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, 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.

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. Attend an information session to learn more.

Program Information

Cohort 3:  January 13, 2025 - March 6, 2025 (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., plus clinical rotations)

  • Application Deadline:  December 20, 2024
  • Location:  Southfield Campus
  • Length of Program:  3-12 weeks, depending on class schedule
  • 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:  Ascension, Corewell Health, Henry Ford Health System, McLaren, and Trinity

Application Requirements

Paperwork will ONLY be accepted no earlier than 90 days before the program start date. 

  • Background check - 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. 
  • Drug screen - A rapid urine 5-panel drug screen with negative results are required.
  • Note:  This test screens for marijuana, opiates, cocaine, amphetamines, and phencyclidine. An at-home test is not sufficient.
  • 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
    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 

100% pass rate on the Michigan Nurse Aide Exam


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. 

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