CNA Training in Michigan

Take approved CNA courses to earn your Michigan CNA certification

Beginning a career in the medical field with an entry-level nursing assistant position can be accomplished relatively quickly. Becoming a certified nurse aide requires just a few months of training and provides the individual with a promising career path. The main job description of a certified nursing assistant is to provide care for patients while working under the supervision of a registered nurses or licensed physician. Nursing assistants will have several duties that are very similar to the tasks performed by registered nurses. Routine job duties include providing daily care to patients with their daily activities, assisting patients with basic personal hygiene, taking vital signs and keeping the patient’s environment clean by changing bed linens and other items. The typical work environments for CNAs are hospitals, doctors offices, nursing homes, long-term care facilities and hospice care centers.

How Can I Find CNA Training Programs Near Me?

Browse our list of Michigan schools that offer CNA training courses to become a certified nursing assistant. Nurse aide programs are usually offered at community colleges, junior colleges, trade schools and technical/vocational schools. Our directory includes as many CNA programs as possible, but is not complete as there may be additional CNA programs that are not listed here. Many long-term care facilities offer CNA training to current employees and trainees. In many cases these programs are not widely advertised, but can be found by calling the facilities directly.

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How Much Can You Make as a CNA in Michigan?

The compensation of a certified nursing assistant will vary greatly depending on years of experience and place of employment. The average salary of nursing assistants is between $19,925 and $29,764 per year. As the years of experience pile up, certified nursing assistants can earn up to $35,377 per year. Many health care employers offer additional compensation in the form of health insurance coverage, retirement benefits, paid vacation time and overtime opportunities.

How to Become a CNA in Michigan

Students can earn their CNA certification and start their career as a certified nursing assistant in less than six months. The first step is to find and complete an approved CNA training program. Each individual state sets its own required amount of credit hours necessary to become a CNA. Typical programs take around 6-12 weeks to complete and must include a minimum of 75 hours of training. The average cost of a CNA course is between $400 – $800. The second step is to take the Michigan CNA certification exam and achieve a passing score. The third and final step is to register with the Michigan Nurse Aide Registry as a Certified Nursing Assistant.

Can I Transfer My CNA License to Michigan?

If you are a certified nursing assistant from another state and have just moved to Michigan you can apply to the Nursing Aide Registry in Michigan for what is called “reciprocity”. As long as you can provide verification that you completed a state approved CNA certification program, are currently certified in another state, and have worked as a CNA recently. You would not need to take the Michigan exam or training if you are granted reciprocity. All CNA licenses need to be renewed every two years and must have worked a minimum of 160 hours within those two years.

How Much Does CNA Training Cost? How Long Does it Take?

When enrolling in a certified nursing assistant program a high school diploma or GED is normally required. The usual duration of a CNA training program is between six to twelve weeks. Training courses are usually offered at community colleges or vocational schools, but can also be found at certain private institutions as well. It is required to have complete at least 75 hours of training to meet the minimum education requirement. Sixteen of those hours are spent in a hospital or clinical environment to prepare the students for the actual job requirements prior to entering the workforce.

The main courses found in the certified nurse assistant program include anatomy and physiology, basic nursing skills and nutrition and infection control. These basic courses prepare each student for what is to be expected after graduation. There are no general education courses and the program focuses solely on the main skills and procedures. Before being allowed to work as a CNA in a professional environment, students must pass a state license exam in order to become certified.

CNA Job Opportunities / Future Employment Outlook

With an aging population, the demand for certified nursing assistants is growing fast and is expected to continue growing for many years to come. Many current CNAs are approaching retirement age and will soon be leaving the workforce, which will create many job openings for newly licensed CNAs. This can be a very rewarding career and provides a much needed service for society. Working in the medical field allows room for career growth, as well as personal growth and fulfillment. Many nursing assistants decide to return to school and go on to become licensed practical nurses or registered nurses.

CNA Classes in Michigan (MI)

Michigan CNA Certification Requirements

– complete state approved CNA training program
– pass both parts of competency evaluation (written & skills)
– pass competency test within 24 months of completion of training

Michigan CNA Resources

Michigan Board of Nursing
Michigan Nurse Aide Registry
Nurse Aide Employment Outlook 2010-2011
National Association of Health Care Assistants
National Network of Career Nursing Assistants