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Becoming a CNA in Ohio

Becoming a State-Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA), also known as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), in Ohio is an excellent step toward entering the healthcare field. Ohio uses the STNA title, but the role is essentially the same as a CNA in other states. The process includes meeting eligibility requirements, attending a training program, passing the certification exam, and maintaining your certification.

Let’s go over the steps to becoming a CNA/STNA in Ohio in detail, providing all the information you need to get started.

Steps to Become a STNA in Ohio

Meet Basic Requirements: Addressing the age, health, and background criteria for STNA program admission and certification.

Attend a School: Enroll in an approved STNA training program and complete the required classroom and clinical hours.

Pass the STNA Exam: Information on the structure and content of the Ohio STNA exam, including preparation tips and what to expect on exam day.

Certification Registration and Upkeep: How to register as an STNA in Ohio and keep your certification active through renewals.

1. Meet Basic Requirements

Before applying to a State-Tested Nursing Assistant program in Ohio, you must ensure that you meet the following basic eligibility requirements. These prerequisites are designed to ensure that candidates are prepared for the responsibilities of the role.

Eligibility Criteria:

Age Requirement: You must be at least 16 years old.

Education: A high school diploma or GED is recommended, although not always required by all programs.

Physical Health: Candidates must be in good physical health to handle the duties of an STNA, which can include lifting patients and being on your feet for long periods.

Immunizations: Proof of up-to-date immunizations is required, including vaccinations like TB and Hepatitis B.

Background Check: You will need to pass a criminal background check. This step ensures that candidates meet safety and legal standards for working with vulnerable populations.

Be prepared to submit fingerprints and other identification documentation as part of this process.

Meeting these requirements will allow you to enroll in a State-Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) training program in Ohio.

2. Attend a School

After meeting the basic eligibility requirements, the next step is to attend a state-approved STNA training program. The Ohio Department of Health oversees these programs, which are offered through community colleges, vocational schools, and some healthcare facilities.

STNA Program Overview:

Ohio requires a minimum of 75 hours of training for STNA certification.

59 hours of classroom instruction and skills training.

16 hours of clinical hands-on experience, where you’ll work directly with patients under the supervision of a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or a Registered Nurse (RN). During this training, you’ll learn important skills, such as:

Basic Nursing Skills: Including taking vital signs, moving patients, and maintaining patient hygiene.

Infection Control: How to prevent the spread of infections in healthcare settings.

Safety and Emergency Procedures: What to do in case of a fire, natural disaster, or medical emergency.

Patient Care: Providing personal care to residents, including bathing, dressing, and feeding.

Mental Health: Understanding how to care for patients with mental health needs, such as those with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

Program Length:

Most STNA programs in Ohio can be completed in 4 to 12 weeks, depending on whether you choose a full-time or part-time schedule. Some schools even offer accelerated programs that allow you to complete the course in as little as 4 weeks.

Program Costs:

The cost of STNA programs varies but typically ranges from $500 to $1,500. This usually covers tuition, textbooks, supplies, and other fees.

Some employers, like nursing homes, may offer free STNA training if you agree to work for them after completing the certification.

Choosing a Program:

When selecting an STNA program, consider the following:

Accreditation: Ensure the program is approved by the Ohio Department of Health.

Location: Look for a program that is convenient to your home or work.

Schedule Flexibility: Check if the program offers night or weekend classes if you have other commitments.

Clinical Experience: Ensure that the program provides adequate hands-on training at a licensed long-term care facility or hospital.

Featured CNA Programs in Ohio

3. Pass the STNA Exam

After completing your STNA training program, the next step is to pass the Ohio STNA state exam, which is administered by D&S Diversified Technologies. This exam is required to become officially certified and listed on the Ohio Nurse Aide Registry.

Exam Structure:

The STNA exam consists of two parts:

Written Exam: This portion includes 79 multiple-choice questions that test your knowledge of basic nursing skills, infection control, patient safety, and more. You will have 90 minutes to complete the test.

If English is not your first language, you can request to take the exam orally.

Skills Test: In this portion, you will demonstrate 5 randomly selected clinical skills from a list of 25. You will have 35 minutes to complete the skills portion of the test under the supervision of a nurse evaluator. Common skills tested include hand washing, taking vital signs, transferring a patient from bed to a wheelchair, and more.

Passing Score:

To pass, you need to score at least 80% on the skills portion and 80% on the written portion.

Exam Fees:

Here’s a breakdown of the costs associated with the STNA exam:

Written & Skills Evaluation: $100

Oral & Skills Evaluation: $110

Retesting Fees:

Written Retest: $24

Oral Retest: $34

Skills Retest: $76

Preparing for the Exam:

It’s a good idea to take a practice STNA exam to familiarize yourself with the format and type of questions you’ll encounter. Many online resources offer free practice tests, and your training program may also provide review materials to help you prepare.

