The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the demand for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) should grow at a rate of 11% over the 2016-2026 decade. With a projected growth rate faster than the national average for all occupations, and an expected 177,000 new CNA jobs, now is a great time to begin a career as a CNA. There are many CNA classes in Michigan that make pursuing a career as a CNA possible, even if you can’t afford tuition.
Who is the Regulatory Body for CNAs in Michigan?
The Nurse Aide Training program in Michigan is regulated by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Community and Health Systems.
Who Administers the CNA Exam in Michigan?
The Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation in Michigan is administered by the Prometric. If you’re interested in preparing for the exam we encourage you to take one of our free CNA practice test options available on this site. We recommend that you take as many practice tests as you can – the following are all of our free CNA practice exams:
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Michigan State Requirements for CNAs
In Michigan, candidates must complete a minimum of 75 hours of classes. Those that have completed a nurse aide program in another state may be eligible to take the Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation.
The guide for the state approved CNA classes curriculums can be found on the State of Michigan LARA site here on the Nurse Aide Training Curriculum Model. Topic areas covered will include bedpan assistance, fire preparedness, proper body mechanics, walker assistance, turning residents in bed, hand washing and others.
Once the NACE is passed, CNAs are eligible to send their name to be listed on the statewide Michigan Nurse Aide Registry, which is also administered by Prometric.
Michigan CNA Exam Details
The CNA exam in Michigan is called the Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation. It has two parts, a 60 question multiple choice test, which must be completed in a 90-minute time frame. The clinical skills section requires the demonstration of a collection of sample clinical CNA skills. The exam must be taken within 24 months of completion of a state-approved CNA program.
How Much Does the Michigan CNA Exam Cost?
The cost of the clinical skills and knowledge test in Michigan is $115. The Clinical Skills test only is $85, the Knowledge test only is $30. There is also a $10 registration fee.
Where Can I Take the CNA Exam in Michigan?
Testing for the CNA exam in Michigan is hosted by Prometric at a variety of testing locations around the state. Those employed at a nursing facility will have their test arranged by that facility.
How Much Does a CNA Get Paid in Michigan?
The average hourly pay of a CNA in Michigan is $17.29 according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics. The average annual salary for a CNA is $35,960.
CNA Certification and Licensing in Michigan
In Michigan, the CNA certification test is handled by Prometric, a third-party vendor. The test fees are $85 for the Clinical Skills test and $430 for the Knowledge Test, along with a $10 One Time Registration Fee, for a total fee of $125 to take the CNA exam in Michigan. The Knowledge Test has 60 questions, with 90 minutes allotted to complete the test. The Clinical Skills test includes the accurate performance of five skills. These include handwashing and indirect Care, and then any possible combination of other clinical skills tasks, such as foot care, changing bed linens, catheter care, range of motion exercises and other skills. Once candidates have undergone classes and are ready to take the test, they will go to https://www.prometric.com/NurseAide/MI to register.
In Michigan, candidates must complete a minimum of 75 hours, which consists of 59 hours of classroom learning and 16 hours of clinical skills learning.
Michigan Nurse Aide Registry
The following link will take you to the website where you can review the state’s status for a CNA – Michigan CNA Registry status.
