8 Free CNA Training Programs in Michigan - Full Tuition Waiver
Henry Ford Health Programs Offered:Nurse Assistant Apprenticeship Program Location:Varies Rating:
Henry Ford Health offers a cost-free Nurse Assistant Apprenticeship Program in Michigan.
Individuals who are interested in exploring current available openings for the Nurse Assistant Apprenticeship Program can find detailed information by visiting the official Henry Ford Health careers website at henryford.com/careers. On the website, applicants should navigate to and utilize the "Search Jobs" function. By entering "Apprenticeship" as the keyword in the search field, they can locate all relevant listings, which will include current openings for nurse assistant apprentices.
The program provides a solid foundation for individuals aiming to enter the healthcare sector, particularly as the demand for nurse assistants continues to rise. It is designed to impart versatile skills that are beneficial across a wide range of healthcare roles, extending beyond traditional nursing pathways.
This comprehensive 12-month apprenticeship includes paid, on-the-job training, and Henry Ford Health covers the expenses associated with the State of Michigan Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) examination. Apprentices in the program commit to a full-time schedule, working between 36 and 40 hours per week. The training regimen commences with an initial two-week period at an external partner facility. Participants are scheduled to undertake the state certification exam relatively early in their apprenticeship. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are typically offered full-time employment within Henry Ford Health. Furthermore, the organization supports continued professional development through a Tuition Assistance program, which can aid in career advancement in nursing or other patient care specializations. Graduates of the program often affirm its significant value in preparing them for direct patient engagement and care responsibilities.
Working under the direct supervision of registered nurses, apprentices are primarily responsible for ensuring patient safety, maintaining a clean environment, and promoting patient comfort. Their duties encompass assisting patients with essential activities of daily living, such as bathing, grooming, dressing, and eating. They are also tasked with recording vital signs, monitoring patient weight, and helping patients with mobility devices like walkers and canes. Through these supportive and hands-on interactions, apprentices play a crucial role in alleviating the anxieties of both patients and their families, thereby enhancing the overall quality of the care experience.
To be eligible for this apprenticeship, prospective applicants must possess a high school diploma or an equivalent GED. Additionally, candidates must successfully meet all of Henry Ford Health's pre-employment requirements. The organization itself is widely recognized as a leading employer in the healthcare field. It has received notable accolades, including being named one of America's Greatest Workplaces for Diversity by Newsweek and listed in Becker's Top 150 Places to Work in Healthcare for 2024.
Corewell Health Programs Offered:CNA Training Program Location:100 Michigan St. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Rating:
Corewell Health provides a structured route in Michigan for individuals aspiring to become Certified Nurse Assistants (CNAs) through its "Aide to CNA Starter Program." Managed by Corewell Health Continuing Care, this program assists future CNAs by offering practical healthcare experience and full tuition coverage.
Locating these specific training positions on the Corewell Health careers site (careers.corewellhealth.org/us/en/cna) may require careful navigation. It has been suggested that listings titled for "long-term care CNA roles" could be these opportunities; however, prospective candidates should directly contact Corewell Health for precise information and to clarify any uncertainties regarding application.
Participants in this program commence in entry-level assistant roles within care facilities for rehabilitation and nursing, where they acquire practical skills by collaborating with experienced CNAs or licensed nurses in delivering excellent patient support. Promptly, they are enrolled in a CNA qualification course approved by Michigan authorities. Corewell Health underwrites all program fees and also compensates individuals for their classroom hours. Upon achieving certification, these professionals are elevated to CNA positions and can receive a bonus that may be as high as two thousand dollars.
Corewell Health also underscores its commitment to staff well-being with diverse benefits. These include a holistic package for financial, health, and work-life needs; an on-demand pay option; and a discount scheme. Optional insurances (such as identity theft, home, auto, and pet coverage) are offered, in addition to traditional and Roth retirement plans featuring company contributions. Access to these benefits typically depends on an individual's employment category.
Furthermore, the company's dedication to cultivating a supportive workplace is demonstrated by its platinum-level Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health, an award from Mental Health America. This accolade recognizes Corewell Health's initiatives in fostering employee mental wellness through robust workplace culture, comprehensive benefits, adherence to compliance standards, and dedicated wellness programs.
SKLD Programs Offered:CNA training program Location:24293 Telegraph Rd, Suite 130 Southfield, MI 48033 Rating:
As part of its commitment to workforce development, SKLD offers a specialized Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training program in the Detroit Metropolitan area for qualified individuals. Through a partnership with Parrish Academy, SKLD provides tuition sponsorship for selected applicants. Graduates of this selective program can begin their careers promptly at an SKLD facility in Detroit. Tuition and state licensure reimbursement are included. Additionally, retention bonuses are available during the first year of employment. Openings exist across various SKLD facilities and shifts. To apply, individuals should submit a completed application form, and optionally a video expressing their interest, via email to i.am.skld@skldcare.com.
