It’s never been easier to become a CNA considering how fast growing the demand is right now. CNA classes in Michigan are specifically becoming very lucrative to join based on the needs of the state and the plethora schools that are now offering the proper training.
With payment plans and financial options, CNA classes in Michigan are no longer out of reach either. You can take classes in person, or there are even online options that can accelerate learning as well.
With these classes, students are able to get hands on training and are more likely to get job placement upon graduation.
Since CNA’s are on-demand, there are now many options to choose from when it comes to education and training. Finding out what is going to give the best experience for each individual is key.
Who Is the Regulatory Body for CNAs in Michigan?
The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs is the regulatory body for Michigan CNAs. It monitors the Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation that every CNA has to sign up for in order to receive their license.
This evaluation is required for anyone trying to get a CNA license in the state of Michigan regardless of having any training or licensing elsewhere. This evaluation also needs to be taken even if you have completed your classes and 100 hours of training. Once you’ve taken your exam, you’ll be registered as a CNA and will be able to begin practicing.
Who Administers the CNA Exam in Michigan?
The state of Michigan heavily regulates their CNA programs and CNA requirements. They want to ensure that every CNA is able to care for their patients well. The Prometric makes sure everyone has the proper training and is able to show their skills before you take your exam.
It is through the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, also known as LARA, that the test will be administered. If you’re taking classes through Educational System, they will provide the information that is needed to register for the exam. You can also try to take a practice test online, which will prepare you even more for your exam.
Michigan State Requirements for CNAs
Michigan has state specific CNA requirements for training and classes that a CNA needs to take. Upon completion of classes, it is required that 100 hours of training minimum is completed. That being said, if you’ve completed nurse aide training in another state, you also might be eligible to apply your hours there to taking your exam.
This exam is required, and will consist of 60 multiple choice questions. It will be timed, so it must be completed within a 90 minute time frame. If you’ve gone through a CNA program, this exam has to be completed within two years of the program taken.
The topic areas you might encounter will include bed-pan use, hand washing, wound care, how to turn a patient in bed, and other things pertaining to the overall care of a patient.
Michigan CNA Exam Details
The Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation is the exam that has to be taken in order to be a licensed CNA. As you already know, there will be 60 multiple choice questions that you need to complete in 90 minutes. You will also have a clinical skills section as well though, which is where you will demonstrate your sample skills.
This means that you will be in a clinical environment, and will be asked to perform the skills for your examiner. They will ensure that you are able to properly care for your patients and that you understand what will be expected of you.
Remember that to pass this exam, you need to take it no later than 24 months after you have completed your state-approved CNA program.
How Much Does the Michigan CNA Exam Cost?
The cost of the test varies on what portion is taken and if they are paid for altogether. There is also a registration fee.
The total amount is $115 for the clinical skills portion and the knowledge portion, but this does not include the $10 registration fee.
It is possible to pay for and take the sections separately. The clinical skills portion is $85 and the knowledge portion is $30. This might happen if you don’t want to test all at once, or if you’re unable to pay the entire amount for both at once.
Where Can I Take the CNA Exam in Michigan?
Prometric will be hosting your exam in many medical facilities around the state. If working at a healthcare facility already, they may provide a space to take the exam or even schedule it.
You will know where to test prior to the exam though. You should receive a notification about where you’ll go, and it shouldn’t be too far away. Since there are so many testing facilities around the state, there should be a place for you to go to that won’t be too far from where you’re located.
How Much Does a CNA Get Paid in Michigan?
So, how much does a CNA make in Michigan? The Bureau of Labor and Statistics provides estimates of economic and job growth in the U.S. In Michigan, they have determined the average hourly wage for a CNA is $14.04 per hour. That is $29,200 annually.
This varies depending where in Michigan you live. In Lansing, the average CNA salary is about $30,000. In Clinton, It’s closer to $33,000 annually. It’s like this in most states, where some cities generally have a higher average salary than others.
Additional Locations for CNA Training in Michigan
Many Community Colleges will have a testing center to take the exam. Most health care institutes and medical facilities will also orchestrate the exam. Medical facilities want their employees to be licensed and so they will often make it easy by providing a place for them to take the exam there.
If any of the offered locations don’t work for your training though, you’ll be able to find many training programs for a small fee. Many of these locations even look to hire the nursing assistants that they’ve trained once you’ve finished your programs.
CNA Training in Michigan
Michigan does provide free CNA training in their state. Medical facilities that need licensed CNAs will often provide free training upon hiring so that they can be fully staffed with professionals.
There are also government-funded programs as well as non-profits that will provide free training. As you know, there are paid options too all over the state that shouldn’t cost all too much, but which you might want to look into if they’re closer to your location.
Delta College - University
Delta College’s CNA training program will prepare a future CNA for the required state exam. Not only does it help prepare for the exam, they spend a minimum of 116 hours of hands on training to help prepare a CNA for their job. This will be done during the clinical portion of the class. Often, it is with a local health care facility.
You can apply for admissions online or on campus and there are some minimal pre-requisites in math and reading that need to be determined before classes start. These can be tested out of if the competency is there, but classes are also provided if need be.
Classes include; lectures, lab work, and a clinical. The clinical is the hands on training with patients in a health-care facility that allow you to practice what you’ve learned.
