Certified Nursing Assistant in Michigan

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MI. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary
$38,900
trending_down -1.6% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Michigan.

engineering
40,230

Jobs (MI)

monitoring Stable
+2.3%

10-yr job growth

payments
$125

Licensing fees

schedule
4-15 weeks

Time to complete

route How to become a certified nursing assistant in Michigan

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Michigan, individuals must complete a state-approved training program of at least 75 hours, which includes both classroom and clinical instruction. After successful completion of the program, candidates must pass the Prometric CNA Exam, which consists of a clinical skills test and a knowledge test. Certification is then granted by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) and must be renewed every two years. Notably, starting March 23, 2026, renewal will require 24 hours of continuing education, in addition to the existing requirement of 40 hours of paid work as a CNA within the renewal cycle. Michigan also offers reciprocity for CNAs certified in other states, provided they meet specific criteria and pay an application fee.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $35,680
25th percentile $37,180
50th (median) $38,900
75th percentile $43,320
90th (experienced) $45,980

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Michigan. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Michigan requirements

Licensing bodyMichigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)
State license Required
EducationState-approved training program of at least 75 hours, with a minimum of 16 hours of classroom instruction and 16 hours of skills training.
Experience40.0 hours
ExamPrometric CNA Exam ($125)
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
Continuing education24.0 hours per cycle
NotesMinimum age of 17 years old to enroll in a training program. A criminal background check is required. Renewal requires having worked for pay as a CNA for at least 40 hours in the past 24 months. Starting March 23, 2026, 24 hours of continuing education (12 hours per year) are required for renewal, including training on abuse, neglect, and care plans.

Source: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth
+2.3%
Average
Annual openings
204,100
Nationwide per year
Total employment
1,441,500
Nationwide

balance Is it worth it?

  • check_circleMichigan license required — clearer credential signal to employers
psychology
Wondering if a certified nursing assistant career is the right fit?
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Frequently asked questions

What's required to work as a certified nursing assistant in Michigan? expand_more
To become a certified nursing assistant in Michigan, you need to complete the required education (State-approved training program of at least 75 hours, with a minimum of 16 hours of classroom instruction and 16 hours of skills training.), gain 40.0 hours of supervised experience, and pass the Prometric CNA Exam.
Does Michigan require certified nursing assistant licensure? expand_more
Michigan mandates state licensure for certified nursing assistants. Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) oversees the process, which includes passing the Prometric CNA Exam.
How much do certified nursing assistants make in Michigan? expand_more
certified nursing assistants in Michigan earn a median of $38,900 annually. — within a few percent of the $39,530 national figure. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $35,680, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $45,980.
How much does it cost to become a certified nursing assistant in Michigan? expand_more
Costs include exam fee ($125). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.
How quickly can I become a certified nursing assistant in Michigan? expand_more
The typical timeline in Michigan is 4-15 weeks. This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.
What are the continuing education requirements for certified nursing assistants in Michigan? expand_more
License renewal in Michigan requires completing 24.0 hours of continuing education on a 2.0-year cycle.

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