A comprehensive guide to the Michigan CNA Registry: From application to renewal
Welcome to the gateway for becoming a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant or Nurse Aide) in Michigan! The Michigan CNA Registry serves as the authoritative hub, ensuring the qualification, competence, and adherence to standards for all CNAs in the state. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get on the Michigan CNA Registry and essential details for maintaining an active status.
Requirements to get on the Michigan CNA Registry
Fees
The application process costs $20 which needs to be paid via the MI-NATES System. Effective March 7, 2024, the biennial fees for registration or renewal to practice as a nurse aide will be $40.
Minimum Age
Enrollment in a CNA training program does not have a minimum age requirement, however, many training schools require you to be at least 17 years old. Additionally, there is a minimum age for employment as a CNA that should be considered. While employers in Michigan typically avoid hiring CNAs who are under 18 years old due to specific legal requirements, there are instances where individuals aged 16 or 17 may be employed.
Minimum Education
Admission requirements for nurse assistant programs vary by school but typically include being at least 17 years old, a recent negative TB (Tuberculosis) test, a clear criminal background check, and English literacy. Additional criteria may involve having a high school diploma or GED, with some schools requiring applicants to be at least 18 years old.
Training Requirements
To qualify you must complete a permitted training program in Michigan.
Competency Test
To be certified on the Michigan Nurse Aide Registry, you must complete a state-approved training program and after finishing the program, register with Headmaster to arrange both the written/oral and clinical skills exams.
Background Check
Many programs as well as employers require you to submit a clear criminal background check.
Applying to appear on the Michigan CNA Registry
Where to apply
To apply as a Nurse Aide in Michigan, you need to create a MILogin account, and then request access to MI-NATES (Michigan Nurse Aide, Training, and Enforcement System) to complete your user profile. Finally, to submit the application, you need to pay the $20 registration fee via the MI-NATES system.
For support, read the Account Setup Guide, the MI-NATES user guide for Nurse Aides, as well as the Michigan Certified Nurse Aide Registry FAQ’s.
Required Documentation
You will need to upload the required documentation during the application process, including proof of having met the training requirement and passed the competency examination.
Restrictions
If you have any findings against you, these will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and you must provide all information required by the Registry.
Processing Time
Processing time varies. While it can take a few weeks, it often goes faster.
How to keep your license on the Michigan CNA Registry
Stay Active
The certification period is for 24 months, and you must renew every 2 years by providing verification that you have worked a minimum of 40 hours during the 24-month time frame. Starting March 23, 2026, nurse aides must submit proof of completing at least 12 hours of annual continuing education within their renewal period, as per Rule 400.315. This education should focus on maintaining competence and include training on abuse, neglect, and care planning.
Renew
To renew your application, you must:
- Login to your MI-NATES account and submit a renewal application.
- Upload proof of employment providing nursing or nursing-related services for monetary compensation (for at least 40 hours in the last 24 months).
- Pay the renewal fee of $40 (effective March 7, 2024; previously it was $20).
Note:
- Starting March 23, 2026, you will also need to submit proof of completing at least 12 hours of annual continuing education.
- Make sure your contact information is accurate in the MI-NATES system, so that you will receive the electronic renewal notice to your email 45 days before your certificate expires.
- Processing time varies, which is why it is encouraged to submit your renewal request and payment as soon as possible after receiving the renewal notice (but not earlier than 45 days before the certification expiration date). A certificate must be renewed before the expiration date listed on the current certificate, otherwise it expires and you won’t be able to work as a Nurse Aide anymore.
Reactivate your expired license
If the certification expires, you will then still need to follow the standard renewal process and requirements. However, if you won’t be able to meet the requirements anymore or it has been more than 24 months since your certificate lapsed, you must retake a state-approved Nurse Aide training course and competency examination.
Michigan CNA reciprocity
For those seeking reciprocity, additional information can be found on our Michigan CNA Reciprocity page.
Michigan Registry and contact details
Link to Registry: https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bchs/nurse-aide-registry
Link to license lookup: https://nurseaideregistry.apps.lara.state.mi.us/
Contact information Nurse Aide Registry Michigan:
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Community & Health Systems, Nurse Aide Workforce Section
Email: BCHS-CNA-Registry@michigan.gov
Phone: 517-284-8961
