What is an Acute Care Nursing Assistant?

An Acute Care Nursing Assistant, also known as a Patient Care Technician or Nursing Assistant, is a healthcare professional who provides basic care and support to patients in acute care settings, such as hospitals, emergency rooms, and intensive care units. Their duties may include tasks like taking vital signs, assisting with personal care, and helping patients with mobility and daily activities.

Training Requirements

To become an ACNA in Michigan, you'll need to complete a state-approved training program. These programs typically include both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training, covering topics such as patient care, medical terminology, and infection control. The training can take anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks to complete, depending on the program.

Acute Care Nursing Assistant Classes in Detroit

Here are some examples of ACNA classes available in the Detroit area:

Wayne County Community College District

• Location: Detroit, MI
• Length: 8 weeks
• Cost: $999
• Requirements: High school diploma or GED, criminal background check, and a physical exam
• Overview: This program provides comprehensive training in acute care nursing assistant skills, including patient care, infection control, and medical terminology. Students will complete both classroom and clinical training, and upon successful completion, will be eligible to take the state certification exam.

Henry Ford College

• Location: Dearborn, MI (just outside Detroit)
• Length: 6 weeks
• Cost: $850
• Requirements: High school diploma or GED, criminal background check, and a physical exam
• Overview: This accelerated ACNA program is designed to prepare students for a career in acute care settings. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including patient rights, communication, and emergency procedures. Students will gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations in local healthcare facilities.

Detroit Medical Center

• Location: Detroit, MI
• Length: 4 weeks
• Cost: $750
• Requirements: High school diploma or GED, criminal background check, and a physical exam
• Overview: As a leading healthcare provider in the Detroit area, the Detroit Medical Center offers an ACNA training program that combines classroom instruction with practical training in their own facilities. This program is designed to prepare students for the state certification exam and immediate employment in the field.

Exploring a Career in Acute Care Nursing Assistant Outside Detroit

If you're dreaming of being an ACNA but find yourself in a different state, fear not—your dreams are still achievable. You might find your path to becoming an ACNA in locations such as Baton Rouge, Hartford, Ogden, Rochester, or Winston. And if these don't match your current location, Dreambound simplifies the journey by helping you easily search and compare ACNA classes using just your zip code. With commitment and the right resources like Dreambound, entering healthcare is possible from anywhere.

Online and Free Options

While in-person ACNA classes are the most common option in Detroit, there are also some online and free training opportunities available:

Online ACNA Training

• Several online schools, such as Ashworth College and Penn Foster, offer ACNA programs that can be completed entirely online. These programs provide the same core curriculum as in-person classes, but with the added flexibility of being able to study at your own pace.

Free ACNA Training

• The Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation (DESC) occasionally offers free ACNA training programs for eligible individuals. These programs are designed to help underemployed or unemployed residents of Detroit gain the skills and certification needed to secure a job as an ACNA.

Certification Process

After completing an ACNA training program, the next step is to obtain your certification. In Michigan, this involves passing the Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation, which consists of a written exam and a skills demonstration. Once you've passed the exam, you'll be added to the state's Nurse Aide Registry, which is required to work as an ACNA in Michigan.

Job Environment in Detroit

The job outlook for ACNAs in Detroit is quite promising. As a major healthcare hub, the city is home to numerous hospitals, nursing homes, and other acute care facilities that are constantly in need of skilled nursing assistants. Some of the largest potential employers for ACNAs in Detroit include:

• Henry Ford Health System
• Detroit Medical Center
• Beaumont Health
• Ascension St. John Hospital
• Sinai-Grace Hospital

ACNAs in Detroit can expect to work in a fast-paced, high-intensity environment, providing direct patient care and support to healthcare teams. The job can be physically and emotionally demanding, but also highly rewarding for those who enjoy working in the healthcare field.

Final Thoughts

If you're interested in becoming an Acute Care Nursing Assistant in the Detroit area, there are plenty of training opportunities available to help you get started. Whether you choose an in-person program, an online course, or a free training option, you'll be on your way to a fulfilling career in the healthcare industry. With the right skills and certification, you can become a valuable member of the patient care team and make a real difference in the lives of those you serve.

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