13 Best Nursing Programs in Michigan

The top nursing programs in Michigan are well known for their exceptional education, helping prepare graduates to become skilled and compassionate nurses.

Nursing school holds tremendous significance in initiating one’s nursing journey. It is the foundational stepping stone, providing aspiring nurses with the necessary knowledge, skills, and practical experience to excel in their chosen profession. Michigan, known for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant communities, offers many opportunities for aspiring nurses to receive top-notch education and training. 

In this article, we will introduce you to 13 of the finest nursing schools in Michigan, each of which stands out for its commitment to excellence and dedication to shaping competent and compassionate nurses.

Takeaway

Nursing school is akin to the lighthouses that dot the beautiful coastline of Michigan… Just as lighthouses guide ships safely through turbulent waters, nursing schools serve as beacons of knowledge and support—guiding aspiring nurses on their educational journey. As Michigan’s lighthouses are a symbol of safety and reliability, so are the state’s nursing schools, known for their commitment to producing competent and caring nurses who make a positive impact on the lives of others.

13 Best Nursing Schools in Michigan – 2023 Rankings

Whether you are looking for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree or aiming to advance your nursing career with a graduate degree program, these 13 nursing schools stand out as the best in the state for 2023:

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

• A public institution with nursing programs accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
• Offers nursing programs at the level of graduate and undergraduate studies (available on campus and hybrid formats)
• Admission criteria vary by program but generally include a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, completion of prerequisite courses, and, for graduate students specifically, a nursing degree from an accredited institution.
• Average NCLEX pass rate of 98.06%

Wayne State University, Detroit

• A public institution with nursing programs accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Offers various undergraduate and graduate nursing programs, as well as certificate programs (available on campus and hybrid formats)
• Admission requirements vary but typically include a minimum 3.0 GPA (based on prerequisite courses only), a minimum grade of “C” or higher in all prerequisite courses (for undergraduate studies), a current Michigan Registered Nurse licensure, and a relevant degree from an accredited institution (for graduate studies).
• Average NCLEX pass rate of 92.55%

Michigan State University, East Lansing

• A public institution with nursing programs accredited by the CCNE
• Offers various nursing programs, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees, MSN to DNP, BSN to Ph.D., and more (via campus, online, or in a hybrid format)
• Admission requirements typically include completion of prerequisites, a cumulative 3.0 GPA, a nursing degree from an accredited institution, and a current unrestricted license to practice nursing.
• Average NCLEX pass rate of 92.69%

Oakland University, Rochester

• A public institution with nursing programs accredited by the CCNE, the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Programs (COA), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation (ANCC)
• Offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate nursing programs (available via campus, hybrid and online formats)
• Admission criteria vary by program but generally include a minimum 3.0 GPA, a minimum final course grade of “B” in biology and chemistry (for undergraduate studies), an undergraduate degree in nursing, and licensure (for graduate studies).
• Average NCLEX pass rate of 90.30%

Grand Valley State University, Allendale

• A public institution with nursing programs accredited by the CCNE
• Offers a variety of programs, including a bachelor’s degree program (on-campus), a BSN to DNP program, and an MSN to DNP degree program (hybrid)
• Admission criteria typically include a minimum GPA of 3.0 and passing all prerequisite courses with a “C” grade or higher.
• Average NCLEX pass rate of 95.15%

University of Detroit Mercy (McAuley), Detroit

• A private, not-for-profit institution with nursing programs accredited by the CCNE
• Offers a variety of programs, including undergraduate (on-campus), and graduate programs (online)
• Admission requirements typically include a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (for undergraduate studies) and a current unencumbered license to practice as a nurse (for graduate studies).
• Average NCLEX pass rate of 85.38%

Saginaw Valley State University, University Center

• A public institution with nursing programs accredited by the CCNE
• Offers a variety of programs, including bachelor’s degree programs (on-campus), master’s degree programs (hybrid), and doctoral programs (hybrid)
• Admission requirements vary by program but typically include a minimum 3.0 GPA, a Michigan nursing license or eligibility, and completion of prerequisite courses with a “C” grade or higher.
• Average NCLEX pass rate of 92%

Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo

• A public institution with nursing programs accredited by the CCNE
• Offers a variety of program levels, including two undergraduate nursing programs (primarily on-campus) and a master’s degree program (online)
• Admission criteria vary but typically include a minimum GPA of 3.0, completion of prerequisite courses (for undergraduate studies), current unencumbered RN license, and a bachelor’s degree in nursing (for graduate studies).
• Average NCLEX pass rate of 91.50%

Calvin University, Grand Rapids

• A private, not-for-profit institution accredited by CCNE
• Offers a bachelor’s degree in nursing (on-campus)
• To gain admission, students are required to have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8, and they must complete six nursing prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of “C” in each.
• Average NCLEX pass rate of 91.57%

Hope College, Holland

• A private, not-for-profit institution with nursing programs accredited by the CCNE
• Offers a bachelor’s degree in nursing (on-campus)
• Admission requirements include a minimum 3.2 GPA and a minimum “C” grade in all prerequisite courses.
• Average NCLEX pass rate of 94.75%

University of Michigan-Flint, Flint

• A public institution with nursing programs accredited by the CCNE
• Offers a variety of programs, including undergraduate programs (primarily online with minimal campus visits),  BSN to DNP with MSN program (online), doctoral degree (online), certificate and dual degree programs.
• Admission requirements vary by program but typically include a minimum 3.4 GPA (for undergraduate studies), a current RN license, and at least one year of RN experience (for graduate studies).
• Average NCLEX pass rate of 89.73%

Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti

• A public institution with nursing programs accredited by the CCNE
• Offers a variety of programs, including bachelor’s degree programs (on-campus, online, and hybrid), master’s degree programs (on-campus), and doctoral programs (hybrid)
• Admission criteria vary by program but typically include a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and completion of prerequisite courses (for undergraduate studies), a degree in nursing, and a current unrestricted license to practice as a nurse (for graduate studies).
• Average NCLEX pass rate of 88.86%

Monroe County Community College, Monroe

• A public institution with nursing programs accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
• Offers an Associate of Applied Science degree with specialization in nursing (primarily on-campus)
• Admission criteria include a minimum “C” grade in biology, chemistry, or equivalent college courses and in any math course listed as meeting the MTH160 prerequisite
• Average NCLEX pass rate of 90.70%

What To Consider When Choosing a Nursing School

When choosing any educational program, accreditation is a critical factor to consider. Accreditation is granted to programs that meet certain quality benchmarks after a rigorous evaluation process conducted by an accrediting agency or organization. The evaluation includes a review of the program’s curriculum, faculty qualifications, student support services, facilities, and overall educational quality. 

By enrolling in an accredited program, you can be confident that you will receive a credible and valuable education that will open doors to numerous opportunities in your chosen field.

Accreditation

When choosing any educational program, accreditation is a critical factor to consider. Accreditation is granted to programs that meet certain quality benchmarks after a rigorous evaluation process conducted by an accrediting agency or organization. The evaluation includes a review of the program’s curriculum, faculty qualifications, student support services, facilities, and overall educational quality. 

By enrolling in an accredited program, you can be confident that you will receive a credible and valuable education that will open doors to numerous opportunities in your chosen field.

Admission requirements

Each program has its own unique set of entry requirements that determine enrollment eligibility. Reviewing the admission criteria is essential to ensure you are well-prepared for your chosen program. By doing so, you can make a more accurate assessment of how well your qualifications align with the program’s expectations. For instance, some programs may specifically require applicants to possess a bachelor’s degree in a related field, and failing to meet this requirement could lower your chances of being admitted.

Cost

Though education is an invaluable investment in your future, the program’s cost is a factor that should not be overlooked. Before committing to any program, it is essential to evaluate the program’s overall cost, including tuition fees, textbooks and other course materials, housing and accommodations, transportation, food, and more. By exploring the financial implications, you can determine if the program aligns with your budget and financial situation.

Program format

Nursing programs are offered in a variety of formats. For example, some programs are available in full-time or part-time formats; they might be offered online,  on-campus, or a combination of the two. Though each format provides its own distinct advantages and challenges, by assessing your circumstances and the demands of your schedule, you can make an informed decision regarding the most suitable program format for you.

Faculty

Researching faculty credentials and experience provides insights into the education and mentorship quality you can expect to receive as a student in that school. The experience and knowledge of the faculty members play a crucial role in shaping your educational experience as well as in helping you develop the necessary skills for success in the nursing field. Therefore, look for information about the faculty on the school’s website or through other academic resources.

Program length

Program length significantly impacts your educational timeline, as it is crucial to have the program fit well with your other commitments. For example, you can choose between a traditional program, which typically spans several years, or an accelerated program, which, as the name suggests, is completed in a much shorter time frame, generally 12 to 24 months. 

And remember, the key is to find a healthy balance between your educational life and other responsibilities to avoid burnout while still working to reach your academic goals. 

Curriculum and clinical hours

Regardless of the program type, a well-designed curriculum that balances theoretical instruction and practical application is essential in providing you with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in your chosen field. 

For instance, for a nursing program, ensure the curriculum encompasses fundamental areas such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and nursing theory, as well as practical experience through hands-on training and exposure to real-world scenarios. This blend of academic theory and real-world experience will prepare you to tackle work challenges with confidence and competence.

Graduation rate

Evaluating a program’s graduation rate is a crucial step in assessing its potential to guide you through your educational journey and beyond. A program’s graduation rate serves as a direct indicator of its overall effectiveness and the level of support it offers its students. A high graduation rate reflects a combination of factors, including student success, academic rigor, access to necessary resources, and a conducive learning environment.

NCLEX-RN pass rates

Similar to the graduation rate, a high NCLEX-RN pass rate indicates a program’s effectiveness in preparing students for the NCLEX licensure exam and producing competent professionals. Programs that consistently achieve high pass rates demonstrate a strong commitment to academic excellence and successful preparation for the challenges of the licensure examination.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, Michigan—the land of the Great Lakes—is home to an impressive array of outstanding nursing schools, each prepared to lay a solid foundation for any aspiring nurse. This article has shone a spotlight on some of the premier institutions, taking into account factors like accreditation, variety of programs, and student support systems.

In the quest to choose the right nursing program, it is imperative to contemplate aspects like the duration of the program, NCLEX and graduation rates, program format, faculty qualifications, and more. This is to ensure that your chosen path aligns seamlessly with your professional goals and aspirations. 

Regardless of whether you’re pursuing a BSN, MSN, or higher, embarking on your nursing journey in Michigan means that you’re in the good hands of these reputable institutions. They will serve as your guiding lighthouse, illuminating the path toward your promising nursing career.