State of Michigan
Michigan.
Updated 2026
Contact hours
For RN renewal, every 2 years
25
Mandatory topics
For RN renewal, topics
3
Online CE
For RN renewal, fully accepted
Yes
¶ Michigan requires registered nurses to complete 25 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years to maintain an active license. Newly licensed nurses are exempt from CE requirements for their first renewal period.
Nursing in Michigan.
Michigan has approximately 150,000 licensed registered nurses serving a population of 10 million. The state has major health systems including Beaumont Health, Spectrum Health, and Trinity Health, with academic centers at University of Michigan and Michigan State University. Michigan's automotive industry also creates demand for occupational health nursing.
Michigan requires 25 contact hours of continuing education every two years for RN license renewal. Michigan mandates specific training in pain and symptom management (2 hours). The state accepts CE from providers approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing and national accrediting organizations.
Common practice settings
University of Michigan Health
The academic medical center in Ann Arbor offers specialty practice and research opportunities.
Automotive Industry Health
Michigan's manufacturing sector employs occupational health nurses in workplace wellness programs.
Upper Peninsula
Rural communities in the UP face healthcare access challenges and nursing shortages.
Renewal tips
01
Complete 25 contact hours, including 2 hours of pain and symptom management.
02
Use Board-approved or nationally accredited CE providers.
03
Keep certificates for at least 4 years.
04
Consider manufacturing health topics if working in industrial settings.
The Nurse Licensure Compact in Michigan
Michigan is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. This allows Michigan nurses to practice in other compact states, beneficial for those in border areas near Indiana, Ohio, or Wisconsin.
Read the compact license guide→The requirements, by license
Every license type,side by side.
Hours, cycles, mandatory topics, exemptions. Switch between RN, LPN, APRN and the four advanced-practice specialties.
License
RN
Registered nurse.
Contact hours
25
every 2 years
Renewal cycle
2
years
Online CE
Yes
fully accepted
First renewal
Exempt
CE waived
Mandatory topics
Pain and Pain Management For first license renewal or endorsement | 2h |
Human Trafficking One-time requirement | 1h |
Implicit Bias Required each renewal starting June 1, 2022 | 2h |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial licensure
Notes
- Must complete mandatory topics even for first renewal.
License
LPN
LPN / LVN.
Contact hours
25
every 2 years
Renewal cycle
2
years
Online CE
Yes
fully accepted
First renewal
Exempt
CE waived
Mandatory topics
Pain and Pain Management For first license renewal or endorsement | 2h |
Human Trafficking One-time requirement | 1h |
Implicit Bias Required each renewal starting June 1, 2022 | 2h |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial licensure
Notes
- Same requirements as RN.
License
APRN
APRN, general.
Contact hours
25
every 2 years
Renewal cycle
2
years
Online CE
Yes
fully accepted
First renewal
Exempt
CE waived
Mandatory topics
Pain and Pain Management For first license renewal or endorsement | 2h |
Human Trafficking One-time requirement | 1h |
Implicit Bias Required each renewal | 2h |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Same CE requirements as RN.
Additional requirements
License
NP
Nurse practitioner.
Contact hours
25
every 2 years
Renewal cycle
2
years
Online CE
Yes
fully accepted
First renewal
Exempt
CE waived
Mandatory topics
Pain and Pain Management For first license renewal or endorsement | 2h |
Human Trafficking One-time requirement | 1h |
Implicit Bias Required each renewal | 2h |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Same CE requirements as RN.
Additional requirements
License
CNS
Clinical nurse specialist.
Contact hours
25
every 2 years
Renewal cycle
2
years
Online CE
Yes
fully accepted
First renewal
Exempt
CE waived
Mandatory topics
Pain and Pain Management For first license renewal or endorsement | 2h |
Human Trafficking One-time requirement | 1h |
Implicit Bias Required each renewal | 2h |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Same CE requirements as RN.
Additional requirements
License
CNM
Certified nurse-midwife.
Contact hours
25
every 2 years
Renewal cycle
2
years
Online CE
Yes
fully accepted
First renewal
Exempt
CE waived
Mandatory topics
Pain and Pain Management For first license renewal or endorsement | 2h |
Human Trafficking One-time requirement | 1h |
Implicit Bias Required each renewal | 2h |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Same CE requirements as RN.
Additional requirements
License
CRNA
Nurse anesthetist.
Contact hours
25
every 2 years
Renewal cycle
2
years
Online CE
Yes
fully accepted
First renewal
Exempt
CE waived
Mandatory topics
Pain and Pain Management For first license renewal or endorsement | 2h |
Human Trafficking One-time requirement | 1h |
Implicit Bias Required each renewal | 2h |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Same CE requirements as RN.
Additional requirements
In context. Michigan requires 25 contact hours every 2 years for RN license renewal. Compared with neighbors, Ohio requires fewer (24 hours), while Indiana has no general CE requirement. Michigan is not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, so nurses need a separate license to practice here.
Continue.
Verify with the source
Michigan Board of Nursing.
Verify before relying on this