CNA Classes in Detroit

Detroit, famously known as “Motor City” because of its place as a hub for the automotive industry, has approximately 700,000 residents within its 142.89 square miles. It and its suburbs make up the Detroit Metropolitan area that is home to 4.3 million people, making it the second-largest metro area in the Midwest. Aside from its automotive history, Detroit is also known as the home of the NFL’s Detroit Lions and the MLB’s Detroit Tigers. Overall, it has a deep history and infrastructure that ranges from more than a dozen major health systems to highways, ports, railways, international airports, and three international border crossings.

Because of the number of health systems in the city, the demand for CNAs isn’t keeping up with the supply. Approximately 10% of the city’s population is 65 years of age or older. Many certified nursing assistants are needed in hospitals, assisted living facilities, and the 28 registered nursing homes in the city.

To become a CNA, you must complete 75 hours of training from a state-accredited program. This means that you must complete 59 hours in a classroom and 16 hours of manual instruction. During in-service, 12 continuing education credits must be acquired. Continuing education allows you to stay up-to-date with the latest standards so you are always in compliance.

All in all, it doesn’t take long to become a CNA. However, you will need to find an accredited program. Additional requirements in Michigan include being at least 18 years of age, passing a criminal background check, submitting to a TB test, providing proof of immunization, a high school diploma or GED, and the ability to read and write English. Individual programs might have additional admission requirements.

Once you have your CNA certification, you can find employment in a wide range of environments. You can choose one of the major hospital systems, one of the many nursing homes, or become a home health aide. The average starting salary of a CNA in Michigan is $14.26 per hour. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for a CNA is $13.72, so Michigan CNAs make more money than the national average.

As a CNA, regardless of the place of work, the standard duties are providing individuals with hands-on care in their homes, in hospitals, or in long-term care facilities. A nursing assistant helps a person with daily tasks such as bathing, feeding, dressing, communicating, and moving around. A patient might also need assistance in remembering medications and ensuring that the dose is correct.

When it comes to getting to and from your place of employment, whether it is a facility or a patient’s home, it’s important to be familiar with Detroit transit. Perhaps you are like many residents and don’t have a car or prefer to not drive. The bus system is the most common mode of transportation with the Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) providing services to the outer edges of Detroit. If you need to travel to and from the suburbs, the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) services these areas and the city. SMART has a new service called FAST that limits the number of stops along the major roadways. This is beneficial for people going to and from work.

If you prefer rail or it helps you get to your destination, the People Mover runs daily on a downtown loop. The idea behind the transit options is to provide constant service that is convenient and safe. For people that prefer to drive, the freeways offer multiple routes to different parts of the city. Lastly, there are 240 miles of bike lanes and trails with more being built.

Of the CNA training options, Wayne County Community College District (WCCCD) provides a comprehensive solution. For over 50 years, Wayne County Community College District has provided educational opportunities to students living in the college’s service area. The school prides itself in continuous innovation and growth, which has made it a highly effective school in the Detroit metro area. It has come a long way from the days when it was borrowing classrooms from local high schools to teach its students. Now, the college has five campuses, giving people the tools to have meaningful careers.

The Nurse Aide Certificate Program at WCCCD is available to anyone who has a high school diploma or GED. In addition to the state admission requirements, two letters of reference and a health exam are needed. It takes seven, eleven, or fourteen weeks to complete the 10 credit hour course that consists of 270 contact hours. Students receive clinical experience in a laboratory setting and in a long-term care facility. A grade of C or better is required to graduate.

If you want to become a CNA and save money, there are free CNA training programs in Detroit that train you as long as you agree to work for the facility after you complete the program. There are many nursing facilities, particularly nursing homes, that provide this option. If you prefer to not lock yourself into a particular facility and are between 16 and 24 years of age, the Detroit Job Corp Center provides free CNA training that opens the door to the licensing exam. Students are housed in the center and provided with supplies, uniforms, and everything needed to train. Once you pass the licensing exam, the center helps you find a job.

You can also look at grants and scholarships that will pay for your education so that you can obtain your certificate for free. Some types of federal financial aid don’t pay for certificate courses, but the PELL grant is an excellent option in your attempt to get your education for free. If you qualify as a low-income student, you can research the Workforce Investment Act to possibly obtain financial help with your CNA classes. Becoming a CNA opens the door to an advanced nursing career.