There are some other requirements along with Delta’s courses that are required. These are required of all health care workers and include; updated vaccines, a TB test, and a physical from your doctor. You must have a negative TB test and clearance from your doctor to work in this field.
Washtenaw Community College
The Washtenaw program runs about five weeks and covers a wide range of requirements to familiarize you with working in many different health care settings. This includes, doctor’s offices, long-term care, home visits, and hospitals.
You must be at least 17 years old to apply for admissions into the program. There are basic math and reading skills that you must test out of in order to proceed. There is a test out option available or classes that can be taken to get you caught up.
It is a credit course, should you decide to further your education in the health-care field. The course includes lab work, clinicals, and lectures and must be taken in person.
Schoolcraft College
Schoolcraft only allows their training program to go to students that apply for admissions at their school. You can apply in person or online.
This is a six credit course that covers training for multiple health care facilities and prepares you for an entry-level position in the state of Michigan. It is LARA approved and must be passed with a C or higher in order to qualify you for the state exam.
Because it is a credited course, you can opt to pursue further education in health care while obtaining a certificate in medical training. The certificate is 16 credits and further prepares you for the medical field.
This is not a course that can be transferred to another college or university. However, if you choose to further your education, it does carry over to some of the credit classes at Schoolcraft.
Muskegon Community College
Muskegon provides a five credit course to become a CNA. You can apply for this course by scheduling an appointment with an academic advisor who will go over the requirements with you.
Some of the requirements this course will cover are CPR training, effective communication, taking blood pressure, observing changing behaviors in patients, as well as other pertinent information.
There are fees and tuition that are required, but you may qualify for financial aid. Make sure you discuss your options with the academic advisor before applying. According to their website, nurse aides are being employed faster than other occupations on average. The employment rate is projected to increase by 21 percent from 2012 to 2022.
Lansing Community College
The Lansing program will prepare you for entry level positions in a long-term care facility or with a home-health care agency. It is approved by LARA and will train you in the basics of becoming a CNA. These basics prepare you for the state exam and an entry level position at a local health-care facility.
There are lectures and well as hands on training for this course. It will adequately prepare you for the state exam to become licensed. You must have a negative TB test and updated vaccination record in order to take this course and work with patients. Annual flu shots are also required.
There are course fees and a fee for the required lab-kit but check with the school regarding financial aid and scholarships for the course. Determining factors for the successful completion of this course are strength, mobility, focus and concentration, as well as other physical elements required to perform the job well.
A drug test may be required upon hiring eligibility.
Lake Michigan College, Napier Ave
The classes at Lake Michigan College are taught by registered nurses who will provide lectures, clinicals, and hands on training at a local health care facility. Under their direct supervision and tutelage you will be state exam ready by the end of the course.
If you’re looking for further education or training, this CNA course can Segway into further training and career opportunities. If you’re looking for CNA training only, this course is 98 hours of lectures, lab work, and clinicals and can be completed in 6 weeks.
This is a non-credit course which you can apply for online at the college’s website. A non-credit course cannot be transferred to another educational facility.
Kellogg Community College, Battle Creek
Kellogg’s course is LARA approved and is 80 hours of coursework that prepares you for employment in the health field as a CNA. There are three different semester options to choose from. You can choose a traditional full semester, which is 11 weeks. If you’re looking to complete the course sooner, there are 6 and 3 week options.
In order to apply for this course, you must first set up an appointment with an academic advisor who will go over the general purse work with you and see if you meet the math and writing requirements.
KCC’s program will adequately prepare you to work in many different health care settings of your choosing and also provides an opportunity to further your education with them if you choose.
KCC also provides a high school dual enrollment program with this training so that you have the option of becoming a licensed CNA by the time you graduate. With this and the others semester options, becoming a CNA can be convenient to your current lifestyle.
Monroe County Community College
MCCC’s course is extensive with 155 training hours to prepare you for your state exam. Upon completion, you will also be CPR certified as well.
The units of this course include an orientation of the course and employment as a CNA, understanding ethics in a health-care facility, communication, proper lifting and patient transfer, understanding of mobility devices, and many other things.
This course will prepare you for entry level positions at most health care facilities and will help you succeed in taking the state exam. You’ll get to immerse yourself in classroom activities, clinical practice which is supervised as well as laboratory sessions. After you complete the course, you will then be able to sit for the written exams and clinical exams needed for qualification as a nurse aide.
Kirtland Community College
Kirtland has one of the top CNA program in the state of Michigan. It is popular because it also provides an online learning environment for this course.
This 6 credit course provides hands on training at local health care facilities so that you can receive an adequate amount of knowledge in the filed you are training for.
This course does allow you to further your career in the health-care field if you choose to pursue it.There is financial aid available and if you would like to get more information or enroll in their course you can visit their website or call and speak to an advisor.
Southwestern Michigan College, Dowagiac
Southwestern’s course is LARA approved and prepares you for their state exam. It also gives you the option to transfer your registry to another state even though you will eventually become registered in Michigan.
This a 4 credit semester course that can be utilized to further your education in the health-care setting. You must have a negative TB test and updated immunization records to take and complete the 84-hour course.
A background check is also done before class starts and if you have any issues or concerns, you will want to make an appointment to speak with the Dean of Nursing before continuing.
This course will provide a readiness to hire with hands on experience with trained registered nurses.