Occupations: Nursing Assistants (CNA)
Nursing Assistants
Overview of the profession:
Certified Nurse Aides (CNAs) play a crucial role in the healthcare system by supporting patients and nursing staff. They assist with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and feeding, ensuring patients receive the personal care they need to maintain their dignity and comfort. CNAs also often serve as a vital communication link between patients and healthcare professionals, reporting changes in patients' conditions and relaying concerns. To become a licensed CNA in Michigan, individuals must complete a state-approved nurse aide training program, pass the Michigan Nurse Aide Certification examination, and apply to the state Certified Nurse Aide registry through the Michigan Nurse Aide, Training, and Enforcement System managed by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Community Health Systems. Once licensed, CNAs typically work in hospitals, nursing homes, hospices, and home healthcare settings. Their compassionate care helps create a positive environment conducive to healing, enhancing the quality of care and improving patient outcomes.
Policy Highlights
Includes recent proposed legislation.
Current Workforce Data
We've provided the latest data from Lightcast below. Click on the images to enlarge them and review them in further detail.
2024 Hourly Wages
10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$16.25 | $17.49 | $18.23 | $19.69 | $21.49 |
Top Posted Job Titles
-
Certified Nursing Assistants
-
Nursing Assistants
-
Certified Nurse Aides/Certified Nursing Assistants
-
Hospice Aides/Certified Nursing Assistants
-
Nurse Aides
-
Medication Technicians
-
Nurse Assistants
-
Patient Care Associates
-
Observation Registered Nurses
-
Medical Surgical Registered Nurses
Index Ranking
Ranked 36th (out of 36) "healthiest" profession according to the 2024 Michigan Healthcare Workforce Index.
Learn more here.
2024 Employment: 41,458
Projected 2034 Employment: 41,814 (+1%)
Highlighted Workforce Initiatives
Name: Medilodge Nursing Assistant Training Program
Prosperity Region: 10
Description: Medilodge, an organization with nearly 50 long-term skilled nursing facilities in Michigan, invites individuals with a high school diploma and who are interested in starting their career in the healthcare industry to work as a CNA in one of their locations. Medilodge pays for CNA classes, which are two weeks long. Once individuals are certified, they have access to a variety of benefits, such as a mobile phone discount program, tuition reimbursement, and electronic shift scheduling. The goal of the program is to encourage people to work in the healthcare industry by paying for their training and providing attractive benefits.
Name: Grand Rapids Community College Workforce Trainings
Prosperity Region: 4
Description: GRCC offers several entry-level health career programs under its Workforce Training programs. Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) is one of the trainings that is offered. They have information sessions available to learn more and they offer grant opportunities.
Name: NACD Healthcare Training Partnership
Prosperity Region: 8
Description: The Northside Association for Community Development (NACD) Healthcare Training Partnership offers residents of Kalamazoo access to free training and preparation for healthcare career pathway jobs. The NACD Training Partnership offers a CNA training program with placements at a Bronson hospital in Kalamazoo County. The purposes of the partnership are to increase workforce opportunities to residents in underserved areas of Kalamazoo and to help Bronson Health increase local hiring and develop a more diverse frontline workforce that reflects the community.
Career Pathway
What is needed to become a licensed Certified Nursing Assistant in Michigan?
To become a licensed Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Michigan, individuals must first complete a state-approved nurse aide training program. Nurse aide programs include both postsecondary programs and career and technical education programs. Upon completion of training, graduates must schedule and pass the Michigan Nurse Aides Certification examination. Individuals
%20Outlook.png)
can work under a temporary license for up to four months while they wait to take the exam. After passing the exam, individuals must add themselves to the Michigan Certified Nurse Aide Registry, managed by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Community Health Systems, by completing the information and paying any fees through the Michigan Nurse Aide, Training, and Enforcement System.
Latest CNA News
