Michigan requires 25 CE hours for all nursing license types, with mandatory topics in pain management and implicit bias training. The state also has a one-time human trafficking module that does not count toward the 25-hour total. Here's your complete guide.
Michigan RN License Renewal Requirements Overview
The Michigan Board of Nursing (under LARA — Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs) requires all Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, and APRNs to complete 25 contact hours of continuing education every 2-year renewal cycle.
Michigan is not currently a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member state, so you must hold a Michigan-specific license to practice in the state. Compact legislation (HB 4246) has been introduced but has not yet been enacted.
What CE Hours Are Required?
- 25 total contact hours per 2-year renewal cycle (same for RN, LPN, and APRN)
- Pain & Pain Symptom Management (2 hours) — required every renewal, included in the 25-hour total
- Implicit Bias Training (2 hours) — 1 hour per year of the cycle, required every renewal, included in the 25-hour total
- Human Trafficking Awareness (one-time) — a separate module that does NOT count toward the 25-hour total
- No more than 12 hours may be earned during a single 24-hour period for online/electronic media
Step-by-Step: How to Renew Your Michigan Nursing License
- Know your deadline. All Michigan nursing licenses (RN, LPN, APRN) renew by March 31 of even-numbered years.
- Complete all CE requirements. Finish your 25 hours including pain management and implicit bias, plus the one-time human trafficking module if not already completed.
- Log in to the MiPLUS Portal. Visit miplus.michigan.gov to start your renewal.
- Complete the renewal application. Fill in all required fields and affirm completion of all CE requirements.
- Pay the renewal fee. The current fee is $131 for RNs/LPNs and $161 for APRNs with specialty certification.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Counting human trafficking toward the 25 hours. The one-time human trafficking awareness module is a separate requirement and does NOT count toward your 25-hour CE total.
- Cramming online CE into one day. Michigan limits you to 12 hours of online/electronic CE in a single 24-hour period. Plan your online courses across multiple days.
- New licensees skipping CE. If your initial Michigan license was issued on or after May 8, 2024, you must complete CE for your first renewal. The previous first-renewal exemption no longer applies to you.
- Not keeping your own records. The Michigan Board does not maintain CE records. You must keep your own documentation for at least 4 years.
Tips for a Smooth Renewal
- Use the 60-day grace period wisely. Michigan offers a 60-day late renewal window (April 1 - May 30) with a $20 late fee. After May 30, your license lapses and reinstatement is required.
- Knock out mandatory topics first. Complete pain management (2 hours) and implicit bias (2 hours) early in your cycle, then fill remaining hours with elective CE.
- Track everything in one place. RenewRN monitors your mandatory topics, tracks the 12-hour daily online limit, and sends reminders before your March 31 deadline.
- Watch for NLC updates. Compact legislation has been introduced. If Michigan joins the NLC, it could affect your licensing options in the future.
Track Your Michigan CE Requirements with RenewRN
Between mandatory topics, the separate human trafficking module, and the online CE daily limit, Michigan has some unique tracking challenges. RenewRN keeps everything organized and sends reminders so nothing falls through the cracks.