
Occupations: Licensed Practical Nurses
Licensed Practical Nurses
Overview of the profession:
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) play a vital role in the healthcare system, providing essential care and support to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics. Working under the supervision of a Licensed Registered Nurse or Physician, LPNs are responsible for monitoring patients' vital signs, assisting with daily activities, administering medications, and performing basic medical procedures. To practice in Michigan, LPNs must complete an approved or accredited Licensed Practical Nursing program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses before receiving their license from the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. With their training and hands-on experience, LPNs contribute significantly to patients' overall well-being and help create a comfortable and supportive environment in healthcare facilities.
Policy Highlights
Includes recent proposed legislation
Current LPN Workforce Data
We've provided the latest data from Lightcast below. Click on the images to enlarge them and review them in further detail.




2024 Hourly Wages
10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
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$22.68 | $27.13 | $29.68 | $31.65 | $35.88 |
Top Posted Job Titles
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Licensed Practical Nurses
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Registered Nurses/Licensed Practical Nurses
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Private Duty Licensed Practical Nurses
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Nursing Home Licensed Practical Nurses
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Licensed Practical Nurses/Licensed Vocational Nurses
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Home Health Licensed Practical Nurses
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Registered Nurses/Licensed Practical Nurses/Certified Nursing Assistants
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Hospice Licensed Practical Nurses
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Licensed Practical Nurses/Paramedics/Registered Nurses
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Long Term Care Licensed Practical Nurses/Licensed Vocational Nurses
Index Ranking
Ranked 6th (out of 36) "healthiest" profession according to the 2024 Michigan Healthcare Workforce Index.
Learn more here.
2024 Employment: 12,645
Projected 2034 Employment: 13,995 (+11%)
Highlighted Workforce Initiatives
Name: Michigan Workforce Training and Education Collaborative (MWTEC)​
Prosperity Region: 4
Description: Michigan Workforce Training and Education Collaborative works to provide Michigan residents access to training or education in a desired career field due to limited availability in their community. Their goal is to ensure equitable access for all citizens of Michigan to career pathway education and training, leading to high-paying jobs with advancement opportunities. They provide access to trainings in a variety of health careers.​
Name: Healthcare Pathway Consortium​
Prosperity Region: 1
Description: Launched in September 2024, the Healthcare Pathways Consortium is a unique collaboration aimed at expanding opportunities for students pursuing careers in healthcare. The goal of this partnership is to streamline educational pathways and enhance access to healthcare programs, addressing the increasing demand for skilled professionals in the region. Each institution plays a vital role: LSSU offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and pre-med programs; BMCC provides Certified Nurse Aide and future Licensed Practical Nurse training; MyMichigan Sault facilitates clinical experiences and job placement; and SAHS introduces health science courses to inspire early interest in healthcare careers. Together, these initiatives prepare students to succeed in the healthcare sector.
Name: EHM Senior Solutions LPN Apprenticeship Program​
Prosperity Region: 9
Description: EHM Senior Solutions, a trusted not-for-profit in senior care serving Southeast Michigan, launched its Registered LPN Apprenticeship Program. This initiative was developed in partnership with the Department of Labor and Michigan Works! Southeast aims to tackle the growing shortage of skilled nurses while providing a unique career advancement path for employees. It offers participants online hybrid courses, on-site learning, and flexible schedules. The program, which includes two semesters and over 2,000 on-the-job training hours, culminates with graduates taking the NCLEX to become licensed LPNs. It provides a clear career path from CNA to LPN, enabling internal growth and advancement.
Career Pathway
How to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Michigan?
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First, individuals must complete an approved or accredited Licensed Practical Nurse program which can take one to two years to complete. Then to practice, LPNs need to take and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) and apply to the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs for licensure.
