Macomb Community College Nursing Programs: What to Know (2026)
Macomb Community College, Michigan’s largest community college by enrollment, delivers selective-admission pre-licensure nursing on Center Campus in Clinton Township: a 67-credit Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (ADN) (we use ADN for the RN pathway) accredited by ACEN per the college catalog, plus a Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) certificate (45.75 credits in the catalog). Tuition is set per billable contact hour by residency band (Macomb announced 2024–2025 rates in college news). HESI A2 is part of selective admissions. For first-time NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN percentages, use Michigan LARA NCLEX score summary publications and confirm with the program.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Macomb stacks Metro Detroit clinical demand, in-county tuition discounts for Macomb County residents, and a University Center partnership where University of Detroit Mercy offers a BSN pathway on Center Campus after your ADN. Budget for HESI A2, MAPP/background checks, uniforms, and insurance called out in the catalog, and pull official NCLEX pass rates from Michigan LARA nursing publications—not from unofficial aggregators.
Overview & Why Students Choose Macomb Community College
Macomb Community College is a public two-year college serving Macomb County and the wider Metro Detroit region from multiple campuses; health and nursing programs are centered on Center Campus (44575 Garfield Road, Clinton Township), which also houses the University Center for bachelor’s completion partnerships. The nursing program page emphasizes affordable, accredited training that prepares graduates for NCLEX-RN after the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, with faculty who are practicing nurses or nurse practitioners.
The 2026–2027 catalog lists the ADN as 67 credits, ACEN-accredited, and approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing. The LPN certificate is a one-year sequence totaling 45.75 credits in the catalog and prepares for NCLEX-PN; Macomb’s May 2025 news release highlighted the LPN program’s launch cohort and estimated total program cost around $12,000 including fees, books, and testing. Macomb does not award a BSN on its own; it promotes Detroit Mercy’s BSN at the University Center for ADN graduates who meet partner requirements.
This guide does not quote a first-time pass-rate percentage here because Macomb’s public marketing pages reviewed did not display the same kind of embedded outcome tables found on some other colleges’ sites, and automated retrieval of Michigan’s NCLEX PDF summaries was blocked in our environment. For auditable first-time NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN rates for Macomb Community College, open the latest NCLEX Score Summary (or successor report) from Michigan LARA / Bureau of Community & Health Systems nursing resources, locate Macomb in the school listing, and note the reporting year and program type. Confirm current cohort data with the nursing department.
Reasons students choose Macomb
Lower in-county tuition band
Macomb County residents pay the lowest per–billable-contact-hour rate; the college’s February 2024 news article cited $113/hour for residents for Fall 2024–Spring/Summer 2025, noting Macomb’s rate remained below the state community-college average.
ACEN-accredited ADN pathway
The catalog states the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing holds ACEN accreditation and Michigan Board of Nursing approval—verify effective dates with Macomb and ACEN before you enroll.
Detroit Mercy BSN on site
After the ADN, you can explore a BSN through University of Detroit Mercy coursework delivered at Macomb’s University Center per Macomb’s nursing page and Detroit Mercy’s BSN-Macomb materials.
Metro Detroit clinical volume
Macomb situates students in a dense southeast Michigan hospital and post-acute market; specific agencies rotate by semester and are assigned through the program—including requirements such as the ACE MAPP placement system noted in the catalog.
Stacked LPN → RN option
The college markets the LPN certificate as a faster entry point and a bridge toward future RN education; course lists are separate in the catalog—confirm any advanced-placement policies with advising.
Nursing Programs Offered
The following reflects Macomb’s Nursing (RN) and Licensed Practical Nurse pages and the Nursing, AAS / LPN certificate catalog entries. We use ADN as the standard label for Macomb’s pre-licensure RN degree (Associate of Applied Science in Nursing).
Pre-licensure (LPN)
Licensed Practical Nursing — Certificate
45.75 credits in the catalog; described as about one year on Macomb’s LPN page. Prepares for NCLEX-PN. Selective admission with prerequisites, GPA expectations, and assessment testing referenced in Macomb’s May 2025 news release. Macomb estimated roughly $12,000 total for tuition, nursing fees, books, and testing for the initial cohort—confirm current figures with the Cashier and program office.
Pre-licensure (RN / ADN)
Nursing — Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
67 credits in the 2026–2027 catalog; semester-by-semester NURS sequence plus general education/science prerequisites. Graduates are eligible to sit for NCLEX-RN. Catalog states ACEN accreditation and Michigan Board of Nursing approval. Clinical courses are Pass/Fail; didactic courses require C or better (or Pass where applicable).
