Online CNA Classes in Michigan: Review & Compare Top Programs
If personal connection matters to you, becoming a CNA in Michigan can be a fulfilling career path. And the best part? The path to certification is fast and accessible, with multiple Michigan schools offering flexible and affordable CNA training. This guide walks you through what CNA training involves, how licensing works in MI, and what salary you can expect in this table profession.
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Breaking Down Online CNA Classes in Michigan
Finding the right CNA program in Michigan requires a bit of research. You’ll want to look at which courses are online, which are in person, how long the program takes, tuition costs, and whether financial aid is available. With that information, you can confidently choose a program and start your career.
To help get you started, we’ve highlighted three strong programs offering fast, structured paths toward becoming a licensed CNA in a nursing home, hospital, or other care setting. Each program is designed to help you fit coursework into your schedule, with hands-on clinical training built in.
Nurse Aide Training – Bay College
Bay College offers a 96-hour nurse aide training program designed to prepare you for entry-level CNA roles in Michigan and Wisconsin. Students complete intensive lectures, labs, and a clinical component, along with exam preparation for the state competency test.
Once training is complete, graduates take the standardized nurse aide competency exam and, upon passing, are listed on the state’s Certified Nurse Aide Registry, officially becoming CNAs in Michigan. New cohorts start monthly. Bay College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Duration: 3 weeks
Mode: On campus
Cost: $905
Admissions Requirements:
- Tuition due in full at registration
- Mandated clothing: navy blue scrubs and white shoes
Curriculum:
- Hygiene
- Bed making
- Shaving
- Dressing/undressing patients
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Certified Nurse Aide Training Program – Grand Rapids Community College
Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) offers a 4-week CNA training program designed in partnership with local employers to help graduates enter the job market immediately after passing Michigan’s CNA exam.
Students are assigned clinical sites within a 200-mile radius of GRCC’s campus and must attend clinicals in person. Program expectations emphasize professionalism: students are expected to be respectful, punctual, and able to follow classroom policies. The program has four start dates each year, and financial aid is available. GRCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Duration: 4 weeks
Mode: On campus
Cost: $1,069
Admissions Requirements:
- Age 18
- Eligible to work in the U.S.
- ACT WorkKeys assessment score of level 3 or higher
- Immunization records
- Computer competency
- Criminal background check
- Certification exam fee
- Mandated clothing
Curriculum:
- Basic care skills (bathing, grooming, feeding)
- Safety
- Mobility for older adult patients
- Patient comfort
- Transportation
CNA Program – Southwestern Michigan College
Southwestern Michigan College (SMC) offers an 84-hour CNA program available as either a noncredit course or a five-contact-hour for-credit course. It’s designed to help students gain immediate employment as a CNA upon graduation. The program includes theory + lab, and is offered at the Dowagiac or Niles campus.
While there are no course prerequisites, students must maintain a GPA of 2.0 to graduate. Familiarity with medical terminology is helpful. Students who miss more than four hours of class are asked to withdraw. SMC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Duration: 1 semester
Mode: On campus
Cost: $625 (noncredit) | $1,035 (for-credit, local residents) | $1,268.75 (for-credit, other Michigan residents) | $1,353.75 (for-credit, non-Michigan residents)
Admissions Requirements:
- Accuplacer exam, 2.75 high school GPA, SAT RW score of 330, or ACT
- Ability to lift more than 20 pounds
- Criminal background check
- Drug screening
Curriculum:
- Giving baths
- Making beds
- Dressing the patient
- Helping the patient walk
- Taking vital signs
- Preparing meals
- Feeding the patient
Answering Popular Questions from CNA Students
Even though becoming a CNA is a quick, straightforward process, it’s normal to still have questions. Here are answers to common questions from prospective students researching CNA training in Michigan.
Are there two-week CNA classes online in Michigan?
