LPN to RN Online Programs in MI: Top Schools, Tuition, and More

Grand Rapids Community College

Grand Rapids Community College is a public institution that offers an LPN to RN bridge program. Designed to assist licensed LPNs in growing their skills and earning their RN licensure, this program is often completed in just three semesters. GRCC is approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing and is accredited by ACEN.

In this 60-credit program, students tackle theoretical coursework and extensive hands-on clinical training. Courses include topics like developmental psychology, family health illness concepts, synthesis of nursing concepts, and population health and education. GRCC’s NCLEX-RN pass rate in 2022 was 100%, demonstrating how graduates gain the necessary information to earn licensure.

Prospective students need an active Michigan LPN license. Applicants can apply online and need a minimum 2.0 GPA from past college coursework. Applicants must also submit their college transcripts and proof of at least one year of LPN experience.

Duration: Two years

Mode: Hybrid

Cost: $9,000 to $10,000 per year

Admissions Requirements:

• Be a licensed LPN with active status.
• Have completed prerequisite courses in subjects such as anatomy, physiology, and microbiology.
• Submit proof of a minimum GPA (typically around 2.5 or higher).
• Complete the application, provide official transcripts, and possibly attend an interview.
• Fulfill specific health and background check requirements.

Curriculum:

• Advanced Nursing Concepts
• Pharmacology
• Nursing Ethics and Law
• Maternal-Newborn Nursing
• Pediatric Nursing
• Adult Health Nursing

Students also complete clinical rotations, a critical component of their training, arranged at affiliated healthcare facilities. The program prepares students to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam upon completion. This combination of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience ensures that graduates are well-prepared to become competent Registered Nurses in Michigan.

Delta College

Delta College is a public community college serving Bay, Midland, and Saginaw counties in Michigan offering an LPN to RN Track Program that can be completed in just 16 months. Delta is home to a 9,000-square-foot health professions lab, and the program is ACEN accredited and approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing.

In this 67-credit LPN to RN program, students tackle courses like math for allied health, healthcare ethics, and pharmacology for healthcare professionals. Additionally, students complete clinical coursework in topics like pediatric, mental health, and adult care nursing. Delta’s RN programs boast an 88% NCLEX-RN pass rate for first-time test takers, and it has a 100% job placement rate. This LPN to RN program requires at least one year of full-time LPN work experience.

Duration: The LPN to RN bridge program typically takes around two years to complete, depending on whether the student enrolls on a full-time or part-time basis.

Mode: The program is hybrid, combining online coursework with in-person clinical experiences. Most theoretical content, such as nursing concepts, pharmacology, and medical-surgical nursing, is delivered online, allowing students to learn at their own pace. However, students are required to complete in-person clinical hours at healthcare facilities in the region, providing hands-on training and real-world experience.

Cost: The estimated tuition cost for Michigan residents is approximately $4,500 per year, although costs may vary depending on the number of credits taken and additional fees (such as registration, lab fees, and textbooks). Tuition may be higher for out-of-state students. Financial aid options, including federal grants, scholarships, and loans, are available for eligible students.

Admissions Requirements: To be admitted to the LPN to RN bridge program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be an LPN with an active license in Michigan.
• Complete prerequisite courses, including Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, and Psychology.
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher in prerequisite courses.
• Submit official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
• Complete the program’s application process, which may include an interview or entrance assessment.

Curriculum: The curriculum for the LPN to RN bridge program is designed to build on the knowledge and skills of LPNs, with an emphasis on advanced nursing concepts. Key courses in the program include:

• Nursing Theory and Concepts (covering adult health, pediatrics, and maternal-newborn care)
• Pharmacology and Dosage Calculations
• Medical-Surgical Nursing
• Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing
• Leadership and Management in Nursing
• Clinical Rotations: Clinical hours are required in various healthcare settings, allowing students to apply their learning in real-world environments.

Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam, which is required to become a licensed RN in Michigan. This program is ideal for LPNs seeking to advance their careers, providing the education and clinical experience needed to transition to the role of an RN while allowing flexibility through online learning.

Oakland Community College (OCC)

Oakland Community College is a public institution that’s home to an LPN to RN Bridge Program where students complete both general education classes and courses in the theory and practice of nursing. Additionally, students develop foundational nursing skills in the area’s extensive network of healthcare settings. Major requirements for this LPN to RN program include courses in pharmacology for nursing, nursing of adults, integrated physical assessment and decision making, and the transition to the graduate nurse role. As a full-time nursing student, you can anticipate several hours of lectures and two eight-hour clinical shifts each week.

OCC holds ACEN accreditation and is approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing. In 2022, OCC nursing program graduates had a 93% NCLEX-RN pass rate.

Duration: The LPN to RN bridge program at OCC typically takes about two years to complete. However, this timeframe may vary depending on whether students enroll full-time or part-time. The program is designed to be flexible for working professionals, allowing part-time enrollment as an option. Full-time students can complete the program more quickly. The exact time needed will depend on each student’s course load, clinical placement schedules, and completion of prerequisite coursework.

Mode: The program is offered in a hybrid format. The theoretical portion of the program includes courses in nursing theory, pharmacology, and nursing management, all of which are delivered through online classes. Students are also required to complete clinical hours in-person at local healthcare facilities, where they gain hands-on experience in real-world nursing settings. This hybrid structure enables students to complete a significant portion of their coursework remotely while still obtaining essential practical experience in clinical environments.

Cost: The estimated cost of the LPN to RN bridge program at OCC is approximately $5,000 to $6,000 per year for Michigan residents. Out-of-state students may incur higher tuition rates. It’s important to note that this cost is subject to change and does not include additional fees for textbooks, clinical requirements, lab fees, or other supplies. Financial aid options, including federal student loans, scholarships, and grants, are available for eligible students, helping to make the program more accessible.

Admissions Requirements: To apply for the LPN to RN bridge program at OCC, prospective students must meet the following requirements:

• Active LPN License: Applicants must hold a current and valid LPN license in the state of Michigan.
• Prerequisite Coursework: Students must complete specific prerequisite courses, which typically include Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, and English Composition. A minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher in these courses is often required.
• Application: Students must submit an official application for the program along with official transcripts from any post-secondary institutions they have attended.
• Nursing Entrance Exam: Some applicants may need to take a nursing entrance exam as part of the admission process.
• Background Check and Health Requirements: Like most nursing programs, students will be required to complete a criminal background check and provide proof of required vaccinations and health status (e.g., TB test, immunizations).

Curriculum: The curriculum for the LPN to RN bridge program builds on the skills and knowledge students gained during their LPN training while advancing their understanding of complex nursing practices.

• Nursing Theory and Practice: Focuses on adult health, maternal-newborn care, pediatrics, and nursing management.
• Pharmacology: Emphasizes drug administration, dosage calculations, and safe medication practices.
• Medical-Surgical Nursing: Covers advanced care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions.
• Mental Health Nursing: Focuses on psychiatric nursing and patient care for mental health disorders.
• Nursing Leadership and Management: Provides training in management skills for nursing staff, patient care teams, and healthcare settings.
• Clinical Practice: Students will complete clinical rotations in hospitals, long-term care facilities, or other healthcare settings to gain real-world experience.

The program prepares students to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam upon graduation, which is necessary to become a RN in Michigan. After completing the program, graduates will be equipped to take on a range of nursing responsibilities, including patient care, assessment, and management, across diverse healthcare environments.