SKLD aims to significantly transform post-hospital care. Its objectives include enhancing patient experiences and quality outcomes, reforming care delivery and its valuation, developing an engaged workforce focused on quality and innovation, and improving the reputation of post-acute care.
The organization employs a people-centric hiring philosophy. SKLD values its staff through recognition, respect, growth opportunities, and competitive remuneration, described as among the area's best. It seeks candidates who show genuine empathy and a desire to positively impact patients and colleagues. Adaptability and a proactive approach to innovation are also valued qualities. The work environment is described as dynamic and collaborative, emphasizing teamwork.
SKLD offers employment opportunities for diverse individuals, including experienced caregivers, nursing leaders, and those seeking stable careers with benefits and advancement prospects. The organization provides competitive wages, flexible schedules, and a comprehensive benefits package. This includes health, dental, and vision insurance; short-term and long-term disability coverage; a 401K retirement plan; tuition reimbursement; paid time off for personal needs and vacations; and paid holidays with premium compensation for holiday work.
Bronson Commons Programs Offered:Nurse Aide Training Program Location:Varies Rating:
Bronson Commons, a post-acute care and rehabilitation facility located in Mattawan, Michigan, offers a pathway for individuals aiming to enter the healthcare field. The facility provides a comprehensive, state-certified Nurse Aide Training Program exclusively for those who have secured employment at Bronson Commons. This program is structured to equip new hires with the necessary skills and knowledge to become Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs).
A key feature of this training is its integration with employment; participants receive compensation throughout the educational period. Additionally, Bronson Commons bears all program-related costs, removing financial barriers for trainees. The curriculum combines classroom instruction, practical clinical demonstrations, and direct hands-on experience within a clinical environment. A dedicated portion of the training focuses on preparing candidates for the State of Michigan's CNA certification examination.
Eligibility for this training program requires applicants to hold either a high school diploma or a GED. Importantly, program enrollment is dependent on being successfully hired for a position at Bronson Commons. Prospective candidates should therefore apply for employment at the facility first. Upon hiring, they are subsequently enrolled in the Nurse Aide Training Program.
Successful completion of the program and passing the state certification exam enables individuals to commence their careers as CNAs at Bronson Commons. This position serves as an important entry point into the healthcare industry, offering foundational patient care experience. Such practical experience can be beneficial for individuals who plan to pursue further education or advanced roles in nursing or other allied health professions. The program provides a structured route into a high-demand field.
Trinity Health Programs Offered:CNA Training Program Location:Varies Rating:
Trinity Health provides opportunities for individuals to become Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) through sponsorship programs, which may be available periodically. These paid training initiatives are designed to develop skilled caregivers within their network.
Prospective candidates can locate these "CNA Sponsorship" opportunities by visiting the Trinity Health careers website at trinity-health.org/join-our-team. On the careers page, using the "search jobs" function and filtering by state, such as Michigan, and using "sponsorship" as a keyword will display any available positions. The number and location of these programs can fluctuate based on current needs.
The sponsorship program typically begins with the candidate employed as a Care Assistant. After a probationary period of approximately 90 to 120 days of satisfactory performance, the employee is enrolled in CNA classes with an educational partner. During the two to three-week training period, participants receive minimum wage. Upon successful completion of the coursework, their pay is increased to the CNA rate while they await their state certification exam. A full-time position, for instance at locations like Neighborhoods of White Lake, is often offered upon completion.
To be eligible, applicants must be at least 18 years old, possess a high school diploma or GED, and have a minimum of one year of professional caregiving experience. For those accepted into the program, Trinity Health Senior Communities covers the costs of tuition and the state examination fees.
A CNA role at Trinity Health serves as an excellent entry point into the expansive healthcare industry. It offers a chance to interact with various healthcare professionals, which can inform future career decisions. The position comes with competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package, including a 403(b) retirement plan and annual tuition reimbursement of up to $4,000 for further education. This career path provides the personal satisfaction of assisting others and building meaningful relationships with residents.
Freedom Village Programs Offered:Paid CNA Training Location:Holland, MI Rating:
Freedom Village presents a career pathway into the nursing field through its Resident Care Associate (RCA) position, which features a company-sponsored Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) training program. This opportunity is designed for individuals aspiring to become certified nursing professionals. To find this program, interested parties can visit the careers page on the Freedom Village website, click on "View Open Positions," and search for terms like "CNA" to find listings such as "Resident Care Associate RCA - We pay for CNA classes."
