Registered Nursing Associate Degree

Registered Nursing Associate Degree

Where To Go From Here

This program prepares students for employment opportunities as nurses. It is designed to provide the credits necessary for eligibility to take the nursing licensure examination, and transferability for a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

Why This Degree

Students who earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing will be academically prepared to sit for the national licensure examination to become a Registered Nurse (RN). RNs provide direct patient care, coordinate treatment plans, educate patients and communities, administer medications and treatments, collaborate with healthcare teams, and support patients and families across a variety of healthcare settings. Career opportunities are diverse and may include hospitals, clinics, long-term care, community health, behavioral health, home health, and specialty care areas. With experience and continued education, RNs may advance into leadership, education, case management, or administrative roles. This degree also provides a strong foundation for continued study at the bachelor’s degree level, including RN-to-BSN programs offered through universities across Michigan. Registered Nurses in Michigan commonly earn between approximately $64,270 and $100,920 annually depending on experience, role, and setting.

Important: Completion of this degree does not by itself make a student a registered nurse. Graduates must successfully pass the NCLEX-RN licensure examination and meet all state licensing requirements to practice as a registered nurse.

Nursing Program Application Information

The application cycle for fall 2026 admission will be open May 1-15, 2026. Students will need to email healthcareers@montcalm.edu to be added to the admission Canvas application site. All applications will be reviewed electronically through Canvas during this application cycle. Applicants will be notified of acceptance via MCC Student email. For more information, contact the Health Careers Office at (989) 328-1271 or email healthcareers@montcalm.edu.

A criminal background check will be required as part of the nursing program admission process. If a student steps out of the program and needs to re-enter an additional criminal background check will be required. When students complete the nursing program, they are eligible to apply to take the national nursing licensure exam. At the time of application, the Michigan Department of Licensing will require a criminal background check with fingerprinting. If a student is deemed not eligible to sit for the national licensure exam Montcalm Community College will not be responsible.