Lake Michigan College CNA Program

Lake Michigan College’s Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) program in Benton Harbor, Michigan provides comprehensive training for individuals seeking to start a career in healthcare. This seven-week, state-approved program equips students with essential skills to provide basic care and assist patients with daily activities like eating and bathing. Whether you’re a recent high school graduate looking to enter the medical field or an adult learner seeking a career change, the nurse aide classes at Lake Michigan College offer a supportive learning environment with hands-on training opportunities.

Students in this program benefit from a structured curriculum that combines classroom learning with practical clinical experience. Upon successful completion, graduates receive a Certificate of Completion and become eligible to apply for the Michigan Nurse Aide Certification Exam. This certification opens doors to employment opportunities in long-term care facilities, assisted living centers, and other healthcare settings where CNAs work under the direction of registered nurses.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Length: 7 weeks (98 hours total)
• Cost of Program: $850 class fee (includes class and lab materials, textbook, and workbook)
• Accreditation: Approved by the State of Michigan
• Additional Costs: $107 for Complio Portal Access (background check, drug screen, health record compliance tracking), $125 for Michigan Nurse Aide Certification Exam, approximately $50 for black scrub pants and tennis shoes
• CNA Program Schedule: Classes meet three days per week for four hours each session, with options for morning or evening classes

CNA Training Structure

The Lake Michigan College CNA program provides comprehensive training through a well-structured curriculum that prepares students for success in healthcare settings.

Classroom Learning

Students attend in-person classes three days a week during the first six weeks of the program. These classroom sessions focus on building theoretical knowledge and understanding of nurse aide responsibilities. Classes may be offered in morning or evening formats to accommodate different schedules.

Laboratory Experience

The program includes hands-on laboratory training where students practice essential skills in a controlled environment before applying them in clinical settings. This lab work is integrated with the classroom sessions during the first six weeks of the program.

Clinical Experience

During the seventh week of the program, students participate in four days of clinical experience at an area long-term care facility. This hands-on training allows students to apply their skills while working with actual residents under supervision. Clinical shifts vary depending on location, instructor, and clinical site.

Admission Requirements

Lake Michigan College’s CNA program has the following admission requirements:

• Minimum age of 17 years old
• No high school diploma or GED certificate required
• Entrance testing is no longer required for CNA enrollment or participation
• Background check and drug screen required after enrollment (directions provided by Health Sciences Office)
• Health records including vaccinations and TB test required before clinical experience

Students who are currently employed in healthcare are exempt from completing a background check, drug screen, and from providing health records up front, but must provide documentation verifying employment.

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

Lake Michigan College offers flexible scheduling options to accommodate various student needs:

• Classes meet three days per week for four hours each session
• Morning or evening class options available
• Classes held at multiple locations: LMC Benton Harbor campus, LMC South Haven Campus, and the Allegan Tech Center
• Clinical shifts vary depending on location, instructor, and clinical site
• Daily attendance is mandatory

For specific class schedules, start dates, and availability, students can access current CNA class schedules, registration forms, and class calendars from the LMC Health Sciences Google Drive.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

Program Costs

The total estimated cost for the Lake Michigan College CNA program includes:

• Class Fee: $850 (includes class and lab materials, textbook, and workbook)
• Complio Portal Access: $107 (includes background check, drug screen, and health record compliance tracking)
• Michigan Nurse Aide Certification Exam: $125 (paid when applying through the Michigan Nurse Aide Registry)
• Additional Expenses: Approximately $50 for black scrub pants and tennis shoes for clinicals, plus healthcare costs associated with physical exam, vaccinations, and testing (costs vary)

Payment Options

Students must pay the full amount of the class fee within 7 business days of registration or before the start of class, whichever comes first. Payment options include:

• Cash
• Credit/debit card (subject to 2.5% processing fee)
• Check (payable to Lake Michigan College)
• Third-party payment from employers, Michigan Works!, West Michigan Works!, or other agencies

Financial Aid Information

The CNA program is part of Lake Michigan College’s Extended Education class offerings and is not eligible for federal financial aid. However, students may be eligible for support through services like:

• Michigan Works!
• West Michigan Works!
• State of Michigan Reconnect
• Employer sponsorship

Students should contact these agencies directly for information about eligibility and deadlines.

How to Apply

To enroll in Lake Michigan College’s CNA program, follow these steps:

1. Download the CNA Registration Packet from the LMC Health Sciences Google Drive
2. Fill out the CNA consent form and the CNA registration form
3. Email the completed documents to the LMC Health Sciences Office at [email protected], or bring the forms to their office at the Benton Harbor campus in C-103
4. Pay the class fee within 7 business days of registration or before the start of class
5. After registration, follow the provided instructions to set up an account in the Complio Portal and complete the background check, drug screen, and health record requirements
6. Await confirmation email after registration is processed

Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. If a class is full, you will be notified and provided with alternative options, if available.

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

• Institution name: Lake Michigan College
• Address: 2755 E Napier Ave, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
• Health Sciences Office: C-103
• Phone Number: 269-927-8768
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.lakemichigancollege.edu/academics/certified-nurse-aide

Additional Locations:

• LMC South Haven Campus
• Allegan County Area Technical Education Center (ACATEC), also known as the Allegan Tech Center

Additional Resources

• CNA Registration Packet: Available for download from the LMC Health Sciences Google Drive, this packet contains all necessary forms and information for enrollment
• Course Schedules and Calendars: Current CNA class schedules, registration forms, and class calendars can be accessed from the LMC Health Sciences Google Drive
• Health Certification Form: Required for clinical placement, this form must be signed by a healthcare provider

Summary and Next Steps

Lake Michigan College’s CNA program in Benton Harbor, Michigan offers a comprehensive, seven-week pathway to becoming a Certified Nurse Aide. With its state approval, flexible scheduling options, and hands-on clinical experience, the program thoroughly prepares students to provide quality patient care and pass the Michigan Nurse Aide Certification Exam.

The program’s reasonable cost of $850 includes all class materials, textbooks, and workbooks. While traditional financial aid isn’t available for this non-credit program, various payment options and potential third-party funding sources can help make this career path accessible to a wide range of students.

Before you decide, make sure you’re choosing the right CNA program for your goals.
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