Additional Locations for CNA Classes in Michigan
If the above programs offering CNA classes in Michigan will not work for you or your schedule, there are a number of locations that offer reasonably priced CNA classes, and many of these locations also regularly hire nursing assistants. There are 12 regional programs across the different parts of the state. There is also an additional list of CNA program locations here. Among the most popular locations to take CNA classes, you have several options, including:
| Location | City | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Ed-Tech Center | Attica, Michigan 48412 | (810) 664-1124 |
| Kellogg Community College | Battle Creek, Michigan 49017 | (269) 965-3931 |
| Washtenaw Community College | Ann Arbor, Michigan 481054800 | (734) 973-3300 |
| Alpena Community College | Alpena, Michigan 497071495 | (989) 356-9021 |
| Lenawee Medical Care Facility | Adrian, Michigan 49221 | (517) 263-6794 |
| Macomb Intermediate School District | Clinton Township, Michigan 48038 | (586) 228-3300 |
| Mecosta-Osceola Intermediate School District | Big Rapids, Michigan 49307 | (231) 796-3543 |
| Bay College | Escanaba, Michigan 49829 | (906) 786-5802 |
| Charlevoix County’s Medical Care Facility | East Jordan, Michigan 49727 | (231) 536-2286 |
| Wayne County Community College District | Detroit, Michigan 48226 | (313) 496-2600 |
| Oceana County Medical Care Facility | Hart, Michigan 49420 | (231) 873-6600 |
| Gogebic Community College | Ironwood, Michigan 49938 | (906) 932-4231 |
| Ottawa Area Intermediate School District | Holland, Michigan 49424 | (877) 702-8600 |
| Thompson M-TEC | Holland, Michigan 49424 | (616) 738-8935 |
| Kent Career Technical Center | Grand Rapids, Michigan 49525 | (616) 364-8421 |
| Comstock Public Schools | Kalamazoo, Michigan 49048 | (269) 250-8900 |
| Marquette County Medical Care Facility | Ishpeming, Michigan 49849 | (906) 485-1061 |
| Ishpeming School District | Ishpeming, Michigan 49849 | (906) 485-5501 |
| Mount Pleasant Area Technical Center | Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 | (989) 775-2210 |
| Saint Clair County Regional Educational Service Agency | Marysville, Michigan 48040 | (810) 364-8990 |
| North Central Michigan College | Petoskey, Michigan 49770 | (888) 298-6605 |
| Muskegon Community College | Muskegon, Michigan 49442 | (231) 773-9131 |
| Monroe County Community College | Monroe, Michigan 48161 | (734) 242-7300 |
| Norlite Nursing Center & Rehab | Marquette, Michigan 498554499 | (906) 228-9252 |
| Schoolcraft College | Livonia, Michigan 48152 | (734) 462-4400 |
| Delta College | University Center, Michigan 48710 | (989) 686-9000 |
| Canterbury-on-the-Lake | Waterford, Michigan 48329 | (248) 674-9292 |
| Warren Health Academy Nurse Assistant Training | Waterford, Michigan 48329 | (248) 461-6620 |
| Northwestern Michigan College | Traverse City, Michigan 49686 | (800) 748-0566 |
| William D. Ford Career-Technical Center | Westland, Michigan 48185 | (734) 419-2100 |
| White Lake Area Community Education | Muskegon, Michigan 49445 | (231) 766-3001 |
| Aress Networking Academy | Southfield, Michigan 48075 | (877) 442-7377 |
| Kirtland Community College | Roscommon, Michigan 48653 | (989) 275-5000 |
| Benzie County Medical Care Facility | Frankfort, Michigan 49635 | (231) 352-9674 |
| Health Care Associates | Grandville, Michigan 49418 | (616) 531-9973 |
| Latoya’s Health Education Training Center | Saginaw, Michigan 48602 | (989) 797-4602 |
| MediLodge of Richmond | Richmond, Michigan 48062 | (586) 727-7562 |
| MediLodge of Taylor | Taylor, Michigan 48180 | (734) 287-8580 |
| Roubal Care & Rehab Center | Stepheson, Michigan 49887 | (906) 753-4981 |
| Health Care Solutions & Career Group | Detroit, Michigan 48235 | (313) 270-4550 |
| Phlebotomy Career Training | Garden City, Michigan 48135 | (734) 762-3220 |
| Emmet County Medical Care Facility | Harbor Springs, Michigan 49740 | (231) 526-2161 |
| Dorsey Schools | Farmington Hills, Michigan 48331 | (248) 994-0133 |
| Glen Oaks Community College | Centreville, Michigan 49032 | (269) 467-9945 |
