A three-week employer-paid STNA course and a full-semester community college program both prepare for the same state test as part of the CNA to RN pathway, but cost and obligation differ sharply.
Ohio's nursing assistant workforce totals more than 63,000, and the credential path can be completed in as little as 3 to 4 weeks.
In Ohio, CNA and STNA are interchangeable labels for one credential: the state uses State Tested Nurse Aide for the role many states call certified nursing assistant. Ranked programs, tuition spans, free training agreements, online limits, metro wages, and allied health to RN bridge programs all follow from that choice. Employer-backed seats dominate nurse aide training and generally require a six- to twelve-month work agreement.
Best STNA Programs in Ohio for 2027
If you are comparing STNA programs across Ohio, these 14 schools offer some of the most practical mixes of cost, completion, and access we tracked for 2026. Take the time to confirm schedule, location, and any extra costs for yourself, since every program structures fees differently. Graduation rates shown for each institution reflect the whole college, not the nurse aide course alone.
How we ranked these
- Median graduate debt
- Net price after aid
- Graduation rate and completion
- Program format availability
- Original research on individual programs
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
- College Scorecard post-completion earnings data — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- In-house program catalog data
Cuyahoga Community College District
#1Cleveland, OH · $4,000/yr (net price)
Best for: Cleveland residents seeking county-funded training
Tri-C offers an Ohio Department of Health approved Certified Nursing Assistant program with classes at its Metro and Westshore campuses in Cleveland. The non-credit workforce format is built for quick entry into hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and assisted living, and clinical experience is part of the training. Funding help is a real draw: workforce scholarships, Cuyahoga County partnerships for income-eligible residents, and a MetroHealth scholarship that favors employees and core community residents.
- Ohio Department of Health approved program
- Classes at Metro and Westshore campuses
- Clinical experience included
- Workforce scholarships and county funding available
- Background check through American Databank
- Non-credit workforce training program
- COVID-19 vaccination required
North Central State College
#2Mansfield, OH · $5,000/yr (net price)
Best for: Career-center students wanting an associate-degree pathway
North Central State College delivers its State Tested Nurse Assistant certificate as a flexible, 6 credit hour program taught in partnership with regional career centers around Mansfield. Students enroll in linked STNA courses rather than following the regular college calendar, and the program includes CPR training and clinical practice. Because the credits apply toward the Health Services Technology AAS, it works for students who want a quick credential without closing the door on a degree.
- 6 total credit hours
- Flexible course scheduling
- Off-campus training at regional career centers
- Includes CPR training
- Credits apply toward Health Services Technology AAS
- No entrance exam required
Belmont College
#3St Clairsville, OH · $7,000/yr (net price)
Best for: Ohio-West Virginia border commuters starting nursing prerequisites
Belmont College keeps its Certified Nurses Assistant track transparent about cost: total upfront expenses run about $1,102, including tuition, fees, materials, and the state test. The course doubles as a formal prerequisite for Belmont's nursing programs, so it can be step one toward an ADN. Along the Ohio-West Virginia border, nearby West Virginia residents may also qualify for reciprocity pricing on the nurse aide course.
- Total upfront cost approximately $1,101.70
- Free admissions application
- Serves as a prerequisite for nursing programs
- Fingerprint-based state and federal background checks required
- Two-step TB test required
- West Virginia residents may qualify for reciprocity tuition
Sinclair Community College
#4Dayton, OH · $4,000 – $9,000/yr
Sinclair's Nurse Aide short-term certificate is a single 4 credit hour course built around Ohio's 75 hour training and competency requirement, with clinical hours supervised by experienced registered nurses. It is positioned as a stackable first step: students can continue into the Patient Care Technician pathway that serves Dayton area hospitals. The college also keeps connections with local healthcare employers for job leads after certification.
- 4 credit hour program
- 75-hour curriculum meeting Ohio requirements
- Supervised clinical training included
- Pathway to Patient Care Technician certificate
- Partnerships with local healthcare employers
- Prepares for STNA certification
Eastland-Fairfield Career and Technical Schools
#5Groveport, OH · $16,000/yr (net price)
Eastland-Fairfield is one of Ohio's largest career and technical districts, and its adult STNA training in Groveport draws students from Franklin, Fairfield, and Pickaway counties. The program combines classroom instruction with hands-on clinical work and prepares graduates for the state certification exam. For students with longer goals, completing the STNA satisfies the nursing assistant prerequisite for Eastland-Fairfield's own Practical Nursing program.
- Hands-on clinical experience included
- Prepares for the state certification exam
- Meets Ohio STNA training requirements
- Serves as a prerequisite for the Practical Nursing program
- Serves adults across Franklin, Fairfield, and Pickaway counties
- Covers vital signs, patient hygiene, and medical terminology
Columbus State Community College
#6Columbus, OH · $5,000 – $11,000/yr
Columbus State's Nurse Aide Certificate is a one class credential that also serves as the gateway to the college's nursing programs, offered in Columbus and Dublin. The 76 hour mix of classroom, lab, and clinical work meets Ohio training requirements and makes graduates eligible for the state test. Working students can pick traditional or blended formats, and experienced hospital aides may be able to bypass the course through a prior learning assessment.
- 76-hour course with 16 clinical hours
- Eligible for state testing
- Gateway to Columbus State nursing programs
- Columbus and Dublin campuses
- Traditional, blended, and evening formats
- Prior learning assessment for experienced aides
- In-state tuition about $549 for the course
Columbiana County Career and Technical Center
#7Lisbon, OH · $12,000/yr
Columbiana County Career and Technical Center runs its CNA training through the adult education division, with 86 clock hours of instruction and clinical time at local nursing facilities. Day and evening schedules make it accessible for working students, and the program reports strong completion and job placement results. Graduates leave ready for the state nurse aide exam.
- 86-clock-hour program
- Day and evening schedules available
- Clinical experience at local nursing facilities
- Reports 98% completion and 80% placement rates
- Prepares for the state CNA examination
- Two eight-hour clinical days
- Covers infection control and resident rights
ETI Technical College
#8Niles, OH · $14,000/yr
ETI Technical College's State Tested Nurse Aide course is designed for a quick turnaround: 10 classroom days and 2 clinical days on a weekday schedule, with total cost of $850 and a two installment payment plan. The program ends with eligibility for the Ohio state test, and the prerequisites come down to a high school diploma or GED, a BCI background check, and a TB test. Qualified local students may also get tuition help through Job and Family Services.
- $850 total course cost
- Two-installment payment plan
- 10 classroom days plus 2 clinical days
- Weekday class schedule
- Prepares for the Ohio state test
- High school diploma or GED required
- Local Job and Family Services funding possible
James A. Rhodes State College
#9Lima, OH · $5,000 – $10,000/yr
Rhodes State's one semester Nurse Assistant Certificate pairs lecture and lab work with a 16 hour clinical component, all aligned with Ohio Department of Health nurse aide standards. Graduates are eligible for the state CNA exam and can use the credential to work in healthcare while continuing toward LPN or RN study. The core course is offered in summer, fall, and spring terms, giving Lima area students several start points a year.
- One-semester program
- Follows Ohio Department of Health standards
- 16-hour clinical component
- Eligible for state CNA exam
- Offered in summer, fall, and spring
- Pathway toward LPN and RN programs
Central Ohio Technical College
#10Newark, OH · $5,000 – $8,000/yr
COTC packs STNA preparation into a 3.5 credit Basic Healthcare Skills certificate available at its Newark, Knox, and Pataskala campuses. Open enrollment means no competitive application, and students who need financial help can apply for a Talent Ready Grant of up to $2,000. The certificate also satisfies the CNA prerequisite for COTC nursing programs.
- 3.5 credit hour certificate
- Campuses in Newark, Knox, and Pataskala
- Open enrollment admissions
- Talent Ready Grant up to $2,000
- Fulfills CNA prerequisite for COTC nursing programs
- One semester to complete
- Age 16 or older to enroll
Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
#11Cincinnati, OH · $5,000/yr
Cincinnati State offers its 75 hour Nurse Aide Training Certificate at Clifton and Evendale, combining simulated lab practice with clinical rotation in long term care settings. The ACEN accredited, Ohio Department of Health approved curriculum leads directly to the state competency exam. Expect required background checks, a TB test, and a minimum admissions age of 16.
- ACEN accredited
- 75-hour program approved by Ohio Department of Health
- Simulated lab training and clinical rotations
- Classes at Clifton and Evendale campuses
- Leads to the state competency exam
- FBI and BCI background checks required
- Minimum age 16
Career and Technology Education Centers of Licking County
#12Newark, OH
The Career and Technology Education Centers of Licking County offers a campus based Certified Nurse Aide program with clinical experience folded into the training. Students build the hands-on fundamentals used in nursing homes, hospitals, and home health settings, from vital signs and infection control to helping with daily living. The curriculum follows Ohio certification requirements and is meant as a direct entry into care work.
- Hands-on clinical experience included
- Covers vital signs and infection control
- Focus on daily living assistance skills
- Meets Ohio state certification requirements
- Prepares for nursing home, hospital, and home health roles
Clark State College
#13Springfield, OH · $4,000 – $8,000/yr
Clark State's 84 hour Nurse Aide Short-Term Technical Certificate is offered at multiple campuses and prepares students for work in long term care, hospitals, home health, and clinics. Finishing the course, which follows Ohio Department of Health rules, puts graduates on the Ohio Nurse Aide Registry. It also checks the nurse aide prerequisite for Clark State's LPN and RN programs.
- 84-hour course duration
- 100% attendance required
- Meets Ohio Department of Health requirements
- Placement on the Ohio Nurse Aide Registry
- Satisfies LPN and RN program prerequisites
- Multiple campus locations
- 4 credit hours total
Ashtabula County Technical and Career Campus
#14Jefferson, OH · ~$10,000/yr (est.)
A-Tech includes just about everything in its $645 State Tested Nursing Assistant price: textbooks, a uniform reimbursement, the background check, and state exam fees. The 80 hour course runs on weekday evenings with two Saturday clinical sessions, a schedule built for students with day jobs. Graduates complete 16 clinical hours under supervision and are ready for Ohio's certification test. More Ohio CNA and STNA programs appear at the bottom of this page.
- $645 tuition covers textbooks, uniform reimbursement, background check, and exam
- 80 total program hours
- Evening classes Monday through Thursday
- Two Saturday clinical sessions
- 16 hours of clinical training
Frequently Asked Questions About Ohio STNA Training
Ohio uses its own terminology and processes for nurse aide credentialing, which can be confusing if you are new to the field or relocating from another state. Below are answers to some of the most common questions prospective and transferring STNAs ask.
What is the difference between a CNA and an STNA in Ohio?
Can you complete CNA classes online in Ohio?
How do I transfer my CNA certification to Ohio from another state?
Steps to Become an STNA in Ohio
Most people complete the entire STNA credentialing process in two to eight weeks, depending on whether they choose a full-time or part-time training schedule. Ohio requires a minimum of 75 hours of state-approved instruction before you can sit for the competency exam. Once you pass and join the Ohio Nurse Aide Registry, you must perform at least eight hours of paid nursing-related work every 24 months to keep your status active.
How Much Do STNA Classes Cost Across Ohio?
STNA training costs in Ohio vary widely depending on the type of institution. Community colleges and vocational schools typically charge between $500 and $2,000 for their nursing assistant programs, while private training centers can exceed $3,000. The table below uses institution-wide average net price after financial aid as reported to the U.S. Department of Education (2024). Keep in mind that the net price shown reflects the overall institutional average and may not match the actual out-of-pocket cost for a short STNA certificate, which is often lower than a full semester of tuition.
| School | City | In-State Tuition | Net Price (After Aid) | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cuyahoga Community College District | Cleveland | $3,249 | $4,266 | Campus |
| North Central State College | Mansfield | $4,624 | $4,687 | Campus |
| Cincinnati State Technical and Community College | Cincinnati | $5,517 | $4,968 | Campus |
| Sinclair Community College | Dayton | $3,675 | $5,992 | Campus |
| Belmont College | St. Clairsville | $4,698 | $6,995 | Campus |
| Edison State Community College | Piqua | $4,499 | $7,142 | Campus |
| Marion Technical College | Marion | $6,595 | $7,417 | Campus |
| Columbus State Community College | Columbus | $5,488 | $8,400 | Campus |
| James A. Rhodes State College | Lima | $4,560 | $8,757 | Campus |
| Ashtabula County Technical and Career Campus | Jefferson | N/A | $9,599 | Campus |
| Central Ohio Technical College | Newark | $5,256 | $9,948 | Campus |
| Owens Community College | Perrysburg | $5,870 | $10,369 | Campus |
| Clark State College | Springfield | $4,393 | $12,135 | Campus |
| Columbiana County Career and Technical Center | Lisbon | N/A | $12,133 | Campus |
Explore other Ohio related topics
Free and Employer-Paid STNA Training Options in Ohio
Employer-funded STNA training has become a leading on-ramp in Ohio as long-term care and hospital-affiliated employers compete for entry-level caregivers. The strongest options are often free, but the tradeoffs vary by location and hiring commitment.
Statewide and regional employer-sponsored programs
Several employers sponsor classes for future employees. CommuniCare Health Academy offers employer-sponsored training at locations statewide. Foundations Health Solutions provides full sponsorship in the Akron area and across the state. Majestic Care advertises 100% free STNA training in central Ohio, while HCF Management Inc. offers free training with hire at western Ohio facilities. Genacross Lutheran Services runs a no-cost program in Toledo and northwest Ohio. Each program sets its own eligibility and employment conditions, so ask whether the offer applies to new hires only.
