Are you looking for the best accelerated nursing programs in Michigan?
We’ve compiled and listed the 8 accredited programs that will earn you a BSN in Michigan if you have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree.
The duration of accelerated nursing programs in Michigan varies from 12 months to about 20 months. These programs include 7 accelerated BSN programs and 1 direct-entry MSN program.
Here’s a list of the 7 best accelerated BSN programs in Michigan
7 Best Accelerated BSN Programs in Michigan
1. Michigan State University- Accelerated Second Degree BSN
The MSU ABSN is a full-time program specifically designed to earn you a BSN in 15 months. Starting in mid-May and concluding the following August, you’ll earn 47 credits during the course of this rigorous journey.
Duration: 15 months
Format: In-person
Location: East Lansing, MI & Detroit, MI
Two Convenient Locations
MSU offers flexibility in terms of where you attend classes. You can choose either the MSU campus in East Lansing or the Detroit Medical Center in Detroit.
Each year, the program welcomes approximately 60 new students.
Clinical Experience
The MSU ABSN program requires around 765 total clinical hours throughout the four-semester program. Your clinical experiences will span across southeast, west, and mid-Michigan, giving you a rich diversity of experience.
You’ll be part of a clinical group of 8 students at each placement site.
About MSU College of Nursing
Joining the MSU ABSN program means you’re stepping into a longstanding tradition of nursing education. The MSU College of Nursing has been training nurses since it was founded in 1950.
2. Oakland University- Accelerated Second-Degree BSN
Oakland University offers the Accelerated Second-Degree BSN as an intensive, full-time, 4-semester track. This program provides an intense 15-month pathway for you to transition swiftly into a nursing career.
Duration: 15 months
Format: In-person
Location: Rochester, MI
Clinical Experience
The program exposes you to a diverse range of clinical experiences throughout Southeastern Michigan. You’ll get to work in hospitals, emergency rooms, nursing homes, schools, and many other settings.
This hands-on training allows you to serve a variety of clients, enhancing your adaptability as a nursing professional.
About Oakland’s School of Nursing
Oakland’s School of Nursing is recognized as one of the premier nursing schools in the Upper Midwest- with mentions from publications like the US News & World Report.
The school’s goal is about inspiring nurses to create a lasting, positive impact on the health of a diverse society. This vision is brought to life through strong community partnerships and a commitment to educational excellence.
3. University of Detroit Mercy- Second Degree Option BSN
The University of Detroit Mercy’s Second Degree Option BSN program is specially designed to allow you to earn a BSN in 16 months. The structure consists of an intense schedule spread across three and a half semesters, consisting of 62 credits.
Duration: 16 months
Format: In-person
Location: Detroit, MI
The courses in this accelerated program mirror those offered in the traditional BSN track but with some adjustments made to fit the fast pace.
About Detroit Mercy’s McAuley School of Nursing
McAuley School of Nursing is firmly grounded in Jesuit traditions. Here, the teachings emphasize a commitment to social justice, dedication to underserved populations, and holistic patient care.
The School aims to nurture nurses who aren’t just healthcare providers, but also who advocate for the greater good of all people. You’ll graduate with the ethos and values necessary to make a real difference.
4. University of Michigan Flint- Accelerated BSN
The UM-Flint ABSN is a full-time 4-semester program, which you can complete in 16 months. Every fall, the University welcomes a small cohort of up to 56 students.
Duration: 16 months
Format: In-person
Location: Flint, MI
Clinical Experience
You’ll undertake clinical placements at local hospitals and other healthcare providers. These hands-on experiences provide practical skills, while typically leading to full-time positions upon graduation.
About UM-Flint’s School of Nursing
As a student in UM-Flint’s ABSN program, you’ll be part of a rich educational tradition. The University of Michigan Flint campus was established in 1956, initially as Flint College.
Over time, the School of Nursing was founded and continues to prepare students for varied and rewarding nursing careers in different settings.
5. Wayne State University- BSN Second Career/Degree
Wayne State University BSN Second Career/Degree program is an accelerated BSN that takes 5 semesters, or 20 months to complete. You’ll earn 65 credits. Admissions are once a year for the spring/summer semester.
Duration: 20 months
Format: In-person
Location: Detroit, MI
Clinical Experience
You’ll do your clinicals throughout Detroit, with guaranteed clinical placements every semester.
About Wayne State’s College of Nursing
Established in 1945, the college is committed to delivering high-quality nursing education to students. Not only does it prepare nurses to be leaders in research, education, and practice, but it’s also recognized as one of the best BSN programs by U.S. News and World Report.
6. Grand Valley State University- Second Degree BSN
GVSU’s Second Degree BSN program is a full-time, four-semester journey. You’ll take 12-15 credits each semester and complete the program in about 15 months.
Duration: Approx 15 months
Format: In-person
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
The program admits a total of 168 students each year, with 56 students beginning in each of the Spring/Summer, Fall, and Winter semesters.
Clinical Experience
You will do your clinical rotations at Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health Medical Center Hospitals)- conveniently located right across from the Kirkhof College of Nursing.
