The popularity of nursing degree programs at four-year colleges and universities has seen a recent rise. Graduates from these programs enjoy strong employment prospects and enhanced career mobility. Aspiring nurses should research four-year colleges and universities to determine whether they offer the best educational investment.
Degree programs
Colleges and universities grant four-year bachelor’s degrees to their undergraduate students. Some also award two-year associate’s degrees as an interim stepping stone. At the graduate level, universities offer master’s and doctor’s degrees as well as shorter certificate programs. The state of Michigan has a broad range of nursing program offerings at each of these levels.
A number of nursing jobs are available in Michigan’s public and private sectors. The US Department of Veterans Affairs and Tenet Health are two prominent local healthcare providers; both are currently hiring nurses in the state. While all nursing roles have witnessed increased demand, employers are increasingly seeking out registered nurses with a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
Benefits of four-year colleges and universities
Four-year colleges and universities are certainly more expensive and time-intensive than other nursing education options. However, their comprehensive curricula ensure that students are well-prepared for the national licensure examination, and for the rigors of the workplace thereafter. Four-year schools also provide a stepping stone for later training as an advanced practice registered nurse, which requires a master’s degree in a specialized field.
To help Michigan’s aspiring nurses learn more about the benefits of a four-year education, we have compiled below a list of state-approved nursing schools in each major city.