Macomb Community College introducing new Licensed Practical Nurse program

May 7 information session to provide program details and how to apply

Macomb Community College is introducing a new licensed practical nursing (LPN) program this coming fall semester to help meet the needs of the area’s growing senior population. Completion of the one-year certificate program at Macomb prepares students to take LPN board tests for certification and for employment. 

An LPN is a specialized, entry level nursing role that works directly under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians in a primarily autonomous position. They monitor a patient’s status, manage basic care and keep up-to-date medical records. An LPN’s tasks may include collecting and charting vital signs, distributing oral medications, checking blood sugar levels, helping patients with walking and assisting the patient and family with daily living activities.

LPNs can work in a variety of settings including skilled nursing facilities, medical and surgical hospitals, home health care services and physicians’ offices. There are nearly 5,000 jobs in the metro Detroit area for LPNs, with an average annual compensation of nearly $64,000, approximately 7% higher than the national median.

An information session about the new LPN program will be held on May 7, 1:30 p.m., in Lecture Hall A at the college’s University Center on its Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Road, Clinton Township. Topics that will be covered include the role of LPNs, an overview of the program, prerequisites, costs, admission requirements, job opportunities and career options. Registration is required at https://www.punchbowl.com/parties/16bd7e1932e4048947c5.

“Through our advisory boards and interactions with our community partners, we have seen the need for licensed practical nurses grow in our community,” said Narine Mirijanian, dean, Health and Public Service, Macomb Community College. “We are responding by leveraging our state-of-the-art learning center and expert faculty to offer a new program designed to answer that community need.”

Becoming an LPN can be a good starting point for those interested in health care careers. The training includes theory instruction, on-site clinical training, on-campus simulation training and lab instruction. During their on-site clinical training, students have the opportunity to practice their skills in a real-world environment as well as experience different types of workplace settings and professionally network while still in training.

“Licensed practical nurses are the cornerstone of health care,” said Eva Marie Chmielewski RN, BSN, CEA, staff education manager at Martha T. Berry Medical Care Facility in Mount Clemens. “They provide direct care that is essential to the well-being of our community. Schools of excellence, like Macomb Community College, are essential in providing the training necessary to combine the art of caring and compassion with the skills nurses need. We look forward to continuing and expanding this collaboration.”

The estimated cost of the program, including tuition, nursing fees, textbooks and testing costs, is $12,000. The LPN program is a selective admissions program, which includes requirements such as completion of prerequisite courses, meeting a minimum grade point average and assessment testing.  For more information about the selective admissions process, go to www.macomb.edu/admissions-aid/selective-admissions.html or email selectiveadmissions@macomb.edu.  June 2 is the application deadline for the initial LPN class, which begins August 2025.

For more information about the Macomb’s new LPN program, contact Andrea Shaw at shawa511@macomb.edu or 586.286.2085

About Macomb Community College

Macomb Community College (www.macomb.edu) is about transforming lives and communities through the power of education, enrichment and economic development. Macomb grants the largest number of associate degrees in Michigan and is the largest community college in the state. The college provides programming for youth through seniors, including early college for high school students, university transfer and career preparation programs, workforce education, continuing education and certification, and a wide range of enrichment opportunities encompassing arts, culture and lifelong learning.

Media contact: Sean M. Patrick, 586.445.7271, patricks28@macomb.edu