Thinking about working in Michigan? Here's everything you need to know about being a nurse in the Wolverine State.
The U.S. Health Department of Health and Human Services (HRSA) conducted a workforce analysis of projected nursing needs through 2030. The study looked at each individual state and identified shortages and surpluses. While Michigan is currently experiencing a nursing shortage, it is projected to have a nursing surplus of 6,100 nurses by 2030.
Despite the surplus reported by the HRSA analysis, the reports provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed that there is a high demand for specialized nurses, including nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives, clinical nurse specialists, and nurse anesthetists in Michigan.
Overall, the need for nurses will be affected by a variety of reasons, including changes in health care coverage and reimbursement, health insurance changes at a government level, and hospital accreditation changes.
Part One Michigan State Board Of Nursing
The Michigan Board of Nursing regulates and issues all nursing licenses in the state. Its mission is to do the following:
Establish qualifications for nurse licensure
Establish standards for education and approve nurse education programs
Develop and implement criteria for assurance of continued competency
Take disciplinary action against licensees when the health, safety, and welfare of the public has been adversely affected
Contacting The Board
Office Address
611 W Ottawa St Lansing, MI 48933 Phone: (517) 373-8068 Fax: (517) 373-9196
Mailing Address
Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Bureau of Professional Licensing P.O. Box 30670 Lansing, MI 48909
Office Hours
8:00 am - 4:50 pm, Monday - Friday (Except Government Holidays)
Michigan is not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, so every nurse must apply for a separate license to practice there.
The Michigan Board of Nursing no longer accepts paper applications. All applications must be made through the online system, MiPLUS. Using this system, you can:
Submit and update information
Pay fees
Track the status of your application
Print your final license from your home or office
HOW DO I GET LICENSED IN MICHIGAN?
There are two ways to obtain nursing licensure in Michigan:
Licensure by Exam (first-time nurses)
Licensure by Endorsement (out-of-state nurses)
All nursing license and certificate applications, including permission to take the NCLEX must be submitted online using Michigan’s MiPLUS system. For assistance, contact the Licensing Support Team at BPLHelp@michigan.gov.
LICENSURE BY EXAMINATION
Licensure by examination can be obtained through the following steps:
Graduate from an approved registered nurse education program in the U.S. or be certified by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS).
If the applicant is a graduate of a Canadian registered nurse education program that is approved by a province in Canada, the applicant shall be exempt from completing the requirements for a certificate from the CGFNS if all of the following are met: (a) The registered nurse education program was taught in English. (b) The applicant has a current active license to practice nursing in Canada. (c) The applicant has not been sanctioned by the applicable Canadian nursing authority.
A fingerprint report and criminal background check are required. Fingerprints must be taken using the instructions and ID numbers that are sent to the applicant after the license application and fee are received.
Pass the NCLEX-RN examination administered by Pearson Vue.
LICENSURE BY ENDORSEMENT
Nurses with licenses in other states also apply via the MiPLUS Portal to gain licensure in Michigan. The process is expedited for these individuals due to preexisting background checks and fingerprinting.
The eligibility for licensure by endorsement is as follows:
If education was obtained outside of the U.S. and Canada and have not held a license in another state for at least five years, must be certified by CGFNS.
A fingerprint report and criminal background check are required. Fingerprints must be taken using the instructions and ID numbers that are sent to the applicant after the license application and fee are received.
Part Four Nursing Salaries in Michigan
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) the average annual salary for nurses in Michigan are as follows:
Michigan Nursing Salaries By Practice Level
Practice Level
Hourly Avg
Annual Mean Wage
Nursing Assistants
$14.04
$29,200
LPNs and LVNs
$24.18
$50,300
Registered Nurses
$35.19
$73,200
Nurse Anesthetists
$93.58
$194,640
Nurse Midwives
$44.61
$92,790
Nurse Practitioners
$52.24
$108,660
Some metro areas have higher pay rates than others. Here are the highest:
While these numbers are the reported averages, nurses have the ability to earn even more depending on responsibilities, certifications, and shift differentials.
How To Increase Your Nursing Salary
Certifications such as CCRN, CPN, and RNC will all earn individuals additional pay depending on the hospital system. This can vary depending on a variety of factors but nurses can either receive a one-time bonus or an increase in their hourly wage. It is important to check with employers regarding this.
Shift differentials range from 5%-20% depending on the shift work. Weekend night shifts pay more than weekday day shifts. Before accepting any position it is important to speak to Human Resources to understand the shift differential at each hospital. Furthermore, some hospitals will only provide a shift differential if a nurse is paid on an hourly basis. Rarely are salaried employees eligible for this benefit.