The RCA role serves as a foundational step, providing essential support to licensed nursing staff. Responsibilities include assisting residents with daily living activities like personal hygiene, dressing, bathing, and movement. RCAs are also tasked with carrying out specific treatments as directed, collecting specimens for testing, and meticulously documenting their observations of residents' conditions. Additional duties involve maintaining the cleanliness of resident rooms and ensuring a timely response to resident call lights. Upon successful completion of the sponsored CNA certification, individuals are promoted to a CNA position, which comes with a higher wage.
Ideal candidates for the RCA position will have prior experience in geriatric care. A fundamental requirement is the ability to understand and execute instructions provided in English, as well as to communicate clearly and effectively.
This part-time position has openings for both first and second shifts. The compensation package is competitive, with a base pay of $14.50 to $15.00 per hour, supplemented by a $3.00 shift differential for evening and night shifts. Furthermore, a sign-on bonus between $1,000 and $2,000 is offered. The extensive benefits package includes medical insurance, early wage access through DailyPay, scholarship opportunities, and access to the community's fitness facilities, including a pool. Managed by Life Care Services (LCS), Freedom Village fosters a supportive environment that prioritizes employee development, recognition, and overall well-being.
Ciena Healthcare periodically sponsors Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training programs at no cost to the participant.
Availability changes throughout the year, so applicants are encouraged to monitor the career portal at jobs.cienahealthcare.com. Entering "CNA Training Provided" in the keyword field and "Michigan, US" as the location will display current vacancies that include employer-funded instruction. Recent searches have returned two such openings.
The initiative is designed for individuals who wish to begin a healthcare career but lack formal clinical credentials. Trainees attend classes at a nearby partner facility; tuition, textbooks, examination fees and other required materials are paid directly by Ciena Healthcare. While enrolled, students receive an hourly wage as well as mileage reimbursement or other transport assistance. After successfully completing the state certification examination, graduates may transition into full-time CNA roles within the organization.
Program participants work under the guidance of experienced nursing staff and learn essential skills such as resident safety, personal care, mobility support and effective communication. Upon hire as a Certified Nursing Assistant, employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that typically includes:
• Competitive base rate starting around $16.00 per hour, with an increase after passing the state test
• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Company-paid life insurance and optional AFLAC plans
• 401(k) retirement savings with potential matching contributions
• Paid time off, holidays and access to DailyPay for early wage access
• Tuition reimbursement for further education and participation in "SPOTLIGHT," Ciena's internal recognition and rewards platform
• Employee discount programs
Candidates must hold a high-school diploma or equivalent GED, demonstrate punctuality, reliability and a genuine desire to care for older adults.
Ciena Healthcare is the largest provider of skilled nursing and rehabilitation services in Michigan, serving approximately 10,000 residents and employing an equally large workforce. The organization emphasizes compassionate, resident-centred care and seeks team members who share that commitment.
Medilodge of Montrose Programs Offered:Nurse Aide Training Location:MediLodge of Montrose 9317 Vienna Rd Montrose, MI 48457 Rating:
MediLodge of Montrose opens an accessible door to the healthcare profession through its wage-earning Nurse Aide Training program.
Interested applicants can locate these openings on the facility's career site by selecting "Explore Our Job Opportunities" and searching for postings titled "Nurse Aide Training." Because trainees are placed on the payroll from day one, the position functions as paid employment rather than a tuition-free class.
The program targets people who want to become Certified Nurse Aides (CNAs) but have not yet completed state certification. While enrolled, participants work under the supervision of licensed nurses and learn the practical skills required for long-term care. Typical assignments include making beds, labeling residents' clothing and personal articles, setting up meal trays, assisting with feeding once competency is verified, and escorting residents to dining rooms, therapy suites, and activity areas. These tasks build familiarity with infection-control practices, resident rights, and effective communication. A high-school diploma or equivalent is preferred; more critical, however, are courtesy, patience, and the ability to absorb detailed clinical instructions.
After passing the state competency examination, new CNAs transition to regular staff roles with higher wages and ongoing professional support. MediLodge—the largest provider of skilled nursing and rehabilitation services in Michigan and the state's 2023 Employer of the Year—promotes long-term career development. Employees may choose among medical, dental, and vision plans from major insurers, and they can adjust payroll frequency to daily, weekly, or bi-weekly cycles. Financial assistance extends to tuition reimbursement, student loan repayment, a 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution, and partial reimbursement for childcare and transportation costs. An in-house benefits concierge helps team members navigate these options, reinforcing the organization's commitment to both resident care and employee well-being.