Initial Licensure by Examination

• Candidates for their initial LPN license in Michigan must submit a completed Application for Practical Nurse Licensure along with the application fee in the form of a check or money order to the Michigan Department of Community Health Board of Nursing. The application fee as of May 2011 was $54.00. Candidates must also submit their fingerprints and undergo a criminal background check. Candidates must request their educational institution to submit their transcripts or certifications directly to the Michigan Board of Nursing. Once all required documentation is received by the Michigan Board of Nursing, the candidate may sit for the National Council Licensure Examination-PN. Candidates who pass the exam will receive their LPN license. Michigan LPNs must renew their initial license on the first March 31 following its issuance.
  
  

Initial Licensure by Endorsement

• The Michigan Board of Nursing permits licensing by endorsement for practical nurses who are currently licensed by another state, provided the other state's licensing requirements are substantially the same as Michigan's requirements. The Michigan Board of Nursing requires all LPN candidates for licensure by endorsement to have passed the National Council Licensure Examination-PN or its predecessor, the State Board Test Pool Examination. The candidate must submit an application for licensure by endorsement along with the appropriate application fee. She must also submit her fingerprints and undergo a criminal background investigation. LPNs who received their initial license through endorsement must renew their license on the first March 31 following its issuance.
  
  

License Renewals

• All Michigan nursing licenses after the initial license are good for two years. The Michigan Public Health Code requires all nurses, including licensed practical nurses, to complete 25 hours of approved continuing education during their two-year licensing period. At least one hour of continuing education must be in pain and symptom management. All Michigan nursing licenses after the initial license, including LPN licenses, expire on the second March 31 after issuance and must be renewed to remain active.
  
  

Renewal Time Frame

• The Michigan Board of Nursing mails renewal notices to LPNs whose licenses are expiring, timed to arrive within approximately 45 days of expiration. LPNs who wish to renew their Michigan LPN license may submit their completed renewal applications along with the appropriate application fee by mail or online. Michigan LPNs have a 60-day grace period after their license expires to renew their license. After 60 days, the LPN must apply for re-licensure.