Post-licensure & partnerships
Macomb does not list an RN-to-BSN or MSN on its own transcript. The nursing page directs ADN graduates to University of Detroit Mercy’s BSN program at Macomb’s University Center. Explore additional transfer options through Macomb’s articulation and transfer office.
You must be accepted through selective admission before taking NURS or LNUR courses. Catalog notes include a February 1 prerequisite deadline and five-year science recency rules—verify every requirement in the current Selective Admission PDF for your entry year.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
Michigan’s nursing regulator (within Michigan LARA) publishes NCLEX score summaries that aggregate first-time pass rates by nursing education program, including community colleges such as Macomb Community College. Download the most recent NCLEX Score Summary PDF (for example, reports titled by calendar or academic year such as 2024) from the Bureau of Community & Health Systems nursing licensing pages and locate Macomb’s ADN and PN rows.
Macomb’s public nursing pages reference pass and completion information but, in the content reviewed for this guide, did not reproduce full NCLEX tables inline. Treat any third-party website that ranks schools or copies pass rates without pointing to the primary LARA document as not authoritative.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate | Not stated on this page—look up Macomb Community College in the latest Michigan LARA NCLEX Score Summary for the RN (associate degree) program. |
| NCLEX-PN first-time pass rate | Use the same LARA publication’s practical nursing row for Macomb (once cohorts have tested). |
| Source | Michigan LARA — Bureau of Community & Health Systems (nursing / licensing resources, including NCLEX summaries). Example document path used by the state: …/NCLEX-Score-Summaries/NCLEX-Score-Summary-2024.pdf. Confirm current file names with the state site. Confirm current rates with Macomb’s nursing department and Michigan LARA. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort and reporting period. Always use the same official report when comparing schools, and record the year and program type (RN vs. PN) next to any percentage you cite.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Macomb enrolls a broad student body, but nursing clinical placement and Michigan RN/LPN licensure impose extra checks for international applicants and foreign-educated nurses. Use the checklist below as guidance only; it is not legal or immigration advice.
- English-language proficiency: Confirm TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or other accepted tests with Macomb admissions or international services for your visa category.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Follow Macomb’s international transcript steps; internationally educated nurses may need CGFNS or other evaluations required by Michigan LARA for licensure by examination or endorsement.
- Michigan Board of Nursing (via LARA): Review criminal history, education, and NCLEX eligibility rules for your specific situation.
- Immigration & visa: Clinical courses require in-person attendance, health clearance, and agency approval; confirm F-1 CPT/OPT implications and clinical eligibility with Macomb and the clinical coordinator.
Policies change—verify with Macomb Admissions & Aid, any international-student office, the nursing department, and Michigan LARA.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Macomb’s nursing majors are selective admission programs in Health and Human Services. You complete published prerequisites (science and general education), meet grade and recency rules, submit the selective application packet, and complete HESI A2 testing per Macomb’s Selective Admissions hub. The college posts separate PDF booklets for Associate Degree Nursing and Licensed Practical Nursing by application cycle (for example, 2026 vs. 2027 materials were listed at the time of review).
The 2026–2027 Nursing (AAS) catalog states prerequisite biology/microbiology courses must be completed with C or better before the February 1 selective admission deadline and notes a five-year recency requirement for certain biology courses (repeats may have financial-aid limitations—see catalog Program Notes). Students may not register for NURS or LNUR courses until accepted.
Selective admission workflow (overview)
| Step | What to expect | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Prerequisites | Complete listed courses (e.g., BIOL 2710, microbiology, psychology, nutrition, English composition options for LPN). | Follow the official degree planner / selective admission PDF for your cycle. |
| HESI A2 | Schedule through Macomb’s testing office; review HESI FAQs and student testing policy PDFs linked from selective admissions. | Macomb notes HESI cycles beginning November 2026 for the 2027 selective admission cycle on its selective admissions page—confirm dates each year. |
| Application packet | Submit required forms by the program deadline. | Email selectiveadmissions@macomb.edu for procedural questions. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Minimum grades / GPA | Catalog requires C or better in prerequisite/core courses; Macomb’s May 2025 LPN news article references a minimum GPA threshold—see current selective admission PDF for exact values. |
| TEAS / HESI | HESI A2 referenced throughout selective admissions materials (FAQs, testing policy). TEAS was not cited on the selective admissions hub reviewed. |
| Clinical compliance | Catalog lists physical exam/TB testing, uniforms, Nurse Pacs, insurance, and ACE MAPP (criminal background check and drug screen). Clinical nursing courses are Pass/Fail. |
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Macomb calculates tuition using billable contact hours multiplied by your residency category. The college’s February 22, 2024 news release announced rates for Fall 2024 through Spring/Summer 2025. Always cross-check with the official Tuition Rates and Fees PDF and the Tuition, Fees & Payment Options page before you register.
