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Michigan RN Certification and Schools - MI
By an allied health world contributing writer
Published: February 16th, 2010
Michigan Registered Nurse Education
The state of Michigan is particularly strict when concerning acceptable educational institutions for nursing certification. Before pursuing a career in nursing in Michigan, students should check the lists of acceptable and unacceptable institutions on the Michigan Department of Community Health’s (MDCH) website. Michigan RN schools accredited by a body belonging to the Council on Higher Education Accreditation will be accepted.
Usually registered nurses either earn a four-year baccalaureate degree or a two-year associate’s degree. There are 20 schools in Michigan that will offer a baccalaureate degree in nursing that will be accepted by the MDCH. About 40 other smaller schools and community colleges in Michigan will offer acceptable associate’s degrees in nursing. There are also several dozen Michigan RN schools in the state that will offer acceptable certificates for practical nurses.
Coursework in nursing schools typically includes biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, nutrition, and psychology. Nurses must also successfully complete a clinical portion to their degrees. Nurses with four-year degrees can also continue their university studies by obtaining a Master’s degree. A Master’s degree allows nurses to specialize in a certain area. The MDCH allows specialization as a Nurse Anesthetist, Nurse Midwife, or Nurse Practitioner. Higher level degrees also give nurses the option of moving up to administration positions, particularly if they work in a hospital.
Continuing Education for Registered Nurses in Michigan
The initial registered nurse license in Michigan is only valid until the next expiration date, which is on March 31st. All subsequent renewals will be valid for two years, and will end on the same date every other year. At least 45 days prior notice will be given to nurses before their licensure expires. The renewal fee is $48. In order to renew a license for a nursing specialty, such as midwife, an additional $28 will be required. The Board does give a 60-day grace period for renewal; however, a $20 late fee will be charged. Registered nurses in Michigan must complete at least 25 hours of continuing education to renew. At least one of these hours must be in pain and pain symptom management. Every continuing education course must be approved by an organization deemed acceptable by the Michigan Board of Nursing, such as the American Nursing Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation or the National League for Nursing. A complete list of acceptable organizations is listed at the Board’s website. More information about acceptable continuing education credits may be found at the MNA’s or the ANA’s websites.
Through campus or online programs, aspiring Registered Nurses in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling Heights, Ann Arbor and Lansing, Michigan may be able to prepare themselves for the possibility of employment in some of the largest hospitals and healthcare facilities in the state including the William Beaumont Hospital, Traverse City State Hospital, Children's Hospital of Michigan and Henry Ford Hospital.