| Goodwill Industries of Greater Grand Rapids, Inc. | Grandville, Michigan 49418 | (616) 532-4200 |
| Grand Traverse Pavilions | Traverse City, Michigan 49684 | (231) 932-3000 |
| Saint Clair County Community College | Port Huron, Michigan 480615015 | (810) 984-3881 |
| Saint Clair County Community College | Port Huron, Michigan 480615015 | (810) 984-3881 |
| Southwestern Michigan College | Dowagiac, Michigan 49047 | (800) 456-8675 |
| Medright, Inc. | Madison Heights, Michigan 48071 | (248) 547-0834 |
| Capital Area Career Center | Mason, Michigan 48854 | (517) 244-1302 |
| Monroe County Intermediate | Monroe, Michigan 48161 | (734) 242-5799 |
| Gerald R. Ford Job Corps Center | East Grand Rapids, Michigan 49507 | (616) 243-6877 |
| Allegan Area Educational Service Agency | Allegan, Michigan 49010 | (269) 673-2161 |
| Henry Ford Community College | Dearborn, Michigan 48128 | (313) 845-9600 |
| Lake Michigan College | South Haven, Michigan 49090 | (800) 252-1562 |
| Lansing Community College | Lansing, Michigan 489017210 | (517) 483-1957 |
| Macomb Community College | Warren, Michigan 48088 | (586) 445-7999 |
| Mott Community College | Flint, Michigan 48503 | (810) 762-0200 |
| Mid Michigan Community College | Harrison, Michigan 48625 | (989) 386-6622 |
| West Shore Community College | Scottville, Michigan 49454 | (231) 845-6211 |
| Nexcare Health Systems | Brighton, Michigan 48116 | (810) 534-0150 |
Additional Free CNA Classes Available in Michigan
The following accredited facilities also offer free CNA classes throughout the state of Michigan, including more locations in Detroit, Flint, Saginaw, Lansing, Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids. By “free” classes, some of these locations may be nursing homes or other medical facilities that require trainees to accept a position with that organization upon completing their Michigan CNA certification. For specific details on the availability and scheduling of free CNA courses, please contact these facilities directly.
| CNA Free Class Locations | City | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Ashley Care Center | Ashley, MI 48806 | (989) 847-2011 |
| Bay Shores Senior Care & Rehab Center | Bay City, MI 48706 | (989) 686-3770 |
| Michigan Healthcare Academy | Clinton Township, MI 48035 | (833) 642-2329 |
| PATH | Detroit, MI 48219 | (313) 531-2500 |
| OakPointe Senior Care & Rehab Center | Detroit, MI 48235 | (313) 864-8481 |
| Flint/Genesee Job Corp Center | Flint, MI 48505 | (810) 232-9102 |
| Gerald R. Ford Job Corp Center | Grand Rapids, MI 49507 | (616) 243-6877 |
| Bay Bluffs – Emmet County Medical Care Facility | Harbor Springs, MI 49740 | (231) 526-2161 |
| Oakview Medical Care Facility | Ludington, MI 49431 | (231) 845-5185 |
| Gogebic Medical Care Facility | Wakefield, MI 49968 | (906) 224-9811 |
CNA programs prepare students for Michigan’s state-regulated CNA certification exam. Certified Nurse Aide classes in the state of Michigan are administered by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, or LARA, which is within the Bureau of Community & Health Systems. All new CNAs must pass this test before beginning their careers. Free CNA programs are available through both government-funded programs and private non-profits. These free CNA programs range from a few weeks to a few months in duration. Organizations like the American Red Cross, Job Corps, nursing homes, and Medicare facilities help fund CNA programs for qualified candidates.
There are also many educational institutions offering CNA programs. While these may be fee-based programs, through access to grants and scholarships, many students take advantage of these programs at no cost to them. Students may also find free educational opportunities through nursing homes. With the aging baby boomer population increasing the need for eldercare, nursing homes have seen an increased need for certified nursing assistants. Many offer free classes to qualified applicants who agree to remain employed by the nursing home for a certain period of time.
