LPN Programs Madison Heights, MI

Contrary to public speculations, practical nursing is still one of the most in demand professions within the field of healthcare. Practical nursing programs prepare adults to fill this important role in just 12 months – based on full-time attendance. Graduates must take the National Council Licensure Exam to secure licensure from the Michigan Board of Nursing. Licensed practical nurses work in hospitals, but primarily in long-term care, where they care for diverse patient populations under the direction of registered nurse or physician.

Practical nurses help long-term care employers meet the health care needs of the senior population, especially with the current shortage of registered nurse. They may function as charge nurses and supervise certified nursing assistants and other health care staff in clinics and nursing homes. Their responsibilities may include collecting specimens for testing, measuring fluid intake and output, administering medications and injections, caring for wounds, assisting with personal care, collaborating with registered nurses during rehabilitative and restorative treatments, and creating, implementing, and assessing patient care plans.

Practical Nurses must be compassionate, patient, have good interpersonal and communication skills, physical stamina, and be committed to caring for others and lifelong learning. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for practical nurses is projected to grow 12 percent from 2016 to 2026, a rate that is a faster than the average for all occupations.

Dorsey Schools

The Practical Nurse certificate program at Dorsey Schools combines classroom theory with practical hands-on training to prepare adults for a career in nursing. Graduates will receive a Practical Nursing Certificate and will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX for Practical Nurses. The comprehensive curriculum will encourage the development of problem solving skills, critical thinking, and collaboration with the health care team. The clinical component of the program will expose students to a real-world medical setting to work competently with diverse populations. The clinical experiences will commence early in the program and continues throughout. Students must complete a total of 48-quarter credits in 12 months. Areas of study include medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, computer applications, professionalism in nursing, practical nurse fundamentals II, applied math for nursing (dosages and calculations), pharmacology, geriatric nursing, medical surgical nursing, maternal newborn nursing, pediatric nursing, health assessment, mental health concepts, and practical nurse capstone.

Admission criteria:

  • Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent
  • Attend a career planning session with an admissions representative
  • Achieve a minimum score of 42 on the ATI TEAS test
  • Submit a 500 word essay on the day of the interview
  • Provide three references – two must be healthcare related and one professional
  • Attend an interview with the nursing panel.
  • Provide documentation of current American Heart Association/BLS certification
  • Submit a completed application and fee
  • Provide a negative TB test – a TB skin test or chest x-ray
  • Provide proof of immunity against communicable diseases
  • Have current health insurance
  • Proof of hepatitis B immunization or declination
  • Submit to a criminal background check and drug screen

The cost of the nursing program is $29,880. It includes tuition, course fees, textbooks, one complimentary scrub, and one lab coat.

Delta College

The Practical Nursing program of at Delta College prepares adults to practice as an effective member of the health care team. Graduates will receive an Advanced Practical Nursing Certificate and will eligible to take the NCLEX-PN to practice under the direction of a registered nurse or physician. The intense curriculum includes classroom lectures, hands-on skills lab, and clinical experiences in various health care facilities. Students will complete 44 credits to earn the Advanced Certificate. Course modules include Human Anatomy and Physiology, College Composition, Medical Terminology, Math for Allied Health, Pharmacology for Health Care Professionals, Fundamentals of Nursing lecture and lab, Care of the Adult, Basic Maternal Child lecture and lab. The program must be completed in three semesters. New students are admitted in the Fall and complete the program in the following Summer semester.

Admission criteria:

  • Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent
  • Achieve the score requirements on the ATI TEAS test
  • Attend an interview with the nursing panel.
  • Must have current American Heart Association/BLS certification
  • Submit a completed application and fee
  • Provide a negative TB test – a TB skin test or chest x-ray
  • Provide proof of up to date immunizations
  • Have current health insurance
  • Pass a criminal background check and drug screen

In state tuition and fees will cost $5,357. Books and supplies will cost an additional $2,100.

Abcott Institute

The Abcott Institute Practical Nurse Program seeks to provide accessible learning to adults who want to pursue a career in nursing. Students will receive knowledge and skills to function as competent members of the health care team. They will have the confidence to take and pass the state licensure exam and provide safe and patient-centered care to diverse patient populations. Graduates will understand the need for and commit to lifelong learning to improve patient outcomes and advance the profession. The curriculum will cover theory and practical training to establish a strong foundation in both areas. Hands-on learning will commence on site in the school’s modern labs and will continue in various clinical environments off site. Students will have opportunities to use communication and interpersonal skills, therapeutic nursing care, restorative and rehabilitative nursing, and nursing interventions under the direct supervision of a registered nurse. Areas of study include fundamentals of nursing, anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, pharmacology, medical surgical nursing, maternal child nursing, pediatric nursing, geriatric nursing, mental health, math for allied health, health assessment. The duration of the program is 12 months and will consist of 16 course modules. Classes will meet Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Clinical hours may vary.

