Although a certified nursing assistant isn't a licensed medical professional, the CNA still must receive a certification from the state where she is practicing. In Michigan, a certified nursing assistant must complete a training program through a certified school and then pass a knowledge test. After passing the test, a CNA is certified in Michigan for two years.
At a cost of a little over a $1,000 as of April 2010, the certified nursing program at Michigan's Gogebic Community College is a more budget-friendly option that a traditional four-year university. The 120-hour program is a good choice for those who work or take care of family because it is a part-time program. The school is small with under 2,000 students, and each of the nursing programs has under 100 students enrolled.
Gogebic Community College
4946 Jackson St.
Ironwood, MI 49938
906-932-4231
gogebic.cc.mi.us
Students in this Michigan program take non-medical classes such as English, psychology and communication courses along with nursing courses such as terms used in the medical field and a course devoted to teaching the skills needed to be a certified nursing assistant.
North Central Michigan College
1515 Howard St.
Petoskey, MI 49770
ncmich.edu
After completing the certified nursing assistant program at this school, students are qualified to take the state exam to be a nursing assistant. The program includes lectures in the classroom, training in the lab and on-the-job training at local nursing homes, for a total of 120 hours of instruction. The course includes real-world training, so students have to purchase a white uniform and shoes.
Michigan Technical Education Center at Bay College
2001 North Lincoln Road
Escanaba, MI 49829
906-786-5802
baycollege.edu
Once a nursing assistant is certified in Michigan she must get certified again every two years. During those two years the CNA must have worked in that position for at least eight hours and must pay a fee to be renewed. In the renewal application, you must prove that you've worked as a nursing assistant with a letter from your employer. The employer must also fill out a small section of the renewal application with information about the type of facility you've worked in.