Bay Mills Community College to reinstate Licensed Practical Nurse program

Bay Mills Community College will once again offer a Licensed Practical Nursing program thanks to approval from the Michigan Board of Nursing. The program will be offered again beginning in January of 2026, with the last time the certificate program was offered on campus being back in 1999.

According to an article on Bay Mills Community College’s website, Dr. Duane Bedell, the college’s president, was quoted as saying of the new-yet-old program addition, “This outcome was possible due to the exceptional team that undertook this challenging endeavor of securing approval. Carrie Perez assumed leadership, collaborating with the nursing team and the academic department to prepare the required documentation for submission to the State Board. I applaud the dedication and effort invested in making this a successful endeavor. I eagerly anticipate witnessing the positive impact that the LPN program will have on our community.”

The new iteration of the Licensed Practical Nursing program was developed with assistance from the Michigan Board of Nursing, National Nursing Accrediting Agencies, Lake Superior State University’s Nursing Program, and from healthcare partners like MyMichigan Medical Center Sault and Mackinac Straits Health System.

Speaking of the new program, Dr. Kathy Berchem, who serves as the dean of nursing at Lake Superior State University, said, “We are thrilled to celebrate Bay Mills Community College’s launch of its LPN program. Our strong partnership with BMCC provides a vital bridge for LPNs who wish to continue into LSSU’s BSN program. Together, we are expanding access to high quality nursing education and better serving our community’s health needs.” 

Bay Mills Community College is a tribally controlled land grant institution. As such, the new Licensed Practical Nurse curriculum has been designed to incorporate traditional Native American teachings into the nursing framework. It will promote an understanding and appreciation of racial, cultural, and social differences in patients, which corresponds to the college’s mission to achieve healthcare equity for Native American students and for students from other underserved communities.

The need for the new LPN program is apparent, with a regional survey indicating that 100% of healthcare employers in Chippewa, Luce, and Mackinac Counties are experiencing a shortage of nurses within their facilities.

Carrie Perez, the college’s director of nursing, said, "LPNs are critical members of a healthcare team, and we're incredibly excited to play our part in helping address the shortage of healthcare workers in our community by offering education programs that train those who wish to pursue a career or advance themselves in healthcare.”

The new program, which begins in January 2026, will prepare students to take the NCLEX-PN exam in as few as 12 months. From there, graduates can move into the field to work as an LPN, or continue their education, such as through Lake Superior State University’s BSN program.

For more information about Bay Mills Community College, visit the school’s website.