Certified Nursing Aide/Patient Care Technician

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, phlebotomy and assisting with non-controlled medication administration.

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 who is trained with PCT background, generally have a wider skillset and have higher starting wages. It can serve as a good foundation if you are looking to transition into nursing or other healthcare positions.

Note:  We also offer a Certified Nursing Aide (CNA) training program. A certified nursing aide without the PCT background generally have less job responsibilities.

  • Average entry-level wage range:  $15 - 25 per hour

Free Training Available to Qualified Candidates

We have partnered with Oakland County Michigan Works! to offer this training for free to qualified candidates candidates. Attend an information session to learn more.

Program Information

  • Cohort 1:  July 8 - August 1, 2024 (Monday to Thursday, 9 am - 5pm, plus clinical rotations)
  • Application Deadline:  June 28, 2024
  • Location: Southfield Campus
  • Value:  $1,800
  • Note:  The Certified Nursing Aide and CNA/PCT training programs are offered on a rotating basis. An earlier training date maybe available with the other program. 

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. 
  • Certification: Following completion of this program, individuals will have the classroom knowledge required to sit for the Michigan Nurse Aide and 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: Details coming soon

Application Requirements

  • Background check
  • Drug screen
  • Basic math & reading test - requirement for Michigan Works application process
  • Negative Tuberculosis clearance (TB Test)
  • Immunizations:  2 MMR, 2 Varicella, 3 Hepatitis B, Tdap, seasonal Influenza, and up-to-date COVID-19

100% pass rate on the Michigan Nurse Aide Exam


Start the Application Process

If you’re interested in an allied health short-term training program, please complete the form below to start the application process. An OCC representative will be in contact with you soon with details about next steps.

*Note: Indicates a required field.

Have you ever been an OCC student?*
Program of interest
Preferred payment method**Payment is due the week prior to the start of class