Your Guide to CNA Training in Brighton, Michigan

Where can you take CNA classes in Brighton, MI, and what will they actually cost? Livingston County's senior population has surged nearly 40% in the past decade, and Michigan projects roughly 6,480 nursing assistant openings each year through 2026. That demand translates into real job security, but Brighton itself has limited in-person CNA training options. Most students end up combining hybrid or online coursework with clinicals at nearby facilities, or commuting to programs in Ann Arbor, Howell, or the greater Detroit metro area.

Costs for approved programs typically range from $800 to $2,000, and the state requires a minimum of 75 training hours before you can sit for the certification exam. Knowing which programs fit your schedule, budget, and commute makes all the difference.

The CNA Job Market in Brighton and Livingston County

The CNA job market in Brighton and Livingston County is growing, with a wide range of employers actively hiring. From skilled nursing facilities to home health agencies, demand for certified nursing assistants remains steady, driven by an aging population and a projected national growth rate of 8% for CNAs¹. This means new graduates can use our guide to landing your first CNA job to navigate multiple job options, each offering different schedules, settings, and pay scales.

Major Healthcare Employers in the Area

Several well-known facilities in and around Brighton employ CNAs. Here are some of the key players, along with typical wages as of 2026:

• WellBridge of Brighton (Howell): Around $23.30 per hour.⁴
• MediLodge of Howell: Ranges from $23.40 to $33.30 per hour.⁵
• Caretel Inns of Brighton: Up to $25 per hour for experienced CNAs.⁶
• Independence Village: $16, $17 per hour, focused on assisted living.⁷
• CorsoCare Personal Care at Brighton Valley: About $16 per hour.⁸
• Personalized Nursing LIGHT House: $18, $19.50 per hour, offering a specialized care setting.⁹
• Visiting Angels (Brighton): $19.50, $22 per hour for in-home care.⁷
• Optimal Care: $18, $22 per hour, providing home health services.²
• Brighton Hospice: $19, $21 per hour, focusing on end-of-life care.⁹

The average hourly wage for a CNA in Brighton is $18.23², with overtime adding roughly $4,965 annually³. These figures highlight how pay can vary based on the employer, setting, and your CNA training and experience level.

Typical Work Settings and Shifts

CNAs in the Brighton area work in a mix of environments:

• Skilled nursing facilities and assisted living communities like WellBridge and Independence Village offer structured shifts, often with full-time, part-time, and per diem options. Shifts commonly run 8 or 12 hours, including evenings, nights, and weekends.
• Home health agencies such as Visiting Angels and Optimal Care provide more flexible, one-on-one care in clients' homes. Schedules can be built around your availability, but may require travel between residences.
• Hospice organizations like Brighton Hospice involve working with patients and families during a sensitive time, typically offering steady daytime hours with some on-call rotation.

What’s Driving Demand?

Michigan’s direct care worker pass-through rate, which boosts funding for caregiver wages, remains in effect through September 30, 2026¹, potentially supporting higher pay temporarily. Meanwhile, the region's aging population continues to fuel long-term demand. Local facilities have been expanding services, and job boards consistently list openings across all shifts, meaning CNAs can often find work quickly after certification.

Online and Hybrid CNA Programs Serving Michigan Students

If you are juggling work, family, or other commitments, a hybrid CNA program can offer the flexibility you need while still meeting the requirements for CNA classes in Michigan. These programs let you complete classroom theory online and then attend in-person labs and clinicals at an approved site. It is worth noting that Michigan does not permit fully online CNA programs.¹ Every state-approved program must include hands-on skills practice, lab work, and supervised clinical hours at a healthcare facility.

How Hybrid Programs Work

Hybrid CNA courses typically split instruction into two parts. You complete anatomy, medical terminology, infection control, and other theory modules at your own pace through an online platform. Then you attend scheduled in-person sessions for skills labs and clinical rotations. Some programs offer weekend or evening clinical options, which is a real advantage if you cannot attend daytime classes.

Programs Worth Exploring

Several hybrid programs across Michigan accept students from the Brighton area. Here are a few to consider:

• Heart to Heart Healthcare Training: Offers 2-week day, 5-week weekend, and 8-week evening formats. Online theory pairs with in-person labs and clinicals, making it one of the more flexible options in the state.²
• Purpose Healthcare Institute: A 4-week hybrid program at roughly $1,050. Online coursework is followed by one week of in-person lab and clinical training.³
• Davis Training Institute (Saginaw): A compact 2-week program with 100% online coursework plus four on-site days for hands-on skills. This format works well if you prefer to concentrate your in-person time.⁴

Costs across these programs generally range from about $750 to $1,050, though you should confirm current tuition directly with each school.

Flexibility and Scheduling

Self-paced online modules mean you can study early mornings, late nights, or whenever fits your schedule. Weekend and evening clinical tracks, like those offered by Heart to Heart and Covenant Academy, are designed specifically for students who work during the week. Covenant Academy, for example, runs a 7-week Saturday option that blends online instruction with hands-on classroom sessions.⁵

One Important Limitation

Because clinicals must take place at state-approved healthcare facilities¹, you will want to confirm whether a program can arrange clinical placements near Brighton or within a reasonable commute. Programs based in Detroit (home to CNA classes Detroit), Saginaw, or Grand Rapids (home to CNA classes in Grand Rapids) may require you to travel for your in-person days. Ask each school upfront about clinical site locations before enrolling so you can plan your schedule and transportation accordingly.

CNA Programs Within Commuting Distance of Brighton

Finding an approved CNA program near Brighton often comes down to knowing where to look and what questions to ask. With several community colleges, vocational schools, and healthcare facilities offering training within a reasonable drive, prospective students have options ranging from accelerated formats to flexible evening schedules.

Start with the Official State List

The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) maintains the definitive directory of approved nurse aide training programs in the state. You can filter results by city or zip code to identify programs within commuting distance of Brighton. This list confirms that a program meets Michigan's minimum training requirements, which is essential for eligibility to sit for the state competency exam.

Explore Nearby Community Colleges and Training Centers

Brighton sits within reasonable driving distance of several population centers with established healthcare education programs. Several community colleges, such as those offering CNA classes in Ann Arbor and CNA training programs in Lansing, provide CNA programs through their health sciences or continuing education divisions. Some local nursing homes and assisted living facilities also operate their own state-approved training programs, sometimes with employment commitments attached.

When researching specific schools, visit their official websites and look for a Nursing Assistant or CNA Training page. These pages usually outline:

• Tuition and fees: Costs vary widely depending on whether the program is offered through a community college, private vocational school, or healthcare employer.
• Program length: Most programs require a minimum number of classroom and clinical hours mandated by the state.
• Schedule options: Day, evening, and weekend formats may be available depending on the institution.
• Prerequisites: Common requirements include a minimum age, high school diploma or equivalent, background check clearance, and health screenings.
• Clinical affiliations: Some programs partner with healthcare facilities in Livingston County for hands-on training.

Getting Pass Rate and Placement Information

State exam pass rates and job placement statistics are not always published by smaller programs. For this data, contact the admissions office directly and ask for unofficial estimates if formal reports are not available. The Michigan CNA registry and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing may also offer resources for verifying program credentials.

For general career outlook and salary trends, the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook provides a useful starting point. However, for tuition specifics, scheduling details, and clinical site locations, direct communication with each school's health sciences department will yield the most accurate and current information.

CNA Salary and Job Outlook in the Detroit Metro Area

Brighton sits within easy reach of the Detroit metro area, one of Michigan's largest employment markets for nursing assistants. Understanding regional wages and job availability can help you set realistic expectations before you invest in training.

What CNAs Earn in the Detroit Metro

Nursing assistants working in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn metropolitan area earn a median hourly wage of $18.82, which translates to approximately $39,140 per year.¹ These figures reflect full-time employment and represent the midpoint of local CNA earnings, meaning half of CNAs earn more and half earn less.

Compared to the Michigan statewide median of $18.24 per hour², Detroit metro CNAs enjoy a modest premium of about 3 percent. However, national figures tell a slightly different story. Across the United States, the median hourly wage for nursing assistants stands at $20.32³, with annual earnings around $42,260³. This gap reflects regional cost-of-living differences and varying demand levels in other parts of the country.

Employment Numbers Show a Strong Market

The Detroit metro area employs more than 15,000 nursing assistants¹, reflecting a strong CNA job outlook in the region. Nationally, nearly 1.5 million CNAs work in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living communities, and home health settings.³

For students in Brighton and surrounding Livingston County, these numbers matter. A large local workforce means consistent job openings as CNAs retire, advance into nursing roles, or relocate. Healthcare facilities in the region regularly recruit new graduates, and the combination of an aging population and ongoing staffing needs suggests demand will remain steady.

Factors That Influence Your Pay

Several elements can push your earnings above or below the median:

• Work setting: Hospitals and specialty care facilities often pay more than standard nursing homes.
• Shift differentials: Evening, night, and weekend shifts frequently come with higher hourly rates.
• Experience: CNAs with a year or more on the job typically qualify for raises and may take on additional responsibilities.
• Certifications: Specialized training in areas like dementia care or phlebotomy can make you more valuable to employers.

Starting wages for new graduates may fall slightly below the median, but with consistent performance and continued learning, most CNAs see meaningful pay increases within their first two years on the job.

How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Michigan

To become a CNA in Michigan, you must complete a minimum of 75 hours of state-approved training before you can sit for the certification exam, and at least 16 of those hours must be completed in a clinical setting working directly with patients.

Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements

Before enrolling in a program, confirm you meet Michigan's eligibility criteria:

• Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
• Education: A high school diploma or GED is required.
• Background check: A criminal history screening is mandatory. Certain convictions may affect eligibility.
• Health screenings: Programs typically require a TB test and up-to-date immunizations before clinical rotations begin.

These requirements are set by the LARA Bureau of Community and Health Systems, the state body that oversees nurse aide training and certification.

Step 2: Complete a State-Approved Training Program

Your program must be approved by the state and include at least 75 total training hours, with a minimum of 16 classroom hours and 16 clinical hours embedded in that total. Most programs in the Brighton and Livingston County area meet or exceed these minimums. Coursework covers patient care skills, infection control, communication, and residents' rights.

Step 3: Pass the Michigan Nurse Aide Competency Exam

After completing your program, you have a 24-month window to pass the Michigan Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation, administered by D&S Diversified Technologies through its Headmaster testing platform. The exam has two parts: a written knowledge test and a hands-on skills demonstration. The exam fee is $175, and you are allowed up to three attempts. Failing to pass within the 24-month window means returning to a training program before testing again.

Step 4: Get Listed on the Michigan Nurse Aide Registry

Once you pass, you are added to the Michigan Nurse Aide Registry (MI-NATES), which is how employers verify your credentials.¹ Michigan participates in the federal Nurse Aide Registry, which means your certification can transfer to other participating states through a reciprocity process, making your credential more portable if you relocate.

Renewal and Continuing Education

Certification must be renewed every 24 months. To qualify for renewal, you need to have worked at least 8 hours as a paid nurse aide during the renewal period and completed 12 hours of continuing education annually. As of March 23, 2026, required CE topics include abuse, neglect, and care plan training. The renewal fee is $40.

Questions to Ask Yourself

How to Pay for CNA Training: Scholarships, Grants, and Payment Plans

CNA training in Michigan is already one of the most budget-friendly paths into healthcare, costing between $800 and $2,000¹, but you can dramatically reduce or even eliminate out-of-pocket expenses by tapping into state, federal, and employer programs. Here is how.

