Becoming a CNA in Michigan

What is Involved in Completing CNA Training in Michigan?

Michigan residents who wish to become certified nursing assistants are required to complete a  CNA training program that is accredited and approved by the Michigan Department of Community Health.

Aspiring CNAs must also pass the Michigan state nurse aide examination.

A career in this field is fast paced and full of self achievement as you address the concerns of elderly patients in a long term facility.

If you are interested in further pursuing this career field as a CNA follow these steps to get your certification in Michigan.

Enrollment and Completion of CNA Classes in Michigan

Step 1:

Find an approved program in your state:
Find a CNA Training Program

To earn your CNA certification in Michigan, you will need to complete a minimum 75-hour nurse aide training program that is approved by the state. There are nearly 200 exceptional training institutions located throughout the state.

Nurse Aide training can often be obtained in high schools, adult education programs, nursing homes, community colleges, and even some American Red Cross agencies. However, keep in mind that Michigan does not recognize online courses.

Step 2:

Complete a CNA training program.

The 75-hour training program will teach you everything you need to know about being a nurse aide.

Your program’s classes will cover nurse aide skills, including such things as filing paperwork and maintaining patient records; dealing with tragedy; and working directly under a nurse’s supervision. During the classroom portion of your training, you will learn about medical terminology; how to cope with disabled patients; and how to perform other day to day duties.

You also will learn the proper procedures to follow in the event of an emergency, such as a patient choking, having a stroke, or having a heart attack. CPR certification is also required, and many schools offer this as a part of their program. If not, then the American Red Cross is a great option to pursue in your area.

CNA Testing Procedures and Applying for CNA Certification in Michigan

Step 1:

Register to take the certification exam, which is administered by Prometric.  You must take the exam within one year of completing the training program.

To register, you will need to fill out and send in a State of Michigan Competency Evaluation Registration Form and submitting it along with any requested documentation.  If you are eligible to test, you will be sent an Authorization to Test, or ATT. You will call the testing center where you desire to sit for the exam, they will assign you a specific location and time. Often fees are associated with the exam, so make certain that you make these inquiries at this time.

Step 2:

Take the certification exam.  To ready yourself for the exam, you can take our practice tests.

When you test,  you must first pass the clinical test and then the written test. You will have three opportunities to take and pass the clinical portion of the exam.  If you pass this portion, you will be allowed to move on to the written section. If not, then you may need to take CNA classes again. Both must be passed with a minimum score of 70 percent for you to be added to the Michigan Nurse Aide Registry.

You will need to renew your certification every two years. A renewal application is generally sent to you about two months before your certification expires.

Step 3:

If you pass the certification exam, you can then create a resume and start looking for a job.

The current average annual CNA salary in Michigan is $25,600, and the growth rate is expected to be at 14% through the next decade. Your starting salary will increase over time with experience and additional certifications.

Continuing your education can give you access to higher paying nursing jobs. Some CNAs, for instance, enroll in RN or LPN degree programs, and go on to become registered nurses or licensed practical nurses.

If you have any additional questions, contact the state registry:
Bureau of Health Professions
Licensing for Health Care Professionals
PO Box 30670
Lansing MI 48909
Phone (517) 335-0918