Registered nurses (RNs) play a critical role in the healthcare system. Not only do they provide bedside care for patients, but they also shoulder added responsibilities, including administering medication and making critical patient care decisions. RNs have the opportunity to work in leadership positions, supervising certified nursing assistants and licensed practical nurses on their teams. For those interested in such a crucial role, it is important to understand the requirements to become certified.
Training as a registered nurse
To become licensed as a registered nurse, students must enroll in a state-approved program and pass the NCLEX-RN, the licensing examination for registered nurses. Prelicensure programs are available at both the associate’s and bachelor’s degree level in Michigan, which take two and four years respectively to complete. Some institutions that offer associate’s degree programs include Oakland Community College and Baker College (two campuses), while institutions such as the Robert B. Miller College and Hope College offer bachelor’s degree programs in registered nursing.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median wage for registered nurses throughout the state of Michigan is $64,050, with 50 percent of RNs earning between $55,460 and $73,890. Qualified registered nurses are in demand from employers such as the University of Michigan Health System, Beaumont Hospitals, and the Department of Veteran Affairs.
To assist those interested in embarking on a career as a registered nurse in Michigan, we have assembled a list of state-approved prelicensure programs across the state.