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Frequently Asked Questions
Everything Detroit Students Ask
Before Enrolling
Below are the questions we hear most often from prospective students, families, and caregivers across all our programs — CNA training, Phlebotomy, BLS certification, Skills Refresher, and the Michigan Home Help Program.
If you don’t see your question here, call us at 313-979-1669. We’d rather answer it directly than have you guess.
General Enrollment & School
Where is Gentle Hands of Integrity located?
We're at 2470 Collingwood Street, Suite #108, Detroit, MI 48206. Free street parking is usually available. We're open Monday–Friday, 8 AM–4 PM, and Saturdays by appointment.
Do I need a high school diploma or GED to enroll?
No. None of our programs require a diploma or GED to start. You'll need to be at least 17 (for CNA) or 18 (for Phlebotomy), have a valid photo ID, and pass a TB test.
How do I apply?
Submit an application online or call us. Once your application is received and the $50 application fee is paid, we'll contact you within 1–2 business days to confirm eligibility and walk you through next steps.
Is the $50 application fee refundable?
No — the application fee is non-refundable. It covers the administrative work of processing your enrollment, regardless of whether you start the program.
How long does it take to start a class after I apply?
Most students begin within 1–2 weeks of completing payment. Exact timing depends on the next available cohort and your scheduling preference.
CNA Training Program
How long does CNA training take?
Our in-class program is 2 weeks (Monday–Friday, 8 AM–4 PM). The hybrid program is 3 weeks with online lectures and scheduled in-person skills sessions. Both meet Michigan's 75-hour state minimum and include 80 hours of total instruction.
What's the difference between the in-class and hybrid programs?
The in-class program is full-time, in-person, and structured. The hybrid program lets you do the theory online at your own pace and come in for hands-on skills labs. In-class works better for full-time students. Hybrid works better for working adults and parents.
Do you teach all 17 Michigan-tested CNA skills?
Yes. Every Michigan state-tested skill is covered with hands-on practice and real-time correction from our instructors.
Who administers the Michigan CNA exam?
Headmaster (D&S Diversified Technologies) is the official testing provider for Michigan. The state recently moved from Prometric to Headmaster. After you pass, your name is added to the Michigan Nurse Aide Registry (MI-NATES).
How much does CNA training cost?
In-class tuition is $700. Hybrid is $800. Both have a $50 non-refundable application fee. Self-pay students may qualify for additional sponsor credits. Michigan Works and the Michigan Achievement Skills Scholarship may cover full tuition for qualifying students.
What if I fail the skills portion of the exam?
Our Skills Refresher Class is built specifically for this. Four hours of focused practice, real-time correction, and review of all 17 state-tested skills. Most students who take it pass on their next attempt.
Phlebotomy Technician Program
How long is the phlebotomy program?
4 weeks — a hybrid combination of online theory and weekly in-person skills lab and clinical sessions in our Detroit center.
How much does the phlebotomy program cost?
Tuition Only is $800. All-Inclusive is $1,575. A reduced self-pay rate of $750 is available for students paying with no external funding. The national certification exam fee is included in both options.
Do I need prior healthcare experience?
No. Most phlebotomy students come in with no healthcare background. Everything is taught from the ground up.
How many blood draws will I do during training?
You'll complete 50 successful supervised blood draws — the clinical benchmark for national certification.
Which national certification exam will I take?
We'll guide you toward the right exam for your career goals. Most graduates sit for the NHA (National Healthcareer Association), ASCP, or NPA certification exams. The exam fee is included in your tuition.
Where do phlebotomy graduates work?
Hospitals, diagnostic labs (Quest, LabCorp), plasma donation centers, blood banks, doctor's offices, urgent care centers, and mobile phlebotomy services.
BLS Certification
What's the difference between the initial BLS class and the renewal class?
The initial class is 4 hours and is for first-time certification or for anyone whose card has fully expired (even by a day). The renewal class is 4 hours and is for currently-certified providers refreshing before expiration. Renewal is cheaper, but only valid while your card is still active.
How long is my BLS card valid?
Two years from the date of completion. The American Heart Association issues the card directly.
Is your BLS course AHA-aligned?
Yes. We teach to the most recent AHA guidelines, including all updates.
Will my employer accept this BLS card?
Almost all Michigan hospitals, nursing programs, and healthcare employers require an AHA-issued BLS card. A Red Cross or generic CPR certificate often isn't accepted, even when the same skills are taught. If you're unsure, confirm with your employer before booking.
Do you offer online BLS certification?
Yes. The blended HeartCode® BLS option lets you complete the theory online (through the AHA, purchased separately) and finish with an in-person skills check at our Detroit center.