Additional clinical experiences include placements at Mercy Health Saint Mary’s Hospital, University of Michigan Metro Health Hospital, and various clinics and community settings in the greater Grand Rapids area.
About Grand Valley State’s Kirkhof College of Nursing
The goal of the Kirkhof College of Nursing is to offer top-notch nursing education to students of all backgrounds. They aim to boost people’s well-being by leading in teaching, professional work, and research in nursing.
7. Eastern Michigan University- Second Degree BSN
The Second Degree BSN at Eastern Michigan University is an accelerated, 20-month program with 5 consecutive semesters. You’ll earn 60 credits throughout the duration of the program.
Duration: 20 months
Format: In-person
Location: Ypsilanti, MI
Each year, Eastern Michigan University welcomes 32 students into this accelerated second degree BSN program.
Clinical Experiences
The Second Degree BSN program at Eastern Michigan University provides diverse clinical experiences in different healthcare organizations. You’ll gain clinical experience in settings, such as ambulatory care facilities, acute care environments, medical centers, community hospitals, and public schools.
Additionally, you’ll have the chance to serve in nursing homes, county public health agencies, and home health care agencies. This breadth of clinical exposure ensures that you graduate with a well-rounded understanding of different healthcare environments.
About Eastern Michigan University School of Nursing
Eastern Michigan University created a nursing department in 1971, known since 2004 as the School of Nursing, to tackle a nursing shortage in Michigan. Their mission is to train caring, skilled nurses to boost health and life quality for everyone.
Related: Pros and Cons of Accelerated Nursing Programs
Here’s a list of the best direct-entry MSN program in Michigan.
Best Direct-Entry MSN Programs in Michigan
1. University of Detroit Mercy- Master’s Entry Advanced Generalist Nursing (MEAGN)
The University of Detroit Mercy MEAGN program is a dynamic, accelerated course that provides an intensive pathway to becoming a nurse. Comprising 58 credits, this full-time program spans 5 semesters & designed to be completed in under 20 months.
The program offers entry in both the fall and winter semesters, offering flexibility for your scheduling needs.
Duration: Under 20 months
Format: In-person
Location: Detroit, MI
Career Opportunities Post Graduation
Upon graduation, you won’t be limited to one role. The Detroit Mercy MEAGN program equips you to serve in a wide variety of nursing roles. You could become a Staff Nurse, Unit Coordinator, Clinical Manager, Care Coordinator, Clinical Educator, Quality Care Coordinator, or Case Manager, among other roles.
What We Like
One of the unique benefits of the Detroit Mercy MEAGN program is that graduates receive preferred admission status for post-graduate nursing certificate programs or the Doctorate of Nursing Practice Program at the University of Detroit Mercy.
This provides a smooth and efficient transition if you wish to pursue further education and specialization in nursing.
Admission Requirements for Accelerated Nursing Programs in Michigan
- Bachelor’s Degree: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, in any field other than nursing.
- Prerequisite Courses: Successful completion of prerequisite courses is required. These often include courses (with Lab for science courses) in Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Statistics, Nutrition, and Psychology.
- Minimum GPA: Most accelerated nursing programs in Michigan require a minimum cumulative GPA, typically around 3.0.
- Entrance Exam: Some programs may require a standardized entrance exam such as the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) or HESI Admission Assessment Exam.
- Professional References: Letters of recommendation from professors, employers, or health professionals may be required.
- Nursing Personal Statement or Essay: Most programs require a personal statement or essay that outlines your interest in nursing, career goals, and qualifications.
- Interview: An interview may be required as part of the admission process. This can be either a one-on-one or a recorded interview.
- Clinical Experience: Some programs value clinical or healthcare experience of at least 1 year.
- Background Check: Since as a nursing student you will be working with vulnerable populations, many programs require a background check.
- Health Requirements: Updated immunization records, a physical examination, and proof of health insurance may be required.
Check with each program to see specific admission requirements.
Final Thoughts
In Michigan’s hospitals, BSN-trained RNs are in great demand. So great that the state committed $56 million in 2023 to expand the capacity of community colleges to offer BSN degrees in partnership with 4-year universities.
With Michigan’s strong commitment to having more nurses with a BSN degree, it presents a fantastic opportunity for anyone with a non-nursing degree to also get BSN-trained.
Fortunately, with accelerated nursing programs in Michigan, you can earn your degree and join the noble nursing profession in 12-20 months!
Disclaimer:
- Information on these programs may change without notice. So, we cannot guarantee their authenticity and accuracy. You’d have to check with the school and do further research. Our review list is simply for guidance and cannot be relied upon exclusively without research on your part.
- Before enrollment, check with your state regarding licensing rules or whether your desired program meets your home state’s certification requirements and licensure.
Related Nursing Programs:
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16 Best Accelerated Nursing Programs in Illinois Today (ABSN & MSN)
6 Best Accelerated Nursing Programs in Connecticut
Related Nursing Resources:
Guide to Accelerated Nursing Programs: What are they?
Pros and Cons of Accelerated Nursing Programs
8 Best TEAS Prep Courses Today, According to Nursing Students
How to Write the Nursing School Personal Statement: Steps, Tips, And Samples
