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How to become a CNA in Michigan
To become a CNA in Michigan, you finish a state-approved 75-hour nurse aide training program and pass the state competency exam, then get listed on Michigan's Nurse Aide Registry. There is no minimum age for training and testing. If a Medicaid-certified nursing home hires you within 12 months of your exam, it must pay you back for training and testing. CNAs earn a median of $19.03 an hour.
Last checked: October 2026. Pay is the Michigan median from the federal government (May 2025).
Quick facts: CNA in Michigan
| Median pay | $19.03 an hour ($39,570 a year) |
|---|---|
| Typical range | $18.35 to $21.59 an hour |
| Openings | About 6,190 a year, growing 6.1% through 2034 |
| Training | 75 hours: 16 classroom, 16 clinical in long-term care and 43 more. Often a few weeks. |
| Exam and registry | State exam by Headmaster (written or oral plus skills). Registry fee $40. |
Sources: BLS, Michigan wages (May 2025) · Michigan Hot 50 (MCDA) · MCDA projections 2024 to 2034 · LARA, Nurse Aide Registry · MDHHS, training reimbursement FAQ
Ways to get trained, cheap or free
In high school
Many career tech center health science programs include CNA training, and there's no minimum age to train and test. CTE guide
Get it paid for
A Medicaid-certified nursing facility must reimburse your training and testing if it hires you within 12 months of testing. Hospitals and home care employers don't have to. Some nursing homes train new hires for free.
Community college or adult ed
Short CNA courses are common. Ask Michigan Works! whether it can cover the cost.
The next steps
CNA is a common first step into nursing. Michigan LPNs earn a median of $31.47 an hour and RNs $45.34.
Short training for this job may qualify for Workforce Pell once Michigan approves specific programs, so ask the provider.
Not sure this is the one?
Common questions
How long does it take to become a CNA in Michigan?
The required training is 75 hours, often finished in a few weeks, followed by the state competency exam and listing on the Nurse Aide Registry.
Source: LARA
Can I get CNA training for free in Michigan?
Often, yes. A Medicaid-certified nursing facility must reimburse your training and testing costs if it hires you within 12 months of testing, and some nursing homes train new hires for free.
Source: MDHHS