Nursing Programs in Detroit, MI

Oakland Community College's ADN program is one of Michigan's largest and most affordable pathways to registered nursing. The curriculum integrates theory with clinical experiences in pharmacology, mental health, and family care, with rotations at Corewell Health and Henry Ford Health. Students choose from full-time or evening/weekend tracks, enjoy a cohort model, and benefit from an ACEN-accredited curriculum. The program requires the HESI entrance exam and prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN. Recent first-time NCLEX pass rates are strong: 97.25% (2023) and 97.03% (2024) for ADN students. With a new Health Sciences Building slated for 2027, an active SNA, and an ADN-to-BSN partnership with University of Detroit Mercy, OCC provides a solid foundation. 100% job placement reported.

• ACEN accredited
• Entrance exam required
• Exams: HESI
• Full-time and part-time options
• Cohort-based structure
• 100% job placement rate
• Prerequisite courses required
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Largest nursing program in Michigan
• Clinical placements at major hospitals

Mid Michigan College's Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is a campus-based, NLN CNEA-accredited program that blends rigorous coursework with hands-on clinical training in state-of-the-art simulation labs and regional healthcare facilities. The curriculum covers medical-surgical, pediatric, mental health, and obstetric nursing, equipping students for entry-level RN practice. Admission is selective with no waitlist; two cohorts totaling 96 students begin annually, and a HESI entrance exam is required. Recent NCLEX-RN pass rates range from 93.1% to 100% across 2023–2024 cohorts, demonstrating strong outcomes. The program reports a 100% job placement rate. Graduates can pursue an affordable RN-to-BSN pathway through a partnership with Central Michigan University. Michigan RNs earn a median annual salary of $79,000.

• NLN CNEA accredited
• Entrance exam required
• Exams: HESI
• Cohort-based structure
• 100% job placement rate
• Prerequisite courses required
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Scholarships available
• State-of-the-art simulation labs
• Selective admission, no wait list

Mid Michigan College offers a dynamic RN-to-BSN program fully online in partnership with Central Michigan University, designed specifically for working registered nurses seeking to advance their education. The program allows ADN-prepared nurses to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing efficiently, often within just one year, without interrupting their careers. It features significant cost savings and scholarship opportunities, along with flexible learning options and a streamlined transfer process. The curriculum builds on existing clinical knowledge to enhance professional credentials and accelerate career progression in healthcare. This pathway is ideal for nurses aiming to elevate their practice, secure leadership roles, or prepare for graduate study, all while receiving comprehensive faculty support in an online format.

• Online RN-to-BSN program
• Partnership with CMU
• Complete in one year
• Scholarship opportunities available
• Flexible learning options
• Streamlined transfer process
• Supports working nurses

Wayne County Community College District's AAS in Nursing is ACEN-accredited and approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing. This 69-credit program covers medical-surgical, psychiatric, obstetric, and pediatric nursing, plus pharmacology and physical assessment. Students train in a simulation lab and learn evidence-based, culturally competent care. Admission requires the HESI entrance exam, prerequisites, and letters of recommendation. Recent NCLEX-RN pass rates: 79.3% in 2023 and 97.4% in 2024, with 100% job placement. Articulation agreements with Eastern Michigan University, Indiana Wesleyan University, and University of Michigan-Flint ease bachelor's completion. Offered in Detroit, the program starts in spring and fall.

• ACEN accredited
• Entrance exam required
• Exams: HESI
• 69 total credit hours
• 2 start dates per year
• Starts spring/fall
• 100% job placement rate
• 2.0 GPA minimum
• 2 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• Prerequisite courses required

Wayne State University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, based in Detroit, emphasizes urban health challenges and community transformation. Students can choose among multiple entry points: a traditional track, direct admission for first-years, an accelerated option for career changers, a dedicated veterans' track, and an RN-to-BSN pathway. Clinical experiences occur in Detroit's diverse healthcare facilities, preparing graduates for roles in hospitals, clinics, and public health settings. The curriculum covers nursing fundamentals, evidence-based practice, and health disparities. Graduates achieved an 88.5% NCLEX first-time pass rate in 2024, reflecting strong preparation. As a military-friendly program, it supports veterans transitioning into nursing careers.

• World-class education in Detroit
• Transform urban health

Wayne State University's Direct Admit BSN option offers first-year students guaranteed entry into the College of Nursing, removing the uncertainty of later application. This Detroit-based program centers on urban health, with a curriculum that integrates evidence-based practice, patient-centered care, and health equity. Students gain hands-on clinical training in local healthcare systems from their first year, working alongside expert faculty in diverse settings. The program is designed to prepare nurses who will transform community health, with graduates achieving a 2024 NCLEX pass rate of 88.5%. This pathway also supports military veterans and offers flexible progression options, including a traditional BSN, accelerated second-degree track, and RN-to-BSN program for working nurses.

• Direct admission to College of Nursing

Wayne State University's Accelerated BSN (Second Career/Degree) is tailored for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field and are seeking an efficient route into nursing. Delivered on the Detroit campus, the fast-paced format combines intensive nursing theory with immersive clinical practice in urban healthcare settings. Expert faculty guide students through topics such as health assessment, pathophysiology, and community health nursing, with a focus on addressing disparities in cities like Detroit. Graduates are prepared for licensure and careers in hospitals, community centers, and public agencies. The program reports a 88.5% NCLEX first-time pass rate for 2024, reflecting its rigorous, accelerated curriculum and commitment to producing competent, compassionate nurses.

• For students with a non-nursing bachelor's degree
• Consistently high licensure pass rate

Designed specifically for veterans, Wayne State University's BSN for Veterans program acknowledges the unique skills and experiences of military service members. This campus-based track in Detroit offers a supportive pathway for former active-duty personnel transitioning into civilian healthcare careers. The curriculum emphasizes holistic care, leadership, and evidence-based practice, with clinical rotations in urban health facilities that expose students to diverse patient populations. Graduates achieve licensure at rates commensurate with the program's 2024 NCLEX pass rate of 88.5%, indicating thorough preparation. The program is military-friendly, offering credit for prior training and dedicated advising. Wayne State also provides multiple BSN entry routes, but this veterans-specific cohort fosters camaraderie and a smooth bridge from service to nursing excellence.

• Transition from active service

Arizona College of Nursing-Southfield offers an accelerated BSN pathway completed in three years, featuring six annual start dates and evening general education classes for flexibility. The curriculum integrates NCLEX-RN preparation from day one, with simulation labs and clinical rotations at Michigan healthcare facilities. Small class sizes facilitate personalized instruction, and the program is accredited by CCNE and ABHES. Applicants must take the HESI entrance exam; ACT/SAT is not required. Transfer credits may shorten the timeline, and graduates are prepared for roles in hospitals, leadership, and community health. In 2024, the program achieved an 85% first-time NCLEX pass rate among 40 students.

• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) accredited
• Entrance exam required
• Exams: HESI
• 3-Year program
• Complete in three years or less
• 6 start dates per year
• Asynchronous online classes
• 2.8 GPA minimum
• median wage of $97,280 per year
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN