CNA Classes in Saint Joseph, Michigan

Saint Joseph CNA Training - Michigan

You can receive your CNA certification in as little as 3 to 8 weeks.

Admissions Advisor Tip: Don't limit your options. Contact multiple schools to to compare their different offers, like financial aid packages.

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Saint Joseph, MI

If you’re considering a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or a similar role like a nurse aide or nursing assistant in Saint Joseph, MI, you’re in the right place. Becoming a CNA is a rewarding career path, offering the opportunity to provide essential care to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities. This guide will walk you through the steps to becoming a CNA in Saint Joseph, including local training programs, employment opportunities, and certification requirements in Michigan.

About Saint Joseph, MI

Saint Joseph, located on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, is a charming city known for its beautiful beaches, scenic parks, and welcoming community. As part of Berrien County, Saint Joseph offers a peaceful environment for both residents and visitors. The city is home to several landmarks, including the Silver Beach Carousel and the Krasl Art Center. For more information about the city, you can visit the official Saint Joseph website.

CNA Training Programs in Saint Joseph, MI

To become a CNA in Saint Joseph, you must complete a state-approved nursing assistant training program. Below are some local schools offering CNA programs near Saint Joseph:

1. Lake Michigan College

Location: Benton Harbor, MI (approximately 10 minutes from Saint Joseph)
Lake Michigan College offers a Certified Nursing Assistant program designed to prepare students for the Michigan CNA certification exam. The program includes classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience in a healthcare setting.
Visit Lake Michigan College CNA Program

2. Southwest Michigan College

Location: Dowagiac, MI (about 30 minutes from Saint Joseph)
Southwest Michigan College provides a comprehensive CNA program that includes both theoretical and practical training. The program prepares students to work in long-term care facilities, hospitals, and home healthcare.
Visit Southwest Michigan College CNA Program

3. Kalamazoo Valley Community College

Location: Kalamazoo, MI (about 1 hour from Saint Joseph)
Kalamazoo Valley Community College offers a Nursing Assistant Training Program that equips students with the skills needed to pass the Michigan CNA certification exam. The program includes clinical experience at local healthcare facilities.
Visit Kalamazoo Valley Community College CNA Program

CNA Employment Opportunities in Saint Joseph

Once you complete your CNA training, there are several healthcare facilities in and around Saint Joseph where you can seek employment. Below are some of the major employers in the area:

1. Spectrum Health Lakeland

Location: Saint Joseph, MI
Spectrum Health Lakeland is a leading healthcare provider in southwest Michigan. With a large hospital in Saint Joseph, Lakeland offers a variety of employment opportunities for CNAs, including positions in acute care, long-term care, and rehabilitation.
Explore Spectrum Health Lakeland Careers

2. Caretel Inns of Lakeland

Location: Saint Joseph, MI
Caretel Inns of Lakeland is a skilled nursing and rehabilitation center located in Saint Joseph. This facility provides long-term care, short-term rehabilitation, and memory care services, making it a great place for CNAs to work.
Visit Caretel Inns of Lakeland

3. Pine Ridge Rehabilitation and Nursing Center

Location: Stevensville, MI (approximately 10 minutes from Saint Joseph)
Pine Ridge Rehabilitation and Nursing Center is a nearby facility offering both short-term rehabilitation and long-term care. They frequently hire CNAs to assist with patient care and daily activities.
Visit Pine Ridge Rehabilitation and Nursing Center

CNA Certification Requirements in Michigan

To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Michigan, you must meet the state’s certification requirements, which are regulated by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). Here’s an overview of the process:

Complete a State-Approved CNA Training Program: You must complete a CNA training program that is approved by the state of Michigan. The program typically includes at least 75 hours of training, including both classroom instruction and clinical practice.
Pass the Competency Exam: After completing your training, you must pass the Michigan CNA competency exam, which consists of a written test and a skills evaluation. The exam is administered by Prometric, the state’s approved testing vendor.
Register with the Michigan Nurse Aide Registry: Once you pass the exam, you will be listed on the Michigan Nurse Aide Registry, which allows you to legally work as a CNA in the state.

For more information on CNA certification in Michigan, visit the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.

Get Started Today

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Saint Joseph, MI, is a fulfilling career choice that allows you to make a positive impact on the lives of others. With local CNA training programs and plenty of employment opportunities, there’s no better time to start your journey. Contact a school today to learn more about their programs and take the first step toward your new career!

PCT · CNA · CMA – What’s the Difference?

This depends on where you live. Some PCT courses include EKG and phlebotomy training. Some Patient Care Technician programs also include HHA (Home Health Aid) certification. However, in some work environments the titles CNA and PCT are used interchangably. Some hospitals in Michigan may be hiring Nurse Care Techs (NCT), a position which you can apply for with your CNA license.

CMA can stand for Certified Medication Aide or Certified Medical Assistant, both which perform separate but overlapping duties in the workplace.

How Much Does CNA Training Cost in Saint Joseph?

Nursing assistant courses at vocational colleges and allied health schools usually range between $400 and $1200. When choosing a CNA school, learn about all the associated costs required at each institution. Some schools list their program cost as all expenses included. However other schools may also require you to purchase additional materials (such as books, scrubs and materials for your clinicals) which have separate fees from the tuition costs.

CNA Refresher Courses around Saint Joseph usually cost around $100-$200.

Need Tuition Assistance?

While not all schools offer financial aid for students enrolled in their CNA course, some training programs may offer assistance to help with the cost of the course or certification. Also, some CNA employers will even pay for your Nurse Assistant training or reimburse you after you successfully complete your CNA training.

Some employers in Saint Joseph will cover a percentage of your CNA tuition; others will pay tuition costs up to a specific dollar amount. Often, new CNAs are required to work a particular number of months at the employer that covered their school bills. Or you may just need to reimburse them for any of the tuition costs they paid on your behalf.

When Can I Start CNA Training in Saint Joseph?

Many schools that offer CNA training have new sessions beginning every 6 to 8 weeks. In many areas in Michigan, you can find CNA training starting in December 2024, January 2025, February 2025, or March 2025 available for registration now. Unlike nursing programs in Michigan, you can usually find a school starting a new session of their CNA course fairly quickly. However, some schools offer CNA classes in semester format. At these schools, you may need to wait up 3 or 4 months to start your course.

Becoming a Nurse Aide in Saint Joseph is a great way to quickly gain experience in the medical field. Also check out Michigan CNA Salary info.