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Top Michigan RN to BSN Programs

In recent years, registered nurses have seen their responsibilities expand significantly due to the aging baby boomer population paired with reforms that have been made to the healthcare system. More responsibilities have prompted an increase in the level of education nurses are expected to have, resulting in large numbers of ADN-educated nurses going back to school to earn their BSN degrees. In fact, by the end of 2020, 8 in 10 RNs will be expected to hold BSN degrees, according to the Institute of Medicine. In addition to BSN-educated nurses making 16 percent more than RNs with ADN degrees, BSN-educated nurses enhance their career prospects and position themselves nicely for a future graduate degree. Degree-granting institutions have responded to growing demand for BSN-educated nurses by offering more RN to BSN programs that students can complete online, in just one to two years, while they continue to work full-time. To help potential students find the best programs, we've compiled a list of the top RN to BSN programs in the state of Michigan.

How to Choose a Top RN to BSN Program in Michigan

Enrolling in an RN to BSN program is a life-altering decision that shouldn't be taken lightly. While exploring Michigan's top programs, take the following into consideration:

  • Program acceptance rate
  • Class sizes
  • Flexibility of the program
  • Tuition rate and additional fees
  • Program accreditation
  • Program retention rate
  • Student satisfaction rate
  • Time the program has been continually operating for
  • Internship opportunities at local hospitals or healthcare facilities
  • Percentage of graduates who found jobs
  • Instructor experience/credentials
  • Cost of living in the immediate area

Testing and Certification

Since ADN-educated nurses have already passed the NCLEX-RN exam before receiving their RNs license, they are not required to take the exam again after completing an RN to BSN program.

List of Top RN to BSN Programs in Michigan

1. University of Michigan - Flint

Founded in 1957, the University of Michigan - Flint is a public research university located in the city of Flint that offers students a hybrid online/in-class RN to BSN bridge program. In addition to completing courses like Nursing Informatics, Transcultural Nursing, and Health Assessment, students are required to complete 16 hours of volunteering activities within their local community.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • McLaren Flint
  • Mott's Children's Hospital
  • Hurley Medical Center

Tuition:

For current tuition information for the University of Michigan-Flint's program, contact the School of Nursing at (810) 762-3420.

2. Finlandia University

Originally established in 1896, Finlandia University is a private Lutheran university situated in the city of Hancock. FU's online RN to BSN program, which students can complete at their own pace, is regarded as one of the most affordable programs of its type in the entire country. Typically, the program can be finished in as little as five semesters.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Hancock VA Hospital
  • UP Health System - Portage Main Campus
  • Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital

Tuition:

Finlandia University assures its students that they will not pay over $15,000 to enroll in and complete their RN to BSN program.

3. Oakland University

Founded in 1957, Oakland University is a public research university with campuses in Auburn Hills and Rochester Hills. OU offers a 32 semester credit hour RN to BSN bridge program that students can complete entirely online. If taken in a full-time format, students can complete the program in one calendar year, whereas part-time students can finish in twenty months. During their studies, students will take courses like Research Basics of Nursing Practice, Community Nursing, and Informatics Nursing, among others.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Havenwyck Hospital
  • Ascension Providence Rochester Hospital
  • Beaumont Hospitals

Tuition:

Students who enroll in Oakland University's RN to BSN program can expect to pay approximately $9,995 in tuition plus additional fees.

4. Northern Michigan University

Originally established in 1899 in the city of Marquette, Northern Michigan University is a public university that offers students a fully online RN to BSN program that places a special emphasis on nursing leadership. The program, which is comprised of 32 semester credit hours, can generally be completed in four semesters if taken full-time. In addition to regular coursework, students must complete two courses in applied workplace leadership. These courses can be individualized based on the student's career goals.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • UP Health System - Marquette
  • Peninsula Medical Center
  • Marquette General Health

Tuition:

In-state students can expect to pay about $13,984 in tuition plus additional fees to attend NMU's RN to BSN program, while out-of-state students will pay approximately $21,312.

5. Michigan State University

Michigan State University, established in 1855, is a public research university that's located in the city of East Lansing. MSU offers students a flexible, online, 30 semester credit hour RN to BSN program that nurses can complete while working full-time. The program's faculty regularly take part in research and other scholarly activities. If taken full-time, the program can be completed in five semesters.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Sparrow Hospital
  • Michigan Surgical Center
  • Ingham Regional Medical Center

Tuition:

To find out more about tuition for MSU's RN to BSN program, contact them at (517) 355-1855.

6. Western Michigan University

Founded in 1903, Western Michigan University is a public research university located in the city of Kalamazoo. WMU's School of Nursing offers students an online RN to BSN bridge program that can be completed in one year of full-time or two years of part-time study. Once enrolled, students take courses like Exploring Practices in Integrative Healthcare, Health Informatics, and Population-Based Nursing, among others. WMU's RN to BSN program is one of the few nursing programs in the entire U.S. that has received the seal of approval from the American Holistic Nursing Certification Corporation.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Bronson Methodist Hospital
  • Ascension Borgess Hospital
  • Kalamazoo Psychiatric Hospital

Tuition:

For current tuition and fees for WMU's program, contact them at (269) 387-3248.