Participating in hospital- and unit-based committees may also contribute to higher earnings. Hospitals, particularly Magnet-designated, commonly have numerous opportunities in which to participate.
While participation alone does not increase pay, it can help a nurse climb the clinical ladder. With each step in the clinical ladder, there is also a pay increase.
Precepting new nurses can also be a way to earn bonuses. Most hospitals offer bonuses for precepting new nurses. This is paid in two lump sums. The first payment is after the new nurse is off of orientation while the final payment is after the new staff member has been in the hospital system for a full year. This is a great incentive for senior nurses to pass on their knowledge to the next generation of nurses.
Typical Benefits For Nurses
Nurses enjoy strong benefits throughout Michigan. Actual benefits including healthcare will vary depending on the healthcare institution. Most institutions will only offer benefits to part-time and full-time employees. Rarely are they offered to per diem or contracted employees.
Considering furthering your nursing education in Michigan? Our panel of registered nurses reviewed nursing programs across the state based on their reputation, NCLEX pass rate, tuition, and accreditation status. See the top 10 listed below, and get additional details in our Top 10 Best Nursing Schools in Michigan guide.
Grand Valley State University
Madonna University
Western Michigan University
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
Northern Michigan University
Calvin University
Hope College
Michigan State University
University of Detroit Mercy
Wayne State University
Part Six Best Hospitals In Michigan
With more than 1.7 million nurses employed at inpatient hospitals, understanding the key differences between these facilities is important. You’ll want to know which hospitals nurses like best and other important features like Magnet status and location.
Magnet Hospitals
The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), in its aim to promote nursing excellence, evaluates healthcare organizations through its credentialing programs. The Magnet designation is the highest credential awarded to healthcare institutions based on their work environment, nursing excellence, innovations in nursing practice, and quality patient outcomes.
For RNs seeking work with best-in-class medical institutions, choosing one with Magnet status is a smart move.
“Top pay grade compared to surrounding hospitals, nursing recognition, and excellent benefits. Continued opportunity for education process and tuition reimbursement offered!”
“Self scheduling, nice coworkers, great computer system, a lot of autonomy.”
“Management not only praises a good performance but is on the floor helping. The administration is great.”
“Great unified staff that is always willing to help when needed.”
“I work for one of the best Trauma and Emergency Departments in the area. The hospital is well known for its great care of patients, especially children.”
“Bronson is a great hospital to work for. They support their staff and have very competitive wages.”
Like most other states, Michigan requires continuing education for nurses to maintain an active license. The Michigan Public Health Code and board administrative rules require every nurse to complete at least 25 hours of continuing education (CE) every 2 years.
The Board requires that 2 of your CE hours be spent on pain assessment and symptom management courses. These may include behavior management, the psychology of pain, pharmacology, behavior modification, stress management, clinical applications, and drug interventions.
Retaining Documents
Every nurse who is renewing his/her license should retain records documenting the completion of continuing education. Those documents should be retained for a period of 4 years after the renewal of the license.
Part Eight Labor Unions
Michigan is a right to work state which means that you have a choice of whether or not to join a labor union. Union members often enjoy higher pay, better working conditions, and more job security. However, they must also pay union dues, participate in strikes, and may have limited access to advancement opportunities (due to seniority).
The Michigan Nurses Association (MNA) is the largest nursing union in Michigan. The MNA works as a collective voice to ensure that nurses throughout the state are receiving fair wages and benefits, have proper collective bargaining tools, and representation in times of need.
National Nurses United, NNU, is a nationwide nurses union that organizes and represents nurses throughout the country. Founded in 2009, NNU claims it is the most active and progressive nursing union in the U.S. With more than 150,000 members in every state it represents, it is the largest union and professional association of registered nurses.
Part Nine Nursing Jobs In Michigan
As a skilled nurse, you are in control of your career. Check out the featured listings below or search thousands of job listings on our job board and get the pay and career path you deserve.
OR RN
Ann Arbor, MI | Up to $2800/wk Take Home
13-Week travel contract. 1+ year of operating room experience required. Multiple Shifts Available. Guaranteed Hours. Apply Now
ACUTE DIALYSIS MANAGER
Detroit, MI | Foundational Medical Staffing
Work directly for the hospital system as a manager with excellent compensation and benefits. 5/8s Monday - Friday. Permanent Position. Apply Now