| Residency category | Tuition per billable contact hour (2024–25 announcement) |
|---|---|
| Macomb County resident | $113 |
| Out of district (Michigan) | $212 |
| Out of state / foreign | $270 |
| Affiliate (areas not served by a community college district) | $146 |
| Early college / dual enrollment | $108 |
| Illustrative program totals (tuition only) | Multiply your category rate by program credit/contact hours (e.g., ADN 67 credits ≈ 67 × $113 = $7,571 for Macomb County residents before fees, books, uniforms, testing—this is a rough illustration, not an official quote). |
| LPN all-in estimate (college news) | Macomb’s May 6, 2025 news article estimated about $12,000 for tuition, nursing fees, textbooks, and testing for the initial LPN cohort. |
| Source | Macomb news — 2024–2025 tuition rates; Macomb news — LPN program announcement; Tuition & fees hub. Contact the Cashier’s Office at 586-445-7999 (option 6) or cashier@macomb.edu. |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
Macomb’s nursing pages reference pass and completion metrics, but this guide relies on Michigan LARA NCLEX summaries for auditable first-time pass-rate percentages. Employment demand in southeast Michigan remains strong for both RNs and LPNs; Macomb’s May 2025 LPN announcement cited roughly 5,000 LPN jobs in the metro area (verify methodology and year with the cited labor sources).
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass | See Michigan LARA NCLEX Score Summary for Macomb’s ADN program; confirm reporting year. |
| NCLEX-PN first-time pass | See the same official publications once Macomb LPN cohorts begin testing. |
| Job placement / employment rate | Not publicly disclosed on this page. Macomb’s nursing page mentions employer demand and Career Services; ask the program for graduate survey data if available. |
| Source | Michigan LARA — BCHS; Macomb Career Services. Confirm current rates with Macomb and Michigan LARA. |
Is Macomb Community College the Right Fit for You?
Macomb fits learners who want public community college pricing—especially with Macomb County residency—combined with Metro Detroit clinical access and a clear path to a Detroit Mercy BSN at the University Center. It is a weaker fit if you cannot meet HESI deadlines, February prerequisite cutoffs, or clinical compliance (background checks, drug screens, immunizations) spelled out in the catalog.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want a 67-credit ADN (AAS) with ACEN accreditation cited in the Macomb catalog.
- Prefer a one-year LPN certificate first, then potential progression toward RN education later.
- Plan to stay in southeast Michigan for clinicals and early-career employment.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Need a fully online pre-licensure nursing program (Macomb emphasizes on-campus labs and clinicals).
- Expect a BSN from Macomb’s own degree audit without partnering through Detroit Mercy or another university.
- Cannot schedule HESI A2 or meet selective admission timelines while working full time without a plan.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Macomb County and the wider Detroit metropolitan area host large integrated delivery networks, community hospitals, academic medical centers, skilled nursing facilities, ambulatory surgery, home health, and public health departments. Macomb nursing students typically complete directed clinical experiences across this ecosystem; specific agencies change by semester and are assigned through program processes such as the ACE MAPP system referenced in the catalog.
| Facility / system | Details |
|---|---|
| Henry Ford Health | Major Detroit-area system; illustrative of acute care complexity available regionally—not a guarantee of Macomb’s current contract. |
| Corewell Health (Southeast Michigan) | Large multi-hospital footprint; students may encounter system affiliates depending on semester assignments. |
| Trinity Health Michigan / Ascension | Additional system presence across Macomb and Wayne counties for varied clinical exposure. |
| Post-acute & community care | Skilled nursing, rehabilitation, clinics, and community agencies commonly support LPN and RN student rotations—confirm active contracts with Macomb’s clinical coordinator. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Macomb operates Center, South, East, and M-TEC locations across Macomb County. Center Campus hosts health professions, the University Center, the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts, and the Lorenzo Cultural Center—a hub for nursing lectures, labs, and simulation adjacent to suburban retail and transit via SMART bus service. Student life includes athletics (NJCAA Region XII), student organizations, arts programming, and Career Services support for resumes and interviews as you approach graduation.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Center Campus — Clinton Township, MI (nursing / health programs)
- Address
- 44575 Garfield Rd, Clinton Township, MI 48038, US
- Main telephone
- (586) 445-7999
- Nursing department (program page)
- Teri Hupfel · (586) 286-2074
- Selective admissions
- selectiveadmissions@macomb.edu
- Website
- macomb.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Download the current Associate Degree Nursing and/or LPN selective admission PDF for your cycle.
- Read the HESI A2 FAQ and student testing policy PDFs linked from Macomb selective admissions.
