Certified Nursing Aide

Certified Nursing Aide (CNA) Program

A certified nursing aide (CNA), also known as a certified nursing assistant, helps patients with daily activities that may be difficult for them due to disease, injury or disability. This can include bathing and other hygiene tasks, getting dressed, eating, taking medication on time and helping patients move around safely.  

As a CNA, you’ll work under a nurse’s supervision and may assist with other clinical tasks such as taking a patient’s blood pressure, heart rate and other vital signs. Typical work environments can include hospitals, nursing homes, assisted-living facilities, adult daycare centers and rehabilitation centers.

While a certified nurse aide is often considered an entry-level position, it can also serve as a good foundation if you’re looking to transition into nursing or other healthcare positions.   

Note:  We also offer a Certified Nursing Aide (CNA)/Patient Care Technician (PCT) training program. A certified nursing aide who is trained with PCT background, generally have a more advanced skillset, have additional job responsibilities and higher starting wages. 

  • Average entry-level wage range:  $15 - 20 per hour

Free Training Available to Qualified Candidates

We have partnered with Oakland County Michigan Works! to offer this training to qualified candidates. Attend an information session to learn more.

Dawn's Journey to becoming a Certified Nurse Assistant

Dawn went from a Fine Arts major to a CNA, in only 8-weeks. Now, she is in OCC’s nursing program and is on the path to getting her Doctorate to become a nurse practitioner. 

Program Information

  • Location:  Southfield Campus and clinical site
  • Program Length:  3-8 weeks, depending on class schedule

What to Expect

  • Focus: The CNA program is designed to provide the experience, knowledge and skills necessary to become a Certified Nurse Aide. 
  • Certification: Following completion of this program, individuals will have the classroom knowledge required to sit for the Michigan Nurse Aide Exam.
  • Real-world experience: It also includes 18 hours of onsite clinical experience at a partnering skilled nursing facility. 
  • Employer Partners:  Corewell Health, Henry Ford Health System, and Trinity

Application Requirements

  • Background check - Individuals must successfully pass a background check.
    Note:  Individuals may not have a misdemeanor within 5 years or a felony conviction within 10 years of the end date of the training program.
  • Drug screen - A rapid urine 5-panel drug screen with negative results are required.
    Note:  This test screens for marijuana, opiates, cocaine, amphetamines, and phencyclidine. An at-home test is not sufficient.
  • Basic math & reading test - requirement for Michigan Works application process
  • Negative Tuberculosis clearance (TB Test)
  • Immunizations:  2 MMR, 2 Varicella, 3 Hepatitis B, Tdap, seasonal Influenza, and up-to-date COVID-19
  • Attend an information session
  • Complete the application process - apply for Michigan Works funding or pay out of pocket
  • Submit all completed documentation (background check, drug screen, TB test results, immunization records) in one email to healthcaretraining@oaklandcc.edu 

100% pass rate on the Michigan Nurse Aide Exam

Start Your Someday Today!

If you're interested in a short-term training program, please complete the form below. An OCC representative will be in contact with you soon. 

Program interested in*
Please select one or more
Best time to be reached*Best time to be reached
How did you hear about the programSelect best that applies