Whether you’re just beginning your journey in healthcare or interested in advancing your nursing career, Macomb offers a clear pathway to help you achieve your goals.

Through a range of programs designed to support students at every stage, Macomb has developed seamless nursing pathways that allows individuals to build skills, gain experience and advance to higher-level roles within the profession.

Certified Nursing Assistant

The journey begins with the college’s Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program. In eight weeks, students can earn a State of Michigan CNA license and begin working in healthcare settings such as long-term care facilities, hospitals and hospices.

This entry-level credential provides valuable hands-on experience while opening the door to future career growth.

Rachelle Denise Helm recently earned her CNA and license shortly after. She’s working in the field and plans to continue to further her nursing education.

“I’m happy about the decision I’ve made,” Rachelle said. “My next step is to become an LPN and then an RN, all at Macomb. I’ll always be here and I’m really excited about that.”

Licensed Practical Nurse

For those ready to take the next step, Macomb’s newer Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) certificate program provides an important step in the nursing career pathway, offering students a fast and affordable route into the profession.

Designed to be completed in one year, the program prepares students with the clinical knowledge and hands-on skills needed to provide direct patient care in a variety of settings, including long-term care facilities.

Students in Macomb’s LPN program learn nursing fundamentals, clinical practice and patient assessment from experienced nursing professionals while gaining valuable real-world experience.

Shaunta Bonner is a student in the LPN program. After a long career as a CNA, she decided to continue her education. She earned the Michigan Reconnect scholarship, which covers tuition for qualified students ages 21 and older.

“I’m very excited to finally be working as a nurse,” she said. “But this is not the end. This is the beginning of my new journey.”

Registered Nurse

Macomb’s associate degree in nursing (ADN) program provides a pathway to becoming a registered nurse. The program, which is typically completed in two years, combines classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experience, helping students develop the knowledge, technical skills and critical-thinking abilities needed to provide patient-centered care and prepare for the licensure exam.

Students can pursue RN positions in hospitals and other healthcare settings. Admission is open to qualified applicants through a selective admissions process.

Karlee Williams is pursuing the ADN degree, and although she said the program is challenging, she’s looking forward to working as an RN.

“I think when I get my pin, I will be overwhelmed with joy,” she said. “I’m very excited to have this opportunity to help people.”

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Macomb’s ADN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) pathway makes it easy for registered nurses to continue their education and advance their careers. After completing Macomb’s ADN program and earning RN licensure, graduates transfer into BSN completion through partnerships with universities such as the University of Detroit Mercy, which offers BSN courses on Macomb’s campus.

This pathway allows working nurses to build on their clinical expertise while developing leadership, research and community health skills.

Orgeta Aliaj earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Detroit Mercy after earning her ADN at Macomb. She is now working as a nurse at Henry Ford Macomb.

“Earning a bachelor’s degree was a goal I had set for myself,” she said. “I am a person who values education very much. Macomb has helped me achieve so much and for that I am very thankful.”

To learn more about nursing pathways at Macomb, please visit the pathways webpage.