PNP Programs in Michigan

Jennifer Trimbee

Written by Jennifer Trimbee

BA Duquesne University, Nursing Diploma UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing

Updated & Fact Checked: 10.03.2024

Pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) treat children of all ages, from birth to adolescence and even into young adulthood. Like all nurse practitioners in Michigan, they must work under the supervision of a licensed physician. 

Generally, those wishing to pursue a PNP degree specialize in either acute or primary care. Primary care PNPs work in outpatient facilities, like doctors’ offices or clinics, and help patients manage acute or chronic conditions. Those specializing in acute care are likelier to work in a hospital facility.

Nurses who want to pursue a PNP degree have several options in Michigan, including those listed below.

Michigan RN to FNP Programs

RN-to-FNP programs are designed for nurses with an associate’s degree or diploma. These programs allow RNs to obtain an MSN or, in some cases, a DNP without having to complete a BSN first.

Spring Arbor University

  • Spring Arbor, Michigan
  • Online + Campus + In-person

Modality: Online with on-campus requirements and in-person clinical

Credit Hours: 82

Clinical Hours: 570

Tuition: $782 to $875 per credit + fees

Program Overview:
The RN to PNP Primary Care track at Spring Arbor is designed to be flexible. This four-year program features asynchronous online classes, so students can login at a time that works for them, and there is only one three-day residency on campus required that takes place during the third year. This program follows the university’s unique 7-1-7 model, where students take a seven-week course, have a week off, then return for another seven week course.

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Michigan BSN to PNP Programs

BSN-prepared nurses have a handful of options when pursuing a PNP degree in Michigan, including doctorate programs and dual certifications for those who want to advance their educations even further.

Grand Valley State University

  • Allendale, Michigan
  • Hybrid + In-person

Modality: Hybrid with in-person clinical

Credit Hours: Varies

Clinical Hours: Varies

Tuition: $863 per credit + fees

Program Overview:
Grand Valley State University offers several options for those interested in pursuing a PNP. The  BSN/MSN to DNP Child/Adolescent Acute Care and BSN/MSN to DNP PNP Primary Care options both require 1,000 clinical hours and 300 immersion hours, some of which are completed in the on-campus state-of-the-art simulation center. These programs take eight semesters over three years to complete full-time. The third option is a BSN/MSN to DNP Dual Child/Adolescent Primary/Acute Care degree, which prepares students to take care of pediatric patients in just about any setting. This extensive program requires 1450 clinical hours, 300 immersion hours, and takes nine semesters over three years to complete. Students can begin these programs with either a BSN or MSN.

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Spring Arbor University

  • Spring Arbor, Michigan
  • Online + Campus + In-person

Modality: Online with on-campus requirements and in-person clinical

Credit Hours: Varies

Clinical Hours: Varies

Tuition: $782 to $875 per credit + fees

Program Overview:
Spring Arbor’s programs are designed for working nurses. Each program features its unique 7-1-7 setup, where students take a seven-week class, take a week off, and then come back for another seven week class. All programs feature flexible log-in times and asynchronous online courses with some on-campus requirements. Choose from a BSN to PNP Primary Care or Post-Graduate MSN to PNP track.

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University of Michigan Ann Arbor

  • Ann Arbor, Michigan
  • Online + Campus + In-person

Modality: Online with on-campus requirements and in-person clinical

Credit Hours: 44

Clinical Hours: Unspecified

Tuition: $1,908 per credit + fees for residents; $3,488 per credit + fees for non-residents

Program Overview:
The BSN to PNP Primary Care program at University of Michigan Ann Arbor can be completed in two years full-time or three years part-time. The program has transitioned to an all-digital format, with a two-day on-campus intensive required each term. Students can complete this program in two years full-time or three years part-time.

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Wayne State University

  • Detroit, Michigan
  • Online + Campus + In-person

Modality: On-campus or online with on-campus requirements plus in-person clinical

Credit Hours: Varies

Clinical Hours: Varies

Tuition: $1040.30 per credit + fees for residents; $1929.42 per credit + fees non-residents

Program Overview:
Wayne State University has multiple options for nurses looking to practice as a PNP. The BSN to MSN PNP Acute Care and BSN to MSN PNP Primary Care tracks are both 47 credits. BSN/MSN to DNP PNP Acute Care and  BSN/MSN to DNP PNP Primary Care options are designed for students who have either a BSN, an MSN in another nursing area, or an NP in another specialty. There is also a Post-Graduate Certificate PNP Acute Care and Post-Graduate Certificate PNP Primary Care option available.

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Michigan Online PNP Programs

Every PNP program has an in-person clinical component because learning hands-on skills is an important part of becoming a nurse practitioner. That said, some of these programs offer flexible coursework that doesn’t require students to spend a lot of time on campus. If you’re looking for a program that is mostly online learning, take a look at the PNP tracks available at Spring Arbor University and the University of Michigan Ann Arbor.

Best PNP Programs in Michigan

What is the best PNP program in Michigan varies depending on what you’re looking for. Grand Valley State University offers a unique dual-certification in acute and primary care that can make you more marketable as a PNP and open doors throughout your career. Wayne State University also offers a variety of options for nurses who wish to pursue a DNP.

Michigan Most Affordable PNP Programs

The most affordable programs in Michigan on a per credit basis are Grand Valley State University and Spring Arbor University. Keep in mind that this cost is per credit, and each university will have its own additional fees that will likely increase the overall cost.