What are the requirements to be a caregiver in Michigan?

Oct 21, 2025 4 min read •

senior care Healthy Aging Career

According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), the demand for qualified caregivers continues to rise. Understanding what are the requirements to be a caregiver in Michigan is the first step toward a fulfilling career helping seniors and others in need. This guide will break down the rules by caregiver type and program, so you can navigate the path to certification with confidence.

Quick Summary

Caregiver requirements in Michigan vary by role and program, with minimum age, background checks, and training mandates depending on whether you are pursuing a certified medical role like a Home Health Aide or a non-medical position through a private agency or the Home Help Program.

Key Points

Diverse Pathways: Caregiver requirements in Michigan vary greatly depending on the specific role, from highly regulated CNAs to unregulated private-pay aides.
CNA Certification: Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) requires completing a 75-hour state-approved training program, passing a competency exam, and undergoing a background check.
Non-Medical Care: No state-mandated training or certification exists for private-pay, non-medical caregivers, though employers typically set their own standards.
Home Help Program: Paid family caregivers under the Medicaid-funded Home Help Program must be at least 18, pass a background check, complete program-specific training, and register in the CHAMPS system.
Background Checks: A criminal background check is a standard requirement for nearly all paid caregiver roles in Michigan to ensure the safety of vulnerable clients.
Continuing Education: Certified roles like CNAs and HHAs have ongoing continuing education requirements to maintain their status and stay current with best practices.

Navigating Caregiver Roles and Requirements

Becoming a caregiver in Michigan involves a crucial first step: understanding that the requirements are not one-size-fits-all. The rules depend entirely on the specific type of caregiving role you pursue. Whether you're interested in working for a certified home health agency, providing private-pay services, or becoming a paid family caregiver through a state program, the pathways differ significantly. This section will help clarify those distinctions, which are key to meeting the right qualifications.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Requirements

For those seeking a professional medical caregiving role in Michigan, becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is the most common path. This role involves more extensive training and a state-administered exam. To become a CNA, you must meet the following requirements:

Complete a State-Approved Program: Prospective CNAs must complete a minimum of 75 hours of state-approved training. This program combines classroom instruction (at least 43 hours) with hands-on clinical training (at least 32 hours).
Pass the Competency Exam: After completing the training, candidates must pass both a written (or oral) exam and a practical skills evaluation. This exam tests knowledge and hands-on ability in areas such as basic patient care, safety, and infection control.
Pass a Background Check: A criminal background check, often including fingerprinting, is required before you can work with vulnerable populations.
Complete Health Requirements: Many programs require proof of a negative TB test and updated immunizations.

Home Health Aide (HHA) Requirements

In Michigan, Home Health Aides (HHAs) must meet specific federal and state standards, especially when working for agencies that receive Medicare or Medicaid funding. HHAs require similar training to CNAs.

75 Hours of Training: A minimum of 75 hours of training is required, including classroom and clinical components, to comply with federal standards.
Annual Continuing Education: Once certified, HHAs must complete at least 12 hours of continuing education annually to maintain compliance.

Non-Medical and Private-Pay Caregiver Requirements

For those providing non-medical services, such as companionship, meal prep, or light housekeeping, the requirements are different. The state of Michigan does not mandate formal certification or training for private-pay caregivers. However, this does not mean there are no standards to uphold.

Agency vs. Private-Hire: If you work for a private home care agency, that agency will set its own training standards and requirements, which can include background checks, CPR/First Aid certification, and specialized training modules.
Experience vs. Training: While prior experience is not always necessary, completing a training course can significantly increase your marketability and provide a solid foundation of skills. Many online platforms and community colleges offer courses specifically for non-medical aides.
Background Checks: Reputable agencies and clients hiring privately will still require a background check to ensure the client's safety.

Michigan Home Help Program for Family Caregivers

Michigan's Home Help Program allows eligible family members to be compensated for providing care to a Medicaid-eligible loved one. This program has its own set of rules.

Recipient Must Qualify: The care recipient must be a Michigan resident, eligible for Medicaid, and need assistance with at least two activities of daily living (ADLs).
Caregiver Eligibility: The caregiver must be at least 18 years old and pass a criminal background check.
Spouse Ineligibility: Crucially, a legal spouse of the care recipient cannot be paid under this program.
Program-Specific Training: Caregivers must complete required training modules and register in Michigan's Community Health Automated Medicaid Processing System (CHAMPS) to be paid.

Comparison of Caregiver Roles in Michigan

To illustrate the differences, here is a comparison table outlining the key requirements for each type of caregiver role in Michigan.


Feature	Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)	Home Health Aide (HHA)	Non-Medical / Private-Pay	Home Help Program (Family Caregiver)
Training	Minimum 75 hours, state-approved program	Minimum 75 hours, federal standard for Medicare/Medicaid	Agency-dependent; no state mandate for private-hire	Program-specific training modules required
Certification	Required; must pass state exam	Required for Medicare/Medicaid agencies	Not state-mandated; optional certifications available	Not certified, but must register in CHAMPS
Background Check	Yes, criminal background check and fingerprinting required	Yes, typically required by agencies	Varies by employer/client; highly recommended	Yes, criminal background check required
Continuing Education	Yes, 12 hours annually for renewal	Yes, 12 hours annually for compliance	Not state-mandated; often recommended by agencies	No state mandate; ongoing professional development encouraged
State Oversight	Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)	Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)	MDHHS for some programs; varies otherwise	MDHHS manages the program and registration

The Importance of Training

Regardless of your specific role, training is invaluable. For non-medical caregivers, while not legally required, professional development courses can provide essential skills and a competitive edge. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is the primary regulatory body for various state-funded caregiving programs. For medical roles like CNAs, the state partners with Prometric for testing and certification. You can find additional resources and information from reputable sources to help you stay current on best practices, patient safety, and communication techniques.

For more detailed information on specific training programs, including continuing education, you can consult the official Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) website.

Conclusion

Understanding what are the requirements to be a caregiver in Michigan is a necessary first step towards a fulfilling career in senior care. By identifying the specific role you wish to pursue, you can accurately determine the necessary training, certification, and registration steps. Whether you become a certified CNA for medical care, a Home Health Aide for a federally funded agency, or a private-pay or family caregiver, meeting the proper qualifications is essential for ensuring high-quality, safe, and professional care for Michigan's aging population.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, state certification is not required for non-medical, private-pay caregivers in Michigan. However, it is mandatory for certified medical roles like Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and Home Health Aides (HHAs) who work for federally funded agencies.

Home Health Aides (HHAs) working for Medicare or Medicaid-certified agencies must complete a minimum of 75 hours of training, including both classroom and clinical instruction, to meet federal and state requirements.

Yes, you can be a paid caregiver for a family member through the Michigan Home Help Program, as long as the care recipient is eligible for Medicaid and meets certain criteria. Spouses are not eligible for payment.

Background checks are required for all certified medical caregivers and paid family caregivers through the Home Help Program. Reputable private agencies will also require them for non-medical roles.

To become a CNA in Michigan, you must complete a state-approved training program of at least 75 hours, pass a competency evaluation (written and practical), and meet state requirements for background checks and health screenings.

Certification from another state generally does not transfer directly to Michigan. You will likely need to follow Michigan's specific process for training and certification, though prior experience and training may be considered by licensing authorities.

You can find information on CNA programs through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). Many community colleges, vocational schools, and healthcare training centers offer state-approved courses.

References

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.