Best Online Nurse Practitioner Schools in Michigan

Keith E. Sax, BSN, RN
Last Updated On Oct 7, 2024
Expert Verified: Keith E. Sax, BSN, RN
12 Min Read
Michigan

From the breathtaking views of the Upper Peninsula to the vibrant inner-city communities of Detroit, Michigan has a multitude of exciting opportunities for registered nurses looking to expand on their education and seek higher-paying and more independent job opportunities. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to become a nurse practitioner, the degree and licensure requirements, and give examples of a few great nurse practitioner programs you can enroll in to specialize in your practice area of choice. Jump to program listings.

2025 - Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Michigan

Introducing RegisteredNursing.org's 2025 Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs! Whether you’re advancing your nursing career or entering the field, these rankings highlight the top online programs across the country. We assess programs based on essential factors like completion rates, affordability, institutional reputation, and faculty expertise to help prospective nurse practitioners make informed decisions. For an in-depth look at how we determine our rankings, please visit our methodology page.

1.

Spring Arbor University

Spring Arbor, MI

Spring Arbor University's nursing department offers highly acclaimed nurse practitioner programs for aspiring healthcare professionals. These programs, including the Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner tracks, prepare students for advanced clinical practice and leadership roles. With both on-campus and online options, Spring Arbor University provides flexibility for students to pursue their nursing education.

Graduate Certificate ProgramsMSN Programs
2.

Wayne State University

Detroit, MI

Wayne State University's College of Nursing offers highly regarded nurse practitioner programs, including the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, Family, and Pediatric tracks. These programs provide students with rigorous clinical training and advanced coursework, preparing them to become leaders in the healthcare field. Online classes are available for certain courses, providing flexibility for working professionals.

DNP ProgramsGraduate Certificate ProgramsMSN Programs
3.

Northern Michigan University

Marquette, MI

Eastern Michigan University's School of Nursing offers several highly regarded nurse practitioner programs, including the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).  These programs provide students with a rigorous curriculum and hands-on clinical experience, preparing them to excel in the rapidly evolving healthcare field. Additionally, EMU offers blended options for some of these programs, allowing students to balance their education with other commitments.

MSN ProgramsDNP Programs

Fast & Affordable Nurse Practitioner Programs

There are dozens of perfectly adequate nurse practitioner programs based in Michigan, but if you’re already working as a registered nurse, you likely have very little time or funds to invest in either a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree program. The good news is that nurse practitioner programs are usually designed to take working nurses’ educational and professional backgrounds into consideration which can result in a much shorter and cheaper pathway to nurse practitioner licensure.

What Are the Fastest Online NP Programs?

Generally, when students consider the fastest ways to get their nurse practitioner licensure, the MSN ranks highest for most students. MSN programs usually take between 2 and 6 years and come in a variety of specializations. If you already have your Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN), you can expect to get your MSN in an even shorter amount of time. Here are a few of the quickest MSN programs located in Michigan:

NP ProgramLengthOnline/Campus
University of Michigan2 YearsOnline or Campus
Northern Michigan University2.5 YearsHybrid
Ferris State University2 YearsOnline

What Are the Most Affordable Online NP Programs?

As mentioned MSN programs are not only the quickest route to becoming a nurse practitioner, it’s also typically the cheapest. On average, most MSN programs cost between $20,000 and $$60,000. Of course, this will depend on which school you attend, technology fees, room and board, the price of your textbooks, and the cost of living in the area where your school is based. Here are a few of the most affordable MSN programs available in Michigan:

School NameTuition RangeEstimated Credits
Baker College$21,000 – $25,00036
Saginaw Valley State University$25,000 – $30,00037
Northern Michigan University$23,000 – $28,00045

Schools Offering Popular Nurse Practitioner Specialties

Generally speaking, registered nurses don’t usually get too many opportunities to specialize in their desired field. Students seeking nurse practitioner programs, on the other hand, will almost certainly find plenty of specialized curriculums that allow them to graduate with a specific certification such as family nurse practice or pediatric care. Here are a few nurse practitioner programs located in Michigan that offer these types of specializations and more:

School NameNP SpecialtyCredits Required
University of MichiganNurse-Midwifery47
Michigan State UniversityAdult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist54
Western Michigan UniversityConcentration in Addiction60

Find out more about popular NP specialty programs: Acute Care (ACNP), Adult Gerontology (AGNP), Family (FNP), Pediatric (PNP), Psychiatric (PHMNP), Women’s Health (WHNP).

Educational Routes for Nurse Practitioners – Online & Campus

Traditional MSN and DNP programs are the most basic and common pathways to becoming a nurse practitioner but they are far from the only options. Depending on your specific background, you may qualify for a faster graduation and cheaper tuition through one of many bridge or accelerated programs.

MSN Nurse Practitioner Programs

Traditional Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs are one of the most common NP degrees. They are available in many NP specializations and take about two years to complete. You can find these available at:

RN to NP Programs

RN to NP programs are also known as RN to MSN or ADN to MSN programs. These bridge programs are typically geared toward registered nurses who are licensed and have graduated with an associate’s degree in nursing as a way to combine both BSN and MSN programs into one short and effective program that draws on the RN’s experience and associate’s level education. You can find RN to MSN programs in Michigan by checking out these schools:

DNP Nurse Practioner Programs

If you’re aiming for the highest level of degree most commonly associated with nurse practitioners, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is another great choice. These programs take between six and eight years to complete. Here are a few located in Michigan:

Post-Master's Certificate NP Programs

Though on their own, Post-Master's Nursing Certificates won’t allow you the credentials needed to become a nurse practitioner, you can enroll in these highly informative 1-year programs to specialize in a new area if you already have your NP license. Take a look at these Post-Master's Nursing Certificates available in Michigan:

Accelerated, Direct & Master’s Entry (MENP/MEPN) to Nursing Practice

While it may take you the better half of a decade to get your MSN degree with no bachelor’s degree at all, even if you have a bachelor’s degree with a non-nursing major, it will still allow you to graduate on a faster timeline. Accelerated MSN, direct-entry, and master’s entry MSN (MENP/MEPN) are all terms that generally refer to these types of programs. Currently, the University of Detroit in Mercy, MI is the only school that offers this type of program.

General Admissions Requirements

In your research, you’ll likely find that while nurse practitioner programs can ask for slightly different admissions requirements, they generally require the same basic ones:

  • BSN from an accredited school
  • Transcripts from all colleges attended
  • Minimum grade point average (often 3.0 or above, but varies by school/program)
  • Active, unencumbered RN license
  • Essay or statement of purpose outlining career goals
  • Letters of recommendation (academic or professional)
  • Resume or CV

Michigan NP License and Certification Requirements

To become a nurse practitioner in Michigan, you’ll need to meet specific eligibility criteria designed to ensure a high standard of practice. The key requirements are:

  • Active RN License: Applicants must hold a current, unrestricted registered nurse (RN) license issued by the state of Michigan.
  • Completion of an Accredited NP Program: Aspiring NPs must graduate from a nurse practitioner program accredited by a recognized body, ensuring they have received the necessary education and clinical training.

You will also need to submit documention as part of the application process. This includes proof of your RN license, transcripts from your NP program, and other relevant certifications. The last step is the completion and submission of the official application form and pay a processing fee, which typically hovers around $200. The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) provides detailed instructions on the steps involved in applying for NP licensure.

To practice in Michigan, NPs are also required to earn national certification in their chosen specialty. Certification is available through organizations like the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and other recognized boards. To be eligible for certification, applicants generally need to hold an active RN license and have completed a graduate program tailored to their area of specialization. Certification exams are required to validate the NP's expertise in that specialty.

While Michigan currently requires NPs to have a collaborative agreement with a physician to prescribe medications, the state has expanded the scope of practice for NPs in recent years. Efforts are ongoing to grant full practice authority, which would allow NPs to diagnose, treat, and prescribe medications independently. Michigan NPs are encouraged to stay informed through resources provided by organizations such as the Michigan Council of Nurse Practitioners (MICNP), which advocates for NP practice rights and offers professional development opportunities.

List of NP Programs in Michigan

Ann Arbor, MI

Center, MI

Graduate Certificate ProgramsDNP ProgramsMSN Programs
7400 Bay Road University
Center, MI 48710
(989) 964-4000

Detroit, MI

East Lansing, MI

MSN Programs
220 Trowbridge Rd
East Lansing, MI 48824
(517) 355-1855

Flint, MI

Livonia, MI

Marquette, MI

MSN ProgramsDNP Programs
1401 Presque Isle Ave
Marquette, MI 49855
(906) 227-1000

Rochester, MI

MSN Programs
433 Meadow Brook Road
Rochester, MI 48309
(248) 370-4253

Spring Arbor, MI

Ypsilanti, MI

MSN ProgramsGraduate Certificate Programs
900 Oakwood St
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
(734) 487-1849

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