Overview of Michigan NP Programs
Michigan has a serious need for primary care providers, both in the state’s rural Upper Peninsula and the densely populated cities of the Lower Peninsula. You could meet this need as an adult, pediatric or gerontological nurse practitioner. Discover if nurse practitioner programs in Michigan are the right choice for you. On this page, dig into degree options, class and clinical requirements, licensing laws and career paths. Begin looking for nearby schools with our list of featured schools or the search box above.
In Michigan, there are many rural communities that struggle to get the healthcare they need. Many clinics and hospitals cannot hire the doctors they need due to the costs associated with employing doctors. Nurse practitioners are a major part of the state’s plan to make healthcare accessible. Read on to learn more about how to become a nurse practitioner in Michigan!
How Can I Become a Nurse Practitioner in Michigan?
To become a nurse practitioner, you must earn a doctoral degree in nursing practice or a Master’s degree in nursing. Compare credit requirements and time frames below.
Michigan Master’s Degree Requirements for NPs
- Credit hours required: 35 to 40 credit hours
- Average cost: $1,050 per credit hour
- Clinical hours required: At least 500 clinical hours
- Timeframe: 2 to 2.5 years
Michigan Doctoral Degree Requirements for NPs
- Credit hours required: 90 credit hours
- Clinical hours required: At least 1,000 clinical hours
- Timeframe: Up to five years
Whether you live in the Upper Peninsula or Lower Peninsula, there are many nurse practitioner schooling options to consider.
Types of Nurse Practitioner Programs Available in Michigan
As you compare Michigan nursing programs, there are several ways you can narrow down the list and find a graduate or doctoral program that is perfect for you.
First, think about which population you would like to work with. While registered nurses are typically expected to have a broad knowledge of nursing that can be used with any patient population, nurse practitioners must develop their skills in one specific area. Some of the options at Michigan schools include psychiatric and mental health care, family care, and gerontological care.
After working through core nursing courses that develop your critical thinking skills and help you begin the transition from registered nurse to nurse practitioner, you can take courses that directly relate to your patient population. Advanced nursing classes are listed below.
Courses Required in FNP Programs
- Theoretical Foundations for Advanced Practice Nurses
- Pathophysiology for Advanced Practice Nurses
- Clinical Decision Making
- Healthcare Policy and Politics
- Applied Pharmacology
- Physical Assessment
- Statistics for Healthcare Professionals
As you consider the timeline for a Master’s or doctoral degree, do not forget about clinical work. Since you’ll need at least 500 to 1000 clinical hours, this portion of your education is a significant commitment. If you are considering FNP online programs, you may need to collaborate with a local healthcare institution to complete your clinical requirements.
How Can I Pay for Nurse Practitioner School in Michigan?
- BestNursingDegree.com Back to School Scholarship: Through our scholarship program, we help nursing students at all levels of education cover their expenses. Four times per year, Best Nursing Degree awards $2,500 scholarships.
- HRSA Nurse Corps Scholarship: Students from across the country can apply for scholarships through this program. In turn, you must spend two years working in a Health Professional Shortage Area.
- NHSC Loan Repayment Program: Similar to the HRSA Nurse Corps Scholarship program, this option requires a two-year commitment. The program pays up to $50,000 of your student loans.
- Michigan Center for Nursing: This group is an excellent resource for nurses at various levels of training. As a member, you can apply for scholarships.
Nurse Practitioner Licensing in Michigan
In Michigan, all licensing goes through the Michigan Board of Nursing. They require proof of national certification in your area of practice. You also need a valid registered nursing license, so be sure to keep your license renewed while earning your degree. Per the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, Michigan slightly restricts the practice rights of nurse practitioners (2016).
Nurse Practitioner Careers in Michigan
Your career options in Michigan depend on which specialty field you choose and whether you hope to work in acute care or primary care. If you focus on acute care, you may do well in urgent or emergent care settings. Those who specialize in primary care tend to have more regular hours and a consistent patient roster. Overall, Michigan is an excellent place for NPs.
Job openings for nurse practitioners are expected to increase 24% by the year 2024 (O*Net, 2016). The average salary for a nurse practitioner is $94,560 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2016).
You have used your registered nursing career to make a difference in the lives of countless patients. Find out how you can do even more by becoming a nurse practitioner.
Michigan Schools for Nurse Practitioner Degrees
Some Michigan nurses who wish to become nurse practitioners pursue their education online; Georgetown University offers a strictly online NP program. Other Michigan nurses prefer an in-state experience. NP programs for Michigan nurses include:
- Northern Michigan University. Located in East Lansing, Northern Michigan U offers a master’s-level family nurse practitioner program. Courses are primarily delivered online, with on-campus courses scheduled one day per week.
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. The University of Michigan – Ann Arbor offers different master’s-level NP programs including: family nurse practitioner, adult nurse practitioner, pediatric nurse practitioner, acute care nurse practitioner and psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner. Clinical rotations may be completed at one of the university’s many approved clinical sites.
- Wayne State University. As of November 2001, Wayne State is currently accepting applications for its pediatric nurse practitioner, pysch/mental health nurse practitioner and neonatal nurse practitioner programs.
