Michigan Registered Nurse (RN) Licensing Guide
Pre-requisites
The general prerequisites to obtaining a nursing license in the state of Michigan are as follows:
- You must meet the education or licensing requirements set by the Michigan Board of Nursing.
- You must submit an online application with the required fees.
- You must provide citizenship or lawful presence documentation to the Michigan Board of Nursing.
- You must undergo a state and Federal criminal background check.
Remember, a permanent license won't be issued until the background check results are received.
License by Exam
Getting licensed as a nurse by examination in the state of Michigan requires the following steps:
- Confirm Your Eligibility: Ensure you meet Michigan licensure requirements.
- Confirm You Meet Education Requirements: Hold a Diploma, Associate Degree, or Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing for RNs, or Diploma/Certificate for LPNs from a program approved by the state Board of Nursing.
- Prepare Appropriate Documentation: Request and upload official transcripts from your nursing program to state portal, upload citizenship/alien status documentation to state portal.
- Pay Fees: You must pay the associated application fees, testing fees, and background check fees.
- Submit to Fingerprinting/Background Check: Provide fingerprints for criminal record checks (if required).
- Pass the NCLEX Exam: Register and pass the NCLEX exam to demonstrate nursing competence.
- Respond to Deficiency Notices: Act promptly to avoid application withdrawal; otherwise, a new application and fee will be required.
After completing the above steps, you’ll be on your way to being licensed as a nurse by exam in the state of Michigan. Now you need to check your application status. Monitor updates through the online nurse portal provided by the state board for about 30 business days.
License by Endorsement
Licensure by endorsement is a process that allows nurses who hold an active license in another state to obtain a nursing license in Michigan without having to retake the licensing exam. This can be particularly beneficial for experienced nurses who are looking to relocate or start working in Michigan.
To apply for licensure by endorsement in Michigan:
- You must fill out the appropriate application form and pay the associated fees (includes application, license, and fingerprint processing).
- Confirm your residency status in the United States.
- Submit to a state and federal background check. (fingerprinting may be required)
- Verify your nursing license with through the BON’s online portal.
- Have your nursing school send over your official transcripts to the BON.
Once you’ve completed the above steps, you’ll be on your way to getting a nursing license by endorsement in the state of Michigan. Applicants can also apply for a temporary nursing permit while they wait for their license by endorsement.
Getting a Multi-state (Compact) License
Michigan is not currently a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Nurses cannot practice in Michigan using a multistate (compact) license. Travel nurses must apply for and receive a Michigan-issued nursing license before beginning practice.
Getting a Temporary License
If you need to work while your nursing license is being processed or you are unable to complete the entire licensing process due to a temporary situation, you may be eligible for a temporary nursing license.
To qualify for a temporary nursing license in Michigan, you must:
- Complete an online application via the state board provided portal.
- Pay the required fees.
- Provide documentation of your qualifications.
- Meet any other requirements set by the Michigan State Board of Nursing.
You will not be able to practice while your application is being processed, but you will be able to work while your license is being evaluated.
Renewing your License
Once a nursing license is issued in the state of Michigan, they are to be renewed every two years via the MiPLUS online portal. Licenses expire March 31st of the renewal year. Always make sure to renew well in advance of your expiration date. This is done electronically and you can pay online. If at any time your license lapses between renewal periods, you will not be able to practice nursing.
To renew your license, you will need to:
- Complete an online application through the state board’s online portal.
- Pay the required fees associated with the online application.
- Provide proof of continuing education credits. (The BON requires applicants to complete 25 hours of board-approved continuing education with at least 2 of those hours covering pain and symptom management.)
Remember, licenses are only issued once all of the requirements are fulfilled and all paperwork is sent to the BON and processed.
Contact Info
Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
Bureau of Professional Licensing
611 West Ottawa
Lansing, MI 48933
(517) 241-0199
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, regulatory, or professional advice. Wanderly strives to keep this information up to date but does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness as nursing licensure requirements, renewal cycles, fees, and continuing education obligations vary by state and are subject to change without notice. Nurses are strongly encouraged to visit their state's official nursing board website or contact the board directly to confirm current requirements prior to submitting any application.