Admission criteria:

  • Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent
  • Attend an information session with an admissions representative
  • Be at least 17 years of age
  • Provide valid driver’s license or state ID with photo and a verifiable social security number
  • Achieve the score requirements on the ATI TEAS test
  • Attend an interview with the nursing panel.
  • Maintain current American Heart Association/BLS certification throughout the program
  • Submit a completed application and fee
  • Provide a negative TB test – a TB skin test or chest x-ray
  • Provide proof of up to date immunizations
  • Have current health insurance
  • Pass a criminal background check and drug screen

Tuition will cost $25,000 for students who complete the requirements in the designated time.

DBI Downriver

Students enrolled in the practical nursing program at Detroit Business Institute will have the confidence to provide basic nursing care under the direction of a registered nurse or physician. The curriculum covers 1035 hours of theory and hands-on training, so graduates will be knowledgeable and competent providers of care. Students who successfully complete the required 65-quarter credit hours will receive a Certificate of Completion and will be eligible to take the NCLEX for licensure as a practical nursing in Michigan. Areas of study include medical terminology, fundamentals of nursing, pharmacology, medical surgical nursing, maternal child nursing, gerontology, dosages and calculations, nutrition, pediatric nursing, and practical nurse transition. The duration of the program is 45 weeks.

Admissions criteria:

  • Proof of graduating high school or equivalent
  • Have a minimum GPA of 2.0 based on completion of the prerequisite courses – general psychology, math, and anatomy and physiology. Math exemption may be available for applicants who submit satisfactory Accuplacer, ALEKS, or COMPASS scores
  • Submit to a criminal background check and have no prior convictions
  • Pass a urine drug screen
  • Take and pass the ATI entrance exam with a minimum overall score of 45 and a minimum score of 40 in math
  • Maintain valid CPR certification throughout the duration of the program – includes BLS/CPR for Health Care Professionals and AED
  • Attend an interview with a representative from the nursing department
  • Submit letters from two references
  • Submit a completed health appraisal form
  • Obtain TB clearance

Tuition costs $27,700 for resident students. Additional expenses must be covered by the student. These will include textbooks, transportation, CPR certification, background check, physical, immunization, TB clearance, drug screen, uniforms, admission test, and supplies.

Schoolcraft College

Persons interested in the practical nursing program at Schoolcraft College must first apply for admission to the nursing career ladder. The Michigan Board of Nursing approved program is also accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and includes both theory and hands-on instruction according to the training requirements for nurses. Graduates will be eligible to take the NCLEX-PN for licensure in the state. They will be prepared to provide patient-centered and culturally sensitive care to various patients in nursing homes, hospitals, and clinics. Areas of study include medical terminology, fundamentals of nursing, maternal child nursing, English composition, pharmacology for nurses, practical nursing advanced concepts, nutrition, medical surgical nursing, maternal child nursing, pediatrics, and geriatric nursing. The required nursing courses must be taken in sequence – a passing grade of 80 percent is required for progressing to the next course in the sequence. The duration of the program is 12 months and covers 44.5 credit hours. There are pre-admission and admission requirements for enrolling in the program.

Admission criteria:

  • Attend a mandatory orientation session
  • Apply for admission to the college
  • Attend an interview with an academic advisor
  • Submit proof of completing high school or its equivalent
  • Take and pass a urine drug screen
  • Submit to a criminal background check – must have a clean record
  • Submit a satisfactory TB skin test or chest x-ray
  • Submit up to date records of immunizations
  • Maintain CPR certification for Health Care Providers throughout the program
  • Complete the prerequisite courses with a minimum grade C – prerequisite courses include human anatomy and physiology, psychology, and intermediate algebra

The program cost will be $11,949 for students who complete the program in the designated time. Additional costs for books, supplies, CPR, immunization, TB test, background check, and licensure exam must be covered by the student.

Crystal is a certified Registered Nurse (RN) with a passion for writing about nursing education. Through her articles, Crystal shares insights and tips to help fellow nurses enhance their skills and stay updated with the latest developments in the field. With a focus on practical advice and relevant topics, Crystal's writing is a valuable resource for nursing professionals seeking to advance their careers.