Certified Nursing Assistant Apprenticeships in Southwest Michigan
Earn a CNA Certification While Working in Berrien, Cass, Van Buren Counties
Are you seeking a high-demand career that uses critical thinking while providing a service to others, where no two days are ever the same? Would you like to learn job skills and earn certifications with little-to-no debt?
A career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) could be ideal for you.
The Michigan Works! CNA Apprenticeship is different from the traditional CNA career pathway. Apprentices work for a partner company while attending school, earning a wage and gaining valuable experience. After completion of the CNA licensing process, apprentices will gain additional training and certificates in fields selected by area employers.
Individuals interested in the CNA Apprenticeship program are encouraged to view the resources below for more information and to apply. Employers who may be interested in joining the Apprenticeship program as an employment option should contact Erin Venno at vennoe@miworks.org.
Apply for CNA Apprenticeship
*Please note this is for Berrien, Cass, Van Buren Counties only.
Apply for Apprentice Program through linked Google Form Application.
CNA Apprenticeship Questions
How do apprenticeships differ from traditional career tracks?
Our CNA apprenticeship allows you to work in a healthcare setting, while earning money and attending classes. Your work hours are paid.
Do I need healthcare work experience?
No, this program is open to both experienced workers and new hires.
What credentials will I earn?
Upon successful completion, CNA Apprenticeship participants will earn:
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CNA certificate; -
CPR/AED certificate; -
Dementia Care Specialist certificate; -
Essential Soft Skills for Employment badge; and, -
Restorative Specialist certificate OR Preceptor training
What are the program requirements?
Applicants must be 16 years or older (unable to be licensed until 18 years of age) and be able to pass a criminal background check. Your employer or training provider may require a clear drug test.
What are the participating training programs?
Participating Related Training Instruction (RTI) providers include:
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Lake Michigan College [Benton Harbor, MI] -
Michigan Career & Technical Institute [Benton Harbor, MI] -
Southwestern Michigan College [Dowagiac, MI] -
Van Buren Tech Center [Lawrence, MI]
Who are the participating employers?
CNA Apprenticeship participating employers include:
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Spectrum Health Lakeland -
Randall Residence -
Hallmark Living -
Alliance Home Health Services -
Royalton Manor (Ciena Healthcare) -
Caretel Inns of Lakeland -
The Peplinski Group ( West Woods Bridgman, West Woods Niles, and Meadow Woods)
I am currently employed! How do I complete the requirements of this program?
The program requires your full-time participation, which includes your training (several half-day increments per week) and employment.
What are the program expectations?
All apprentices are expected to treat their employment and classes the same:
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Arrive on time; -
Follow attendance policy; -
Maintain a high level of professionalism; -
Effectively manage all obligations; and, -
Commit to work with the employer for a specified period of time after completing the apprenticeship program (length of commitment may vary based on employer).
-
you elect not to finish the program, or -
you elect not to continue working for the employer for the specified length of time.
Will I be paid in this program?
Yes! Participants receive a paycheck from the beginning of their enrollment and earn wages while learning on the job.
How much does the program cost?
Our CNA Apprenticeship program has little-to-no costs, due being paid for on-the-job training.
How much will I be paid?
Pay depends on, and is determined by, the employer. The starting wage for the CNA apprenticeship program will be above Michigan mininum wage ($9.45/hour).
How many hours per week is the program?
Class times vary. Certain programs have a Monday through Friday commitment, while others meet two or three times per week.
Can I take vacation during the program?
The CNA apprenticeship program requires full-time participation. Apprentices are expected to arrive to each class on time.
Is there a commitment to stay with an employer after program completion?
Each employer has varying levels of post-apprenticeship commitment, but there is an expectation that apprentices will continue employment for a period of time after program completion.
What if I am not chosen for this program?
If you are eligible for healthcare employment, there may be opportunities to fund your CNA schooling through other programs at Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren.
I have a question not listed here.
If you have additional questions, please submit them through the form here.