The following is a list of featured free CNA classes in Michigan’s major cities.
Free CNA Classes in Detroit, Michigan
Yes We CNA
Address: 18820 Woodward Ave Suite 101, Detroit, MI 48203
Contact: (313) 400-7668
Website: yeswecna.com
Yes We CNA offers a variety ways to help students pay for CNA classes in the Detroit area. Whether you have a disability or simply a lack of funds, reach out to Yes We CNA and they will work with you to help you pay for their program.
Check out our CNA classes in Detroit page for more listings.
Free CNA Classes in Grand Rapids, Michigan
Goodwill of Greater Grand Rapids
Address: 3035 Prairie St., Southwest, Grandville, Michigan 49418
Contact: (616) 532-4200
Website: www.goodwillgr.org/cna/
Goodwill of Greater Grand Rapids offers a 4-week CNA program. The program consists of 115 hours of classroom learning, lab practice, and hands-on clinical instruction. Classroom instruction takes place Monday – Friday from 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM, at the Grand Rapids Goodwill Employment Center. The clinical portion of the program takes place at one of two Grand Rapids long-term care facilities, Heartland Health Care Center and Marywood Circle, both on the bus line. Tuition is currently $1800, but financial aid is available through America’s Promise Grant, Michigan Works, and Michigan Rehabilitation Services.
Free CNA Classes in Lansing, Michigan
DRM International Learning Center
Address: 809 Center St. Suite 9A Lansing, MI 48906
Contact: (517) 882-3544
Website: www.drmilc.com
The CNA program at DRM International Learning Center is two weeks in length and includes 34 hours of lectures, 34 hours of lab experience, and 24 hours of clinical hands-on learning. CPR and first-aid classes are also included, along with a workshop on how to market yourself to potential employers. Class schedules vary and begin monthly. All students must complete a background check and have a high school diploma or GED. The program is currently $1385, but DRM, ILC, partners with agencies that provide up to 100% grant funding for qualifying students.
Free CNA Classes in Saginaw, Michigan
(ETC) Education and Training Connection
Address: 2415 N. Charles St. Saginaw, MI 48602
Contact: (989) 631-5202
Website: www.etc-1.com
ETC includes both classroom and clinical instruction in its CNA program. Designed to prepare students for Michigan CNA certification, a CPR class is also included. The cost is currently $695, but financial aid options are available. Prospective students should investigate the Bernard F. and Melissa Anne Bailey Family Fund Health Care Scholarships which are specific to students in the mid-Michigan area, including Saginaw.
Free CNA Classes in Kalamazoo, Michigan
Compass Nurse Aide Training – CNA
Address: 3011 Gull Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49048
Contact: (269) 250-8930
Website: https://www.comstockps.org/Schools/compass/cna
Offered by Comstock Public School’s Community Education Department, the Compass Nurse Aid Training consists of 81 hours of classroom, laboratory, and clinical experience. The program prepares students for the CNA state certification exam. Classes currently start monthly and meet Monday – Friday from 8:00AM-2:30 PM. The last three days of the program consist of clinical learning and take place in a working nursing home. If a student obtains employment in a nursing home within twelve months of course completion, tuition and testing fees are eligible for reimbursement from the State of Michigan. Individuals with qualifying incomes can apply through the Michigan Works workforce development program.
Free CNA Classes in Flint, Michigan
Mott Community College
Address: 709 N. Saginaw, St. Flint, MI 49503
Contact: (810) 232-2555
Website: https://www.mcc.edu/wfed/adult-career-pathways.shtml
This 120 hour CNA program offered by Mott Community College consists of classroom study, laboratory work, and hands-on clinical practice. The class prepares students for the CNA certification exam. Potential students must complete a background check and have a high school diploma or GED. The Michigan Works workforce development program sponsors the program, and financial assistance is available. Teaching staff will also help enrolled students with job placement upon graduation.