Yes, there are two-week CNA classes in Michigan. Heart to Heart Healthcare Training offers a two-week hybrid class in Essexville and Ypsilanti, with monthly start dates.
Advanced Care Training offers a 2.5-week program with online lectures on Tuesdays and Thursdays and in-person clinicals on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Students typically spend 3–4 hours per day on coursework. A Saturday-only option is also available (eight Saturdays total).
Four-week online CNA programs are also popular, including GRCC’s Certified Nurse Aide Training Program.
Expert Insight
If you choose a 2- or 4-week program, be prepared for intensive study. You’ll be covering a lot of information, and it takes time to absorb. Asking questions in class and practicing the skills outside of class was key to my preparation and confidence.
How do I get a CNA license in Michigan?
To get a CNA license in Michigan, you must complete a state-approved CNA training course and pass the CNA competency test.
Michigan requires all CNA candidates to complete an approved training program before taking the Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation. Unlike some states, Michigan does not allow you to test out based solely on work experience. The evaluation includes:
- A written knowledge test
- A clinical skills test
In some cases, employer reimbursement may cover the exam fee. Once licensed, you must complete 12 continuing education credits per year, and renew every 24 months for $40.
How long does it take to become a CNA in Michigan?
Most CNA programs in Michigan take at least six weeks, with accelerated programs taking two to four weeks. After completing training, you can begin working as a CNA before passing the exam. However, you must pass the competency exam within the first four months of employment. You get three attempts and if you do not pass, you’ll need to repeat training.
The test includes 60 multiple-choice questions and a clinical skills exam (five skills from a list of 20). If you pass one section but not the other, you only retake the section you failed.
Expert Insight
I was extremely nervous before my certification exam, especially the skills section. However, all the preparation and practice kicked in and helped me succeed in spite of my nerves. Once you know you’ve done everything you can to prepare, take confidence in that.
How much do CNA classes cost in Michigan?
Most CNA programs in Michigan cost around $900-$1,100. Pricing varies by school:
- Bay College: $905
- Advanced Care Training: $975 (no funding or scholarships)
- Heart to Heart Healthcare Training: $1,050
- GRCC: $1,069
Differences are typically $100 or less, so it’s smart to compare more than just sticker price. Consider whether the fee includes exam costs, uniforms, background checks, and other required items.
Is free CNA training available in Michigan?
Yes, but it’s limited to scholarships and assistance programs. Some students qualify for funding, but most should expect to pay out-of-pocket for training. Online CNA programs are typically priced around $1,000, and many providers offer payment plans or recommend saving ahead of the start date.
Expected Salary & Job Prospects for CNAs in Michigan
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $31,390 | $39,530 | $50,140 |
| Michigan | $35,680 | $38,900 | $45,980 |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $36,270 | $39,830 | $44,370 |
| Battle Creek, MI | $35,860 | $38,900 | $51,980 |
| Bay City, MI | $34,110 | $36,850 | $41,940 |
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | $36,570 | $39,080 | $46,470 |
| Flint, MI | $32,770 | $39,120 | $45,590 |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI | $36,130 | $37,270 | $45,490 |
| Jackson, MI | $37,090 | $38,610 | $44,310 |
| Kalamazoo-Portage, MI | $35,470 | $39,570 | $50,760 |
| Lansing-East Lansing, MI | $35,200 | $39,130 | $47,070 |
| Midland, MI | $36,410 | $38,220 | $39,210 |
| Monroe, MI | $35,410 | $37,550 | $44,120 |
| Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI | $35,950 | $37,650 | $42,630 |
| Niles, MI | $35,790 | $37,750 | $48,990 |
| Saginaw, MI | $32,990 | $38,280 | $44,680 |
| Traverse City, MI | $38,100 | $40,710 | $46,120 |
Source: Nursing Assistants, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 1,361,300 | 1,417,800 | 56,500 | 4.20% | 202,400 |
| Michigan | 42,680 | 43,170 | 490 | 1.10% | 6,130 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
