How to become an STNA in Ohio

How to become an STNA in Ohio

Nurse Aides can be found all over the country, but the requirements vary slightly per state. Below is our guide on how to become a State Tested Nurse Aide in Ohio.

In Ohio, the average STNA class costs $593 and is 3 weeks long. The exam costs $104 ($78 for skills and $26 for written). Average starting salary ranges based on where in the state you are, but is around $17-19/hour.

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What is the difference between an STNA and CNA?

State Tested Nurse Aides, or STNAs, are the same as CNAs in other states. Ohio just decided to go with the STNA name. STNAs help residents in assisted living facilities, nursing homes, hospitals, and even at home with activities of daily living (ADLs). This includes helping them eat, bathe, and monitor their overall health.

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Where does an STNA work?

STNAs can work in many different kinds of environments. STNAs in Ohio most commonly work at nursing homes, also called skilled nursing facilities. However, hospitals and assisted living facilities are also common. Some STNAs work in home health or staffing agencies.

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What are the requirements to become a STNA in Ohio?

• Complete state-recognized training - Ohio STNA programs are the shortest in the country, requiring only 75 hours: 59 hours of class lectures and 16 hours of clinicals. Lectures may be done online, but clinicals must be done in person at a partner nursing home. For more information, check Ohio’s Frequently Asked Questions.
• Pass a background check - STNA schools run a county background check before class. To start an STNA class, candidates can’t have pled guilty or been convicted certain crimes, including those involving theft, violence, or drug possession. You can view the full list of disqualifying violations. 
• Have required documents - You need a Social Security Card (if a resident of the US) or an ITIN Number (if not a resident of the US). High School Diplomas/GED are not usually required, but some STNA schools in Ohio ask for them. Some schools may require other documents as well, including: a TB test, state ID, vaccination records, a physical exam.‍
• Pass the exam - In Ohio, STNAs have a four-month grace period before they have to pass the exam. The state exam is run by D&S Diversified Technologies. The exam has a multiple-choice knowledge component and one for practical skills.

Where can I find STNA classes in Ohio?

You can view classes by city in Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Toledo, and Akron. You can also view upcoming STNA class dates via those links.

Or, view the full list of state-approved STNA classes in Ohio.

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How do I register for an STNA exam? 

After you complete your 75-hour STNA training, your school will register you for the state exam or you can register through D&S directly. The Ohio STNA exam costs $104. If you want to take the multiple-choice portion of the exam orally, the exam costs an additional $10. 

If you have any issues or need to reschedule your exam, you can contact D&S at:

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Phone: (877) 851-2355

E-mail: [email protected]

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You can take the exam up to 3 times. If you are not able to pass within 3 tries, you will need to retake your STNA class. Each retake costs $26 for the written portion ($36 if oral) and $78 for the clinical portion.

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How do I prepare for my STNA exam?

Your STNA school will provide you with different materials, such as videos and practice tests, to prepare for the exam. D&S also posted some practice exams. Finally, we also recommend checking out Youtube videos to study for the skills portion of the exam, although be sure to look for Ohio-specific videos. 

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How do I get a job as a STNA? 

In Ohio, you can work for up to 4 months before you have to pass the state exam. To check for your STNA licensure status, go to the nurse aide registry. 

You can start applying to STNA jobs while you’re in class, but many employers like to see students who have passed their exam. Many students use job boards such as Indeed, Monster, and Ziprecruiter to look for roles. You can also work at the facility where your clinicals were, your local hospital, or facilities that your STNA school recommends. 

You can also create a profile on the Dreambound Candidate Portal, where employers are actively looking to hire STNAs.