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
Explore Healthcare Careers on March 12
Join us for our health sciences open house and learn how OCC can help you turn your passion for healthcare into a rewarding career.
Register for Health Sciences Open HouseProgram Information
- Application Deadline: March 20, 2026
- Cohort 9: April 6 - June 4, 2026
- Days/Times: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, 5 - 9 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!.
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.
- 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.
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.