Skills Refresher Class
Who should take the Skills Refresher class?
Students retaking the Michigan CNA skills test, first-time test takers who want extra reps, or CNAs returning after a gap who need to rebuild muscle memory.
How long is the class?
4 hours, hands-on, in our Detroit center.
Do I need to bring a skills partner?
Yes. Skills are practiced on a partner — bring a classmate, friend, or family member. If you can't bring one, call before booking and we'll work it out.
Will this guarantee I pass my exam?
No class can guarantee a pass, but the entire session is built around the small execution habits that decide pass or fail on the Michigan rubric. Most students who take this class come out significantly more prepared than they walked in.
Michigan Home Help Program
What is the Michigan Home Help Program?
A Medicaid-funded program run by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services that allows family members, friends, or trusted individuals to be paid for providing daily care to a loved one at home — instead of moving them to a nursing facility.
Can I really get paid to care for my own family member?
Yes. If your loved one qualifies for Medicaid and needs help with daily living activities, you can be approved as their paid caregiver. Exceptions: legal spouses and parents of children under 18 typically cannot be the paid caregiver.
Who qualifies for Home Help services?
The care recipient must be a Michigan resident, enrolled in Medicaid, and need help with daily living activities (verified through an MDHHS assessment). The caregiver must be 18+, pass a background check, and be able to assist with daily living activities.
How much do family caregivers get paid?
Pay rates vary by the recipient's insurance plan but generally range from $17 to $20+ per hour for caregivers in Michigan. The exact rate depends on the Medicaid plan.
How many hours of care does the program cover?
Most participants qualify for up to 180 hours of care per month, with additional hours available based on individual need as determined by MDHHS.
Does it cost anything to apply for Home Help?
No. The application process and enrollment are 100% free. There are no out-of-pocket costs.
What if I don't have a family member who can be the caregiver?
You can choose a trained caregiver from our network of certified CNA graduates. We're a healthcare training center, so we can connect families with someone trained, vetted, and ready to provide care.
Funding & Financial Assistance
What is the Michigan Achievement Skills Scholarship?
A Michigan state scholarship that may cover up to $2,000 per year of career training costs for recent high school graduates. Apply through michigan.gov/mistudentaid.
Does Michigan Works cover the cost of training?
Yes — Michigan Works – Wayne County may cover full tuition for approved participants. We’re a partner provider, so we can help you check eligibility before you pay anything.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. For most programs: $50 application fee, $400 deposit before or at orientation, then split installments through the program. We work with single parents, second-shift workers, and students between jobs to find arrangements that work.
Can my employer pay for my training?
Some Detroit-area healthcare employers will sponsor employees into our programs. Ask your HR department, or contact us and we’ll help structure the arrangement.
Certification, Renewal & Transfers
How do I renew my Michigan CNA certification?
Renew through Headmaster CNA Registry Services. You’ll need a completed renewal form, proof of at least 40 hours of paid CNA work in the prior 24 months, and the $40 renewal fee. As of March 2026, renewals also require 12 hours of continuing education annually, including training on abuse, neglect, and care plan development.
What if my CNA certification has lapsed?
If less than 24 months have passed without paid CNA work, you may be able to reactivate through Headmaster. After 24 months of inactivity, you’ll need to re-test.
Can I transfer my CNA certification from another state?
Yes. Michigan offers reciprocity for out-of-state CNAs in good standing. Apply through Headmaster, submit proof of your active certification, and pay the $40 reciprocity fee. Call us if you need help navigating the process.
Class Logistics
What should I bring on my first day?
Your ID, completed paperwork, scrubs (we provide details at orientation), and a willingness to learn. We’ll cover specifics during your orientation call.
What's the dress code?
Scrubs during clinical and skills sessions. For CNA students, we provide purple scrubs as the program uniform. For Phlebotomy, the program uniform is black scrubs.
Are class sizes large?
No. We keep cohorts small so every student gets real attention from the instructor. Skills practice doesn’t scale — attention does.
What happens if I have to miss a class?
Talk to us directly. We’ve worked with students through everything from childcare issues to family emergencies. There’s almost always a way to keep you on track.
Refunds & Cancellations
What's your cancellation policy?
You can cancel in writing within 3 business days (excluding weekends and holidays) to be eligible for a refund, minus any processing fees. The $50 application fee is always non-refundable.
Can I withdraw mid-program?
Yes. Submit a written withdrawal notice with your last date of attendance. You’ll have 45 days to complete the program.
Will I get a refund if I fail the state exam?
Tuition covers training, not the exam outcome. We help every student prepare thoroughly, and if you don’t pass the skills portion, our Skills Refresher Class is built specifically to get you ready for your retake.