CNA Certification Michigan
How to Become a CNA in Michigan
Michigan residents who wish to become certified nursing assistants must complete a CNA training program that is accredited and approved by the Michigan Department of Community Health as well as pass the Michigan state nurse aide examination.
A CNA career is fast-paced and involves addressing the concerns of elderly patients in a long-term facility.
If you are interested in further pursuing this career field as a CNA, then follow these steps to get your Michigan certification.
Enrollment and Completing CNA Classes
Step 1
Find an approved program in your state
Earning your CNA certification includes completing a minimum 75-hour state-approved nurse aide training program. There are nearly 200 exceptional training institutions to choose from in Michigan.
You can receive your training in high schools, adult education programs, nursing homes, community colleges, and even some American Red Cross agencies. But bear 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 as a nurse aide.
Your program’s classes will cover nurse aide skills such 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 routine duties.
You also will learn the proper procedures to follow in the event of an emergency such as what to do if a patient is choking, is having a stroke, or is having a heart attack. You must have a CPR certification. Many schools offer this as part of their program. If your training location does not offer CPR certification, then the American Red Cross is the next best option for CPR certification.
CNA Testing Procedures and CNA Certification
Step 1
Register to take your CNA certification exam which is administered by Prometric. You must take the exam within one year of completing the training program.
To register for the exam, you will need to fill out and send in a State of Michigan Competency Evaluation Registration Form and to submit it along with any requested documentation. If you are eligible to test, you will be sent an ATT or an Authorization to Test. You must call the testing center where you will be taking your exam and they will assign you the exact exam location, date, and time. Exams often require a fee, so make certain that you find out ahead of time.
Step 2
Take the certification exam. To prepare for the exam, you can take our CNA practice tests.
You will have a clinical test and a written test you must pass. You will have three opportunities to take and pass the clinical portion of the exam. After you pass this portion, you will be allowed to move on to the written portion. If you are unable to pass the clinical portion, then you may need to take CNA classes again. You must pass each portion with a minimum score of 70 percent for you to be added to the Michigan Nurse Aide Registry.
After you receive your CNA certification, you will need to renew it every two years. A renewal application is 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 with an expected growth rate of 14% over the next decade. Your starting salary will increase over time with experience as well as with additional certifications if you were to obtain any.
Continuing your education can give you access to higher paying nursing jobs. Some CNAs, for instance, enroll in RN or LPN degree programs and continue to become registered nurses or licensed practical nurses.
If you have any additional questions, contact the state registry:
Licensing for Healthcare Professionals
PO Box 30670
Lansing MI 48909
Phone (517) 335-0918