LPNs licensed in other states can apply for licensure by endorsement. Those licensed in Canada may apply for reciprocity. |
| Notes | Minimum age not specified. CE must include 2 hours in pain management and 1 hour in human trafficking (one-time requirement). Additionally, 2 hours of implicit bias training are required for initial licensure, followed by 1 hour for each year of the renewal cycle (2 hours for a 2-year cycle). A criminal background check and fingerprinting are also required. Michigan is not a Nurse Licensure Compact state. |
Source: Michigan Board of Nursing
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Michigan? See whether Michigan recognizes an out-of-state credential — with the tier and pathway for all 50 states — in our Licensed Practical Nurse license reciprocity guide.
work_outline Job outlook
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleMichigan license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk
Compare Licensed Practical Nurse head-to-head
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