Certified Nursing Aide (CNA) /Patient Care Technician (PCT) Program
A certified nursing aide (CNA) or patient care technician (PCT), helps patients with daily activities that may be difficult for them due to disease, injury or disability. This can include bathing and other hygiene tasks, getting dressed, eating, taking medication on time and helping patients move around safely. A CNA with patient care technician background may have advanced job responsibilities such as wound care, ostomy care, and EKG testing.
As a CNA or PCT, you’ll work under a nurse’s supervision and may assist with other clinical tasks such as taking a patient’s blood pressure, heart rate and other vital signs. Typical work environments can include hospitals, nursing homes, assisted-living facilities, adult daycare centers and rehabilitation centers.
A certified nurse aide trained with PCT background generally has a wider skillset and a higher starting wage. It can serve as a good foundation if you are looking to transition into nursing or other healthcare positions.
- Average entry-level wage range: $15 - 25 per hour
Program Information
- Cohort 10: June 15 - July 9, 2026 (application window: March 26 - May 22, 2026)
- Cohort 11: July 20 - August 13, 2026 (application window: May 15 - June 26, 2026)
- Days/Times: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., plus clinical rotations
- Location: Southfield campus and clinical site
- Length of Program: 3-12 weeks, depending on class schedule
- Cost: $2,000 + additional drug screening/immunization/background check expenses
- Funding: We have partnered with Oakland County Michigan Works! to offer this training to qualified candidates. Potential funding options are available with Michigan Works!. Please see training payment options for more details.
Start your Someday!
Attend an information session to learn more. During the one hour online presentation, you'll learn more about this face-to-face program, classes included with the training, hands-on components, application details, opportunities to earn certifications, employer partnerships and more.
What to Expect
- Focus: The CNA/PCT program is designed to provide the experience, knowledge and skills necessary to become a Certified Nurse Aide or Patient Care Technician.
- Course details: For specific details about courses and descriptions included in the training, please review the program description.
- Certification: Following completion of this program, individuals will have the classroom knowledge required to sit for the Michigan Nurse Aide and National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Patient Care Technician certification exams.
- Real-world experience: It also includes 24 hours of onsite clinical experience at a partnering skilled nursing facility.
- Employer Partners: Corewell Health, Henry Ford Health System, and Trinity
- Resources: We understand that you may encounter unexpected challenges. We do our best to help you succeed during the training. We have compiled a resource list with OCC and community-based accommodations, career services, clothing resources, food assistance, technology, and more.
Application Requirements
Ready to take the next step? Start the application process! Other application requirements may apply and this is not a conclusive list.
Individuals must successfully pass a background check.
Note: Individuals may not have a misdemeanor within 5 years or a felony conviction within 10 years of the end date of the training program.
- Immunizations: 2 MMR, 2 Varicella, 3 Hepatitis B, Tdap, seasonal Influenza, and up-to-date COVID-19
- Negative Tuberculosis clearance (TB Test)
A rapid urine 5-panel drug screen with negative results are required. This test screens for marijuana, opiates, cocaine, amphetamines, and phencyclidine. An at-home test is not sufficient.
Note: Once the background check and immunizations are completed, OCC will authorize you for your drug screening. This must be completed at a Concentra location and costs $65.
- Attend an information session.
- Complete the application process - apply for Michigan Works funding or pay out of pocket.
- Submit all completed documentation (background check, drug screen, TB test results, immunization records) in one email to healthcaretraining@oaklandcc.edu.
Training Payment Options
We understand that our short-term training programs are an investment. Our goal is to help retrain you so you can quickly gain employment and earn a good income in the field.
The good news is that there are options to pay for your training. Any combination of these methods can be used as a source of payment. If you have additional questions, please contact the program coordinator.
The training can be paid out-of-pocket. Accepted forms of payment include Apple or Google Pay, credit card, debit card, cashier's check or money order.
A short-term training program payment authorization form and registration form will need to be completed prior to the start of the program. The amount generally needs to be paid in full prior to the training start date. The forms and payment should be completed by the application deadline. The cost of the program is non-refundable. Connect with the program coordinator to initiate the process.
If you're interested in a payment plan, details can be discussed with the program coordinator. Please note that these training programs are 14-weeks or less. Given the nature of this being short-term, the amount needs to be paid in full before the training program ends.
Employers want to see their employees succeed and continue to grow! Many companies are willing to help pay for current employees to go through training.
Many small, mid-sized, and large businesses offer some form of tuition assistance or reimbursement. Check with your employer for details.
If your parent or guardian setup a MESP account for you, the monies can be used towards a training program. Or, if you had a child with an account who didn't pursue college, you can use the funds for yourself.
We have partnered with Oakland County Michigan Works! to offer this training to qualified candidates. Individuals meet with a career advisor to walk you through the process.
Funding is usually open to individuals who meet the following eligibility requirements:
- U.S. citizens or those authorized to work in the United States
- Ages 18+
- Registered with the Selective Service (if applicable)
- Other requirements may apply (i.e., residency and employment status)
Specific funding levels vary by individual. Your Michigan Works! advisor will help determine your exact funding level that you'll qualify for.
Start Your Someday Today!
If you're interested in a short-term training program, please complete the form below. An OCC representative will be in contact with you soon.