- Meet a Macomb counselor to map prerequisites and confirm the February 1 science deadline and five-year biology recency rule.
- Estimate tuition using the Tuition Rates and Fees PDF plus your planned credit load.
- Open the latest Michigan LARA NCLEX Score Summary and bookmark Macomb’s row for future comparison.
- Review Detroit Mercy’s BSN-Macomb prerequisites if a BSN is your end goal.
- Submit FAFSA (studentaid.gov) and explore Macomb scholarships.
Frequently Asked Questions
What nursing programs does Macomb Community College offer?
Macomb offers a selective-admission Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (ADN; 67 credits per the 2026–2027 catalog) preparing for NCLEX-RN, and a Licensed Practical Nursing certificate (45.75 credits in the catalog) preparing for NCLEX-PN. After the ADN, students may pursue a BSN through partner programs such as University of Detroit Mercy at Macomb’s University Center. Macomb does not award a BSN on its own transcript.
Where can I find the NCLEX pass rate for Macomb Community College?
Michigan LARA publishes NCLEX score summary reports listing first-time pass rates by school and program type. Download the latest summary from Michigan’s Bureau of Community & Health Systems nursing resources, find Macomb Community College, and note the reporting year. Confirm cohort details with the nursing department.
Does Macomb Community College require HESI or TEAS for nursing?
Macomb’s selective admissions hub references the HESI A2 (FAQs and testing policy PDFs). Confirm whether TEAS is accepted for any cycle, which sections are scored, and minimums for ADN vs. LPN in your application-year PDF.
How much is tuition at Macomb Community College for nursing students?
Macomb’s February 2024 news release announced Fall 2024–Spring/Summer 2025 rates of $113 (Macomb County resident), $212 (out of district), $270 (out of state/foreign), $146 (affiliate), and $108 (early college/dual enrollment) per billable contact hour. Multiply by your registered hours and add fees using the official Tuition Rates and Fees PDF. Macomb’s May 2025 LPN news article estimated about $12,000 all-in for the first LPN cohort.
Is Macomb Community College’s ADN program accredited?
The 2026–2027 catalog states the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing is ACEN-accredited and Michigan Board of Nursing–approved. Verify current status with Macomb, ACEN, and Michigan LARA.
Can I earn a BSN at Macomb Community College?
Macomb awards the ADN (AAS) for pre-licensure RN education. The college partners with University of Detroit Mercy to offer a BSN pathway delivered at Macomb’s University Center after you meet partner requirements. See Detroit Mercy’s BSN-Macomb page and Macomb’s nursing program page.
What is the selective admission deadline for Macomb nursing prerequisites?
The nursing catalog states prerequisite sciences must be completed with C or better before the February 1 selective admission deadline and describes a five-year recency window for certain biology courses. Always use the current selective admission PDF for your intended entry term.
Who do I contact for Macomb Community College nursing advising?
The nursing program page lists Teri Hupfel in the Nursing Department at 586-286-2074. Selective admissions questions can go to selectiveadmissions@macomb.edu. General college contact options include 586-445-7999 and answer@macomb.edu.
References
- Macomb Community College — Nursing (RN / ADN)macomb.edu — nursing
- Macomb Community College — Licensed Practical Nursemacomb.edu — LPN
- Macomb Community College — College Catalog (Nursing, AAS)ecatalog.macomb.edu — Nursing, AAS
- Macomb Community College — College Catalog (LPN certificate)ecatalog.macomb.edu — LPN
- Macomb Community College — Selective admissionsmacomb.edu — selective admissions
- Macomb Community College — Tuition news (2024–2025 rates)macomb.edu news — tuition rates
- Macomb Community College — LPN program announcement (May 2025)macomb.edu news — LPN program
- Macomb Community College — Tuition, fees & paymentmacomb.edu — tuition & fees
- University of Detroit Mercy — BSN at Macombudmercy.edu — BSN Macomb
- Macomb Community College — Center Campus (maps)macomb.edu — Center Campus
- Michigan LARA — Bureau of Community & Health Systemsmichigan.gov/lara (BCHS)
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)ncsbn.org
Editorial Standards & Review
About the author: Francesco Di Siena, RN, writes evidence-based nursing education guides for NurseOnShift.
Review: This page was reviewed by Araceli Collado, RN, for alignment with Macomb Community College’s nursing and LPN program pages, college catalog entries, selective admissions materials, official tuition announcements, and Michigan LARA nursing regulatory context.
Disclaimer: This page is for general reference only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, or financial advice. Requirements, tuition, HESI policies, and clinical rules change; always verify with Macomb Community College and Michigan nursing regulators.
Published: March 25, 2026 · Last reviewed: March 25, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy