2026 data Michigan board official source

Michigan Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) License Requirements

Requirements, fees, and renewal timing for this license, sourced from state board records.

Provides basic patient care under supervision. Requires NCLEX-PN exam.

What the Michigan data shows for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)s

Michigan sets the entry bar for licensed practical nurse (lpn)s at 1,236 training hours and a passing score on NCLEX-PN. A background check is a standard part of the process, and applicants must be 18 or older. The credential is administered under Michigan's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Diploma or Associate Degree".

Budget $134 to get started, plus $97 at each renewal on a 2-year cycle. Maintaining the license requires 24 hours of continuing education per 2-year cycle, an ongoing cost applicants often underestimate when budgeting the career.

For licensed practical nurse (lpn)s, the reciprocity picture is: NLC Compact: 41 states allow multistate practice.

Licensing Requirements in Michigan

Education / Training Hours
Diploma or Associate Degree
1,236 hours
Exam Requirement
NCLEX-PN
Required
Initial License Fee
$134
Renewal Fee
$97
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
24 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Michigan licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Michigan?
Michigan's requirements cover 1236 hours of education or training, the NCLEX-PN exam, and an initial fee of $134. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Michigan?
Certification as a licensed practical nurse (lpn) in Michigan means clearing the state's checklist: 1236 hours of education, and a passing exam score. The Michigan licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license to Michigan from another state?
Reciprocity for licensed practical nurse (lpn)s nationally works like this: NLC Compact: 41 states allow multistate practice. Beyond that baseline, interstate compacts exist for many professions and may smooth a transfer into Michigan. Verify the specifics with the Michigan licensing board.
Does Michigan require a background check for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) licensing?
A criminal background check is mandatory for licensed practical nurse (lpn) licensing in Michigan. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Michigan?
To stay licensed as a licensed practical nurse (lpn) in Michigan, plan on 24 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $97.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites