CNA Classes & Programs in Ohio
- CNA (STNA) Programs in Ohio: At-a-Glance
- Why Become a CNA (STNA) in Ohio?
- How STNA Certification Works in Ohio
- CNA Curriculum & Clinical Training in Ohio
- How Long Does it Take to Become an STNA in Ohio?
- Do Online CNA/STNA Programs Exist in Ohio?
- 2026 Fastest CNA Training Program Options in Ohio
- 2026 Affordable CNA Training Program Options in Ohio
- Ohio CNA Employment and Wages
- Finding the Right STNA/CNA Program in Ohio
- CNA vs Other Healthcare Roles in Ohio
- 2026 Updated List of Ohio Schools Offering CNA Classes
- Latest Articles & Guides
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), called State Tested Nurse Aides (STNAs) in Ohio, are essential caregivers in hospitals, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, and home health settings across the state. From Cleveland and Columbus to smaller rural communities, STNAs support patient comfort, safety, and daily living activities while working under the supervision of licensed nurses.
Ohio’s CNA/STNA training pathway is structured to be hands-on, skill-driven, and workforce-ready, making it one of the quickest and most inexpensive ways to enter healthcare.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- Ohio’s STNA training and testing requirements
- Classroom vs. clinical hour expectations
- What CNA programs teach in Ohio
- Typical completion timelines and cost ranges
- How to choose a strong STNA training program
CNA (STNA) Programs in Ohio: At-a-Glance
| Category | Ohio STNA Information |
| Minimum training hours required | 75 hours (state-approved) |
| Clinical requirement | Yes – supervised clinical practice required |
| Certification exam | Ohio STNA Competency Evaluation |
| State registry | Ohio Nurse Aide Registry |
| Typical program length | Around 4–10 weeks |
| Typical total cost | $700–$1,800+ depending on provider |
| Average CNA Salary in Ohio | High $30k range |
Why Become a CNA (STNA) in Ohio?
Ohio's healthcare system includes major hospital networks, long-term care facilities, and rehabilitation centers that rely heavily on STNAs. The state's aging population and demand for extended care services mean nurse aides remain in steady demand. Employment opportunities are especially strong in:
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Rehabilitation centers
- Hospital medical-surgical units
- Home health services
For many, becoming an STNA provides early clinical experience and a stepping stone toward LPN or RN programs.
How STNA Certification Works in Ohio
Here's the Ohio certification process in clear stages:
Stage 1: Training
Complete a state-approved STNA training program totaling at least 75 hours, including classroom instruction and supervised clinical experience.
Stage 2: Testing
Pass the Ohio STNA Competency Evaluation, which includes:
- A written (or oral) knowledge exam
- A hands-on skills demonstration
Stage 3: Registry Placement
After passing the exam, you are added to the Ohio Nurse Aide Registry, which authorizes you to work as an STNA.
Stage 4: Maintaining Status
To remain active, STNAs must meet employment requirements or requalify per state rules.
Learn more about CNA certification.
CNA Curriculum & Clinical Training in Ohio
Ohio STNA training emphasizes real-world care scenarios.
| Learning Area | Skills Developed |
| Resident Care Basics | Safety, infection control, patient rights |
| Personal Care Assistance | Hygiene, mobility, feeding support |
| Observation Skills | Vital signs, reporting changes |
| Workplace Communication | Team interaction and professionalism |
| Clinical Practice | Supervised care in healthcare facilities |
Clinical training occurs in person at approved facilities and is required to meet Ohio's minimum hour rule.
How Long Does it Take to Become an STNA in Ohio?
Most Ohio STNA programs take 4 to 10 weeks. Completion time depends on:
- Full-time vs. part-time study
- Class scheduling (day/evening/weekend)
- Clinical rotation availability
Do Online CNA/STNA Programs Exist in Ohio?
Fully online CNA certification programs are not approved in Ohio, though some online components may be available.
- Hybrid options may offer online lectures
- All clinical and hands-on training must occur in person
- In-person clinicals are required to qualify for testing and registry listing
2026 Fastest CNA Training Program Options in Ohio
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Career and Technology Education Centers of Licking County |
|
|
| Central Ohio Technical College |
|
|
| Cincinnati State Technical and Community College |
|
|
2026 Affordable CNA Training Program Options in Ohio
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Belmont College |
|
|
| Eastland-Fairfield Career and Technical Schools |
| - |
| Edison State Community College |
|
|
Ohio CNA Employment and Wages
STNAs in Ohio earn wages that vary by facility type and region, with hospitals and specialized care centers often offering higher pay. Learn more about CNA salaries.
CNA Salary in Ohio
| Location | Total Employment | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 1,388,430 | $39,530 |
| Ohio | 62,360 | $38,570 |
Table data taken from 2024 BLS (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes311131.htm)
Finding the Right STNA/CNA Program in Ohio
Think of this as a decision checklist rather than a list of tips:
- Is the program approved by the Ohio Department of Health?
- Does it include the full 75 hours with supervised clinical training?
- Are clinical sites arranged by the school?
- Do class schedules match your availability?
- Are all fees (books, uniforms, testing) clearly explained?
- Does the school provide exam prep or job placement support?
Programs that clearly answer "yes" to most of these are often stronger choices.
CNA vs Other Healthcare Roles in Ohio
| Role | Entry Speed | Main Patient Contact | Medication Duties | Career Progression |
| STNA/CNA | Very fast | High | No | LPN or RN |
| Medical Assistant | Moderate | Moderate | Limited | LPN/RN |
| LPN | Longer | High | Yes | RN |
| RN | Longest | High | Yes + advanced | APRN/leadership |
CNA/STNA training remains one of the shortest and most inexpensive ways to start a healthcare career in Ohio. For career advancement, explore nursing schools in Ohio and consider a CNA to RN program pathway.
2026 Updated List of Ohio Schools Offering CNA Classes
Canton, OH
Ross College-Canton
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing Assistant Training Program
Campus Based - Website
- 2-week comprehensive training
- 6.5 clinical training hours
- Campus-based practical instruction
- Skills for multiple healthcare settings
- Prepares for state certification exam
Cincinnati, OH
Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Nurse Aide Training Certificate (NATC)
Campus Based - Website
- 75-hour certificate program.
- Ohio Department of Health approved.
- Leads to Certified Nurse Aide exam.
- Hands-on clinical rotations required.
- Simulated lab training included.
- Available at two campus locations.
- Minimum age 16 for admission.
- FBI and BCI background checks required.
Cleveland, OH
Cuyahoga Community College District
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- Ohio Department of Health approved program.
- Classes at Metro and Westshore campuses.
- Meets Ohio educational requirements.
- Non-credit workforce training program.
- Requires valid social security card.
- U.S. government ID required.
- Clinical experience included.
- COVID-19 vaccination required.
Valley College-Cleveland
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Campus Based - Website
- Nursing Assistant (CNA) Certificate
- Career-driven training programs
- Programs range 6 weeks to 16 months
- Campus-based program type
- Financial aid available for qualified
- Job placement assistance provided
- Instructors with industry experience
- Personalized assistance every step
Columbus, OH
Columbus State Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Nurse Aide Certificate (CNA)
Campus Based - Website
- 76-hour course length.
- 60 hours classroom/lab.
- 16 hours clinical preparation.
- Meets Ohio training requirements.
- Eligible for state testing.
- Gateway to nursing programs.
- Campus-based program.
- Columbus and Dublin campuses.
Dayton, OH
Sinclair Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Nurse Aide NAST.S.STC
Campus Based - Website
- 4 credit hour program.
- Short-term certificate.
- Campus-based instruction.
- Meets Ohio state requirements.
- 75-hour training program.
- Includes clinical training.
- Prepares for STNA certification.
- Career opportunities in healthcare.
Groveport, OH
Eastland-Fairfield Career and Technical Schools
- Certificate/Diploma - State Tested Nurse's Aide (STNA)
Campus Based - Website
- State Tested Nurse's Aide program.
- Campus-based training.
- Hands-on clinical experience.
- Meets Ohio certification requirements.
- Prepares for healthcare employment.
- Certificate/Diploma - State Tested Nurse?s Aide (STNA)
Campus Based - Website
- State Tested Nurse Aide program.
- Campus-based training in Ohio.
- Prepares for state certification exam.
- Hands-on clinical experience included.
- Classroom instruction provided.
- Teaches patient care skills.
- Covers vital signs monitoring.
- Includes patient hygiene training.