On Exam Day:

You’ll need to bring the following to your exam:

Two forms of ID: One of which must be a government-issued photo ID.

Original Social Security Card.

Non-skid, closed-toe shoes for the skills test.

A watch with a second hand.

Two No. 2 pencils and an eraser.

You will receive your exam results immediately after completing the test. If you pass, congratulations—you’re now ready to be added to the Ohio Nurse Aide Registry as a certified STNA.

4. Certification Registration and Upkeep

Once you pass the STNA exam, your certification will be registered with the Ohio Nurse Aide Registry, and you can begin working as a State-Tested Nursing Assistant.

Renewal Requirements:

Your STNA certification is valid for 24 months. To keep your certification active, you must:

Complete at least 8 hours of paid nursing-related work during the two-year certification period.

Provide documentation of 48 hours of in-service training during the two-year certification period.

If you fail to meet these requirements, your certification will lapse, and you may need to retake the entire STNA training program and exam to regain your certification.

How to Renew:

You can renew your certification through the Ohio Department of Health by providing proof of employment and in-service training hours. If you’re unsure about the renewal process, your employer may help guide you through the paperwork.

Verification of STNA Certification:

If you are already a CNA in another state and want to transfer your certification to Ohio, you’ll need to submit an interstate application to the Ohio Department of Health. You will also need to complete a background check and possibly retake the state exam, depending on your previous training and work experience.

Summary of STNA Certification Process in Ohio

Requirement	Details
Training Hours	59 classroom hours, 16 clinical hours
Exam Components	Written (or Oral) and Skills Test
Passing Score	80% on both written and skills portions
Exam Fees	$100 for written & skills test, $110 for oral
Certification Validity	24 months
Work Requirement for Renewal	8 hours of paid work in a nursing-related job
In-Service Training Requirement	48 hours of in-service training over 2 years

By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a certified State-Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) in Ohio, starting a rewarding career in the healthcare field.

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676	R & R Employment Inc	https://thejobsquad.com/healthcare	111 Main St	Van Wert	OH	45891	VC98+WH Van Wert, Ohio	(419) 232-2008	40.87	-84.58	40.8698634-84.5835292	Employment agency	1	4.0	0	1	0	0	0	9AM to 4PM	9AM to 4PM	9AM to 4PM	9AM to 4PM	9AM to 4PM	Closed	Closed	More details
1,385	Alia Healthcare Services	https://aliahealthcare.com/	2800 Corporate Exchange Dr STE 410	Columbus	OH	43231	4334+8R Columbus, Ohio	(614) 847-3617	40.10	-82.94	40.1033392-82.9428842	Nursing school	107	2.5	32	8	3	6	58	9AM to 5PM	9AM to 5PM	9AM to 5PM	9AM to 5PM	9AM to 5PM	Closed	Closed	More details
1,386	Briarwood Village	https://briarwood-village.com/	100 Don Desch Dr	Coldwater	OH	45828	F9H5+2F Coldwater, Ohio	(419) 678-2311	40.48	-84.64	40.4775316-84.6412926	Assisted living facility	9	4.0	6	1	0	0	2	8AM to 5PM	8AM to 5PM	8AM to 5PM	8AM to 5PM	8AM to 5PM	Closed	Closed	More details
1,387	Brookhaven Retirement Community	https://brookhavenoh.org/	1 Country Ln	Brookville	OH	45309	RHRV+HV Brookville, Ohio	(937) 833-2133	39.84	-84.41	39.8414373-84.4053656	Nursing home	40	3.3	21	1	1	2	15	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	More details
1,388	Gables Care Center	https://capitalhealthcarenetwork.com/nursing-rehabilitation-centers/gables-care-center/	351 Lahm Dr	Hopedale	OH	43976	83FW+X4 Hopedale, Ohio	(740) 937-2900	40.32	-80.90	40.3248843-80.9047361	Nursing home	16	4.7	14	1	0	0	1	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	More details
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1,392	Eastern Gateway College	https://egcc.edu/	239 Main Street SW	Warren	OH	44481	65MJ+Q6 Warren, Ohio	(330) 480-0726	41.23	-80.82	41.2344936-80.81941																More details
1,393	Flint Ridge Nursing and Rehabilitation	https://flintridgehc.com/	1450 W Main St	Newark	OH	43055	2GWV+JW Newark, Ohio	(740) 348-1300	40.05	-82.46	40.0465126-82.4552154	Nursing home	98	4.7	81	10	4	0	3	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	More details