Cleveland and scholarship-based options
McGregor PACE in Cleveland covers 100% of tuition, books, and exam fees for Cleveland residents, which makes it one of the most complete free options in the region. Ohio's Hospice has offered an STNA scholarship that pays course and test costs while participants are paid during a four-week training period, with locations including Dayton; confirm current start dates before applying. Job Corps offers free STNA training for 16- to 24-year-olds in Cleveland and Dayton, and Washington County Career Center has run no-cost STNA boot camps for Ohio residents 16 and older in the Marietta area. The Reeb Center is another free training resource.
Commitments and costs to verify
Free does not always mean zero expenses. Some programs still leave uniforms or supplies to the student, and work commitments are common, with the required length set by each employer, not the state. Geographic limits are also frequent: McGregor PACE requires Cleveland residency, and many facilities reserve free classes for nearby applicants. ApprenticeOhio lists STNA apprenticeships, but sponsor availability changes, so contact the program directly for current terms.
Can You Take STNA Classes Online in Ohio?
In Ohio, a fully online STNA program does not exist. State rules require 75 hours of training with 16 to 25 hours of clinical care in an Ohio long-term care facility, completed under direct supervision of a primary instructor, RN, or LPN. That clinical portion cannot be done online.
Hybrid Format: Online Theory, In-Person Labs
The classroom or didactic portion may be partially online. Ohio Department of Health guidance permits some online instruction for lectures, but the skills lab and clinical rotation remain hands-on. No state rule allows a fully virtual skills lab, and there is no fixed numeric cap for online classroom hours. Before any resident contact, students must complete at least 16 classroom hours, which may include Nursing Simulation Labs.
Hybrid programs pair online theory with scheduled in-person labs and clinicals. For example, Apollo Career Center in Lima offers a 76-hour hybrid model. Other Ohio technical centers and community colleges use a similar structure.
Avoid Unapproved Fully Online Programs
Be cautious of any program billed as fully online and approved for the Ohio STNA exam. If clinical hours are not completed in a state-approved Ohio long-term care facility, you may not qualify to sit for the state test. Always verify current Ohio Department of Health approval before enrolling.
Ohio CNA Job Market and Major Employers in 2027
Ohio's aging population and expanding home health sector continue to fuel steady demand for certified nursing assistants. With more than 63,000 nursing assistants employed statewide and thousands of openings each year, CNAs remain essential across hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home care agencies. Major healthcare systems such as Cleveland Clinic, OhioHealth, UC Health, and Mercy Health are among the state's largest employers actively recruiting STNAs.
From STNA to LPN or RN: Advancing Your Nursing Career in Ohio
An STNA credential is a launching pad, not a ceiling, and Ohio offers three well-worn paths upward from that first certification.
Three Common Routes
- STNA to LPN: Practical nursing diplomas typically take about 12 months and many Ohio programs award credit or priority admission to applicants with STNA experience, since the clinical exposure translates directly.
- STNA to ADN/RN: Associate degree nursing programs run roughly two years. Several Ohio community colleges and hospital-based schools listed among the Best Nursing Schools in Ohio maintain articulation agreements that streamline admission for working nursing assistants, sometimes waiving prerequisite coursework.
- STNA to BSN: A traditional bachelor's takes about four years, though LPN to BSN bridge programs built for CNAs and LPNs already in the workforce can shorten that timeline considerably.
Why the Climb Pays Off
Each step up tends to bring a meaningful pay jump. Nursing assistants in Ohio generally earn modest hourly wages, while LPNs and RNs see substantially higher median earnings, with RNs often earning close to double what nursing assistants make annually.
For nursing assistants ready to plan the next move, dedicated resources on becoming an RN and pursuing LPN training break down prerequisites, timelines, and Ohio program options in more detail, including the Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Ohio.
More CNA and STNA Programs Across Ohio
This directory gathers additional Ohio nursing assistant programs beyond the ranked list above. All of the schools offer campus-based training, and they are grouped below by region so you can compare STNA options close to home.
Northeast Ohio
- Nursing Assistant Training Program
- Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Northwest Ohio
- Nurse Assistant Training/Home Health Aide Certificate
- Certified Nursing Assistant (STNA)
Central Ohio
- Nurse Aide Training (STNA) [External Certification]
Miami Valley
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training
Southeast Ohio
- State Tested Nurse Aide