Jefferson, OH
Ashtabula County Technical and Career Campus
- Certificate/Diploma - State Tested Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- 80 total program hours
- Evening classes Monday-Thursday
- Two Saturday clinical sessions
- $645 tuition and fees
- Textbooks and workbooks included
- Uniform reimbursement provided
- BCI background check covered
- State exam fee included
Lima, OH
James A. Rhodes State College
- Certificate/Diploma - Nurse Assistant Certificate
Campus Based - Website
- One-semester program length.
- Campus-based learning format.
- Includes 16-hour clinical component.
- Requires health records submission.
- Eligible for state CNA exam.
- Based on Ohio health standards.
- CNA Coordinator available for support.
- Focus on basic patient care skills.
Lisbon, OH
Columbiana County Career and Technical Center
- Certificate/Diploma - CNA - Certified Nurse Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- 86-clock hour program
- Meets Ohio Department of Health requirements
- Includes clinical experience
- Day and evening schedules available
- Prepares for CNA examination
- High school diploma or GED required
- TB test required before class
- COVID vaccination or testing needed
Mansfield, OH
North Central State College
- Certificate/Diploma - State Tested Nurse Assistant Certificate
Campus Based - Website
- 6 total credit hours
- Flexible course scheduling
- Ohio Board of Health certification
- Partners with career centers
- Includes CPR training
- Clinical skills development
- Healthcare career pathway
Marion, OH
Marion Technical College
- Certificate/Diploma - Nurse Aide Training (STNA) [External Certification]
Campus Based - Website
- Prepares for STNA certification.
- Includes classroom, lab, clinical.
- Requires background check.
- Costs include tuition, fees.
- High school students eligible.
- Leads to healthcare jobs.
- Ohio Department of Health approved.
- No course prerequisites.
Nelsonville, OH
Tri-County Adult Career Center
- Certificate/Diploma - State Tested Nurse Aide
Campus Based - Website
- 82-hour comprehensive program.
- Campus-based hands-on learning.
- Prepares for Ohio certification exam.
- Total cost approximately $853.
- Covers essential nursing skills.
- Expert instructor guidance.
- State-of-the-art facilities.
- Eligible for Adult Diploma Program.
Newark, OH
Career and Technology Education Centers of Licking County
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nurse Aide (CNA)
Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based program
- Ohio state certification
- Hands-on clinical training
- Entry-level healthcare preparation
- Patient care skill development
- Vital signs monitoring training
- Infection control education
- Daily living assistance skills
Central Ohio Technical College
- Certificate/Diploma - State Tested Nurse Aide
Campus Based - Website
- 3.5 credit hours.
- On-campus format.
- Open enrollment admissions.
- No financial aid eligible.
- Talent Ready Grant available.
- 16 years or older required.
- TB test prerequisite.
- Background check required.
Niles, OH
ETI Technical College
- Certificate/Diploma - State Tested Nurse Aide
Campus Based - Website
- Prepares for Ohio State Test.
- Tuition cost $850 total.
- Payment plan available.
- Campus-based program.
- 10 classroom days.
- 2 clinical days.
- Weekday class schedule.
- High school diploma required.
Perrysburg, OH
Owens Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Nurse Assistant Training/Home Health Aide Certificate
Campus Based - Website
- 75-hour state-approved training
- 16 hours clinical training
- 59 hours lecture/skills lab
- Ohio Department of Health approved
- Prepares for state competency exam
Piqua, OH
Edison State Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training
Campus Based - Website
- Accelerated CNA training
- Local classroom & clinical environment
- Experienced instructors
- High job demand locally
- Quick workforce entry
Sandusky, OH
Sandusky Career Center
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant (STNA)
Campus Based - Website
- 76-hour program length.
- Three-week focused schedule.
- Campus-based training.
- Total cost $810.
- Includes state exam fee.
- Tuition $646.25.
- Fees and supplies $163.75.
- Classroom days Monday-Wednesday.
Springfield, OH
Clark State College
- Certificate/Diploma - Nurse Aide Short-Term Technical Certificate
Campus Based - Website
- 84-hour course duration
- Ohio Department of Health regulated
- 100% attendance required
- 4 credit hours total
- Campus-based program format
- Multiple location availability
- Health requirements needed
- Criminal background check required
St Clairsville, OH
Belmont College
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nurses Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- Fast-track training program
- Campus-based instruction
- Total upfront cost $1,101.70
- Requires background checks
- Two-step TB test needed
- Free admissions application
- High school transcripts required
- Prepares for state testing
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