Michigan Works! and WIOA Funding

Michigan Works! agencies are your first stop for workforce development grants. Through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), eligible individuals can receive full funding for CNA tuition, textbooks, uniforms, and even testing fees.² Additional support may cover transportation and childcare during training.¹ To qualify, you must be a Michigan resident, registered with Michigan Works!, and meet income or employment criteria, such as being unemployed or underemployed.² Start by visiting the Michigan Works! Southeast service center (serving Livingston County) in Howell, near Brighton. Register as a job seeker, schedule an intake appointment, and bring proof of residency, income, and ID. Once accepted into an approved CNA program, the agency will set up an Individual Training Account (ITA) to pay the costs.¹

State Scholarships and Federal Aid

Michigan Achievement Skills Scholarship awards up to $2,000 to recent high school graduates or GED earners (2023 or later) who are Michigan residents and do not already hold a college degree.² Apply through the MISSG portal by selecting your training provider and program.² Michigan Reconnect provides up to $1,500 for adults 21 and older without a degree at participating institutions.³ If your CNA program is credit-bearing at a community college, you may also qualify for a federal Pell Grant. Additionally, Medicaid CNA Training Reimbursement pays your full training cost if your first CNA job is at a Medicaid-participating facility within 12 months of certification.²

Employer-Sponsored Training and Tuition Reimbursement

Many long-term care facilities and hospitals in the Brighton area offer free training or tuition reimbursement in exchange for a 6- to 12-month employment commitment. For example, Trilogy Health Services and local hospital systems frequently cover $1,000 to $2,000 of costs.³ Ask prospective employers about these programs during your job search or training enrollment. They often have immediate openings for trained CNAs.

Making Your Plan

Because application deadlines and award amounts vary¹, contact Michigan Works! Southeast early to understand your options. Combine multiple sources if needed: use a state scholarship for tuition and employer reimbursement for testing fees, for instance. By stacking these resources, you can start your CNA career with minimal financial burden.

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Top CNA Programs for Michigan Students: Ranked by Affordability and Outcomes

Below are the top CNA programs serving Brighton, Michigan students. These rankings consider program quality, affordability, and outcomes to help you choose a pathway that aligns with your career goals and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions About CNA Training in Brighton

Still have questions? Here are answers to the most common queries about becoming a CNA in and around Brighton, Michigan. From costs and timelines to admission requirements, we’ve covered the essentials to help you get started.

1. How much does CNA training cost in Brighton?

   In Brighton and nearby areas, CNA program costs typically range from $600 to $2,000. Health Care Solutions & Career Group offers a $600 program.¹ Assist 1 Medical Center charges $815,² and Oakland Community College ranges from $1,600.³ You may also encounter exam fees of around $175.

2. How long does it take to become a CNA in Michigan?

   Most CNA programs in Michigan can be completed in 2 to 8 weeks, depending on the schedule and school. Accelerated daytime courses may finish in as little as two weeks, while part-time or evening tracks stretch over eight weeks. All programs include at least 75 hours of clinical training to meet state requirements.

3. Can I take CNA classes online or in the evenings near Brighton?

   Yes, several schools near Brighton offer evening and hybrid options. While the clinical portion must be done in person, some programs allow you to complete theory coursework online. Evening classes are popular for students balancing work or family commitments. Check with each provider for specific scheduling options.

4. What are the admission requirements for CNA programs?

   Admission requirements are generally straightforward. You must be at least 16 years old. A high school diploma or GED is often recommended but not always required. Some programs may ask for a TB test, proof of immunizations, and a valid ID. Always confirm specific prerequisites with the school you plan to attend.

5. Do I need to pass a background check to become a CNA in Michigan?

   Yes, all CNA candidates in Michigan must pass a criminal background check, which typically costs $10-$65. This is required before you can take the state competency exam and be listed on the Michigan Nurse Aide Registry. The exam itself is administered by Headmaster/TMU and costs $175.

6. Where can I find financial aid for CNA training?

   Financial aid options include the Michigan Achievement Skills Scholarship, which covers tuition for eligible short-term programs.⁴ Many schools also offer payment plans, and some employers may sponsor your training. Additionally, you can explore grants through workforce development agencies like Michigan Works! or check with the school's financial aid office.