Olivia Chen, NP
June 23, 2025
The healthcare system of Michigan heavily depends on Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs). The essential daily patient care that CNAs provide includes bathing and feeding patients along with helping with mobility needs and other personal requirements. The state of Michigan employs CNAs throughout nursing homes and hospitals as well as home health care services and assisted living communities.
Baraga, MI - Public 2-Year - kbocc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College's Certified Nurse Assistant Certificate program offers thorough training for Michigan's state competency exam, blending classroom theory with clinical practice. Students develop essential patient care, communication, and ethical skills, with dual enrollment options for college credits at no extra cost. This campus-based program prepares graduates for roles in hospitals and nursing homes, supported by military-friendly policies and hands-on labs. No entrance exam is required, making it an accessible entry into healthcare.
Grand Rapids, MI - Private 2-year - rosseducation.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Ross College-Grand Rapids North offers a Nursing Assistant Training Program that can be completed in just two weeks, focusing on essential clinical skills for patient care. The curriculum includes patient rights, hygiene, vital signs, and specialized care techniques, with 6.5 hours of hands-on clinical experience. It prepares students for the Michigan Nurse Aide Certification Examination and is available at multiple campus locations, making it ideal for those seeking quick entry into healthcare.
Detroit, MI - Public 2-Year - wcccd.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Wayne County Community College District offers a campus-based Nurse Assistant Training program, designed to prepare students for entry-level roles as CNAs. This program focuses on patient-centered care and practical skills in diverse healthcare settings, with no concentration specified. It includes hands-on clinical experiences and state-of-the-art simulation labs to enhance learning. Accredited by ACEN and the Michigan Board, it requires a minimum 2.0 GPA for admission but does not mandate entrance exams like the ACT or SAT, as it is not a bachelor's or higher-level program. Graduates are well-prepared for certification and employment in Michigan's growing healthcare sector.
University Center, MI - Public 2-Year - delta.edu
Concentration: Certified Nursing Assistant - Campus Based - Visit Website
Delta College's Health Foundations Advanced Certificate specializes in the Certified Nursing Assistant concentration, preparing students for the Michigan Nurse Aide examination. This 24-credit campus-based program includes BLS Provider certification, medical terminology, and clinical skills training, with a minimum 'C' grade requirement. It offers a flexible pathway into healthcare careers, focusing on acute and long-term care settings, and does not require entrance exams as it is a certificate-level program.
Port Huron, MI - Public 2-Year - sc4.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
St. Clair County Community College's Certified Nurse Aide Program offers a fast-track, 96-hour training with no prerequisites, preparing students for the Michigan CNA exam. This campus-based program provides essential skills for immediate entry into healthcare, leveraging a projected 12% job growth in Michigan. It's an ideal starting point for those seeking a rewarding career in various healthcare settings.
Online learning components exist in Michigan CNA programs for classroom education but all clinical training must occur physically at healthcare facilities. Students who enroll in hybrid programs can learn theoretical content through online education while attending clinical and lab sessions in person. The state does not allow certification through remote learning because students must physically perform fundamental care tasks. The hybrid programs serve as an effective solution for students who need to manage their responsibilities between school, work, and family duties. Training providers offer students adaptable learning options through their evening and weekend programs.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Ross College-Grand Rapids North |
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| St Clair County Community College |
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| Wayne County Community College District |
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| Eligibility Prerequisites | Complete a Michigan-permitted nurse aide training program, hold a valid photo ID and SSN/ITIN, and clear fingerprint-based criminal and health screenings |
|---|---|
| Certifying Board | Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Community and Health Systems – Nurse Aide Registry (MI-NATES) |
| Training Program Requirements | Graduate from a state-permitted program with at least 75 total hours of classroom, lab, and supervised clinical instruction |
| Exam and Application Fees | $175 per competency exam attempt, $40 biennial renewal fee, no separate application fee |
| Certification Exam | Pass the Headmaster-administered competency evaluation (written/oral and skills) within four months of completing training |
| Registry Activation Time | Registry updated in MI-NATES within 48 hours of passing both exam components |
| Renewal Requirements | Every two years, attest to at least 40 hours of paid nursing-related work in the prior 24 months and pay the renewal fee, 12 hours of annual CE required beginning March 2026 |
| License by Endorsement | Out-of-state CNAs from approved jurisdictions apply via MI-NATES reciprocity with proof of active, unencumbered certification, no retesting required |
The average CNA salary in Michigan exists between $16 to $20 per hour based on the job location and work experience together with the healthcare facility. CNA positions in hospitals along with urban areas typically generate higher wages than those in nursing homes and home health settings that provide employment stability throughout rural and urban areas. The employment prospects are excellent because the aging population combined with rising long-term care requirements sustain continuous demand for nursing assistants. Healthcare facilities maintain ongoing staffing shortages which generate continuous job opportunities for new CNAs. The profession provides both entry opportunities and employment stability through job placement. A CNA position stands as a top entry-level healthcare occupation in Michigan because it provides stable pay alongside meaningful patient interaction.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Michigan | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual CNA Salary | $34,600 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $16.64 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$41,200 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $34,600 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$28,000 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~4% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~12,400 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
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| Wayne County Community College District |
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| Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College |
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| Delta College |
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The healthcare industry provides various career advancement opportunities for CNA professionals who hold their certification. The experience of Michigan CNAs serves as a foundation to advance their careers toward becoming Licensed Practical Nurses or Registered Nurses. Some educational institutions provide special educational programs which guide CNAs toward their next level of education. Direct patient care experience enables stronger applications to nursing school while simplifying the transition through advanced academic programs. The employers in this industry provide financial support for education along with adaptable work arrangements to their staff members. CNAs who obtain additional certifications may choose to move into roles such as patient care technicians or medication aides. The practical first step of CNA training leads to rewarding healthcare career possibilities for those who wish to advance in their profession.
Additional Nursing Programs in Michigan
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