STNA Training Classes in Ohio
Become a State Tested Nurse Aide (STNA) in the Buckeye State. Ohio requires 75 training hours (59 classroom and 16 clinical) through state-approved providers. Candidates must pass the competency exam, administered via D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster), to be listed on the Ohio Nurse Aide Registry.
How to Become an STNA in Ohio
75-Hour Training
Enroll in a state-approved program consisting of 59 classroom hours and 16 clinical hours. This foundational training prepares you for direct patient care in licensed facilities.
Compliance Clearances
Submit to a mandatory criminal record check and a physical examination, including a TB test, as required by the Ohio Department of Health before starting clinical rotations.
Headmaster Testing
Register for the STNA competency evaluation through D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster). You must pass both the written knowledge test and the manual skills demonstration.
Registry Placement
Once you pass both parts of the exam, your name is added to the Ohio Nurse Aide Registry. This status makes you legally eligible for hire by healthcare employers across the state.
Biennial Renewal
Keep your license active by performing at least one shift (8 hours) of paid nursing-related work every 24 months. Ohio does not require a fee for registry renewal, making maintenance simple for active aides.
Ohio STNA Salary
State Tested Nurse Aides in Ohio earn an average annual salary of $37,900. Pay scales are significantly higher in the Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati metro areas, where large healthcare systems offer competitive hourly rates and sign-on bonuses for 2026 graduates.
Testing & Clinical Skills
Ohio requires passing the state competency exam administered by D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster). You must demonstrate proficiency in five randomly selected manual skills, such as measuring output or catheter care, to be successfully listed on the state registry.
STNA Certification Guide
Reciprocity & Out-of-State Transfers
If you hold an active CNA license in another state, you may apply for reciprocity through the Ohio Department of Health (ODH). Your home state certification must be in good standing with no findings of abuse or neglect.
Ohio generally grants reciprocity without additional testing if your original training program met federal standards. You must complete the Nurse Aide Registry Out-of-State Transfer Form and pass a BCI background check before you can be listed as an STNA in Ohio.
The 120-Day Working Rule
Under federal and Ohio law, a "Nurse Aide in Training" can work in a licensed long-term care facility for up to 120 days (4 months) while they complete their 75-hour training and testing. During this period, you must be actively pursuing certification.
If you fail to pass the STNA exam within this 120-day window, you must stop providing direct patient care until you successfully pass both parts of the state competency evaluation.
Mandatory Health Screenings
Before beginning the clinical portion (16 hours) of your STNA training, Ohio law requires a physical examination and a 2-step Tuberculosis (TB) skin test. Some facilities may also require proof of COVID-19 and Influenza vaccinations.
These health screenings ensure the safety of both the student and the residents in long-term care settings. Your training provider will typically coordinate these clearances during the first week of class.
BCI & FBI Background Checks
All candidates must undergo a fingerprint-based criminal background check. The Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) check is mandatory; if you have not lived in Ohio for the past five years, an FBI federal check is also required.
Certain "disqualifying offenses," such as felony theft or crimes against vulnerable adults, will prevent you from being listed on the registry and legally working as an STNA in Ohio.
Lapsed Status & Gap in Service
Your STNA status remains "active" as long as you perform at least one 8-hour shift of paid nursing work every 24 months. If you go 24 consecutive months without documenting work, your license is considered "Lapsed."
To reactivate a lapsed license, you must retake the entire 75-hour STNA training program and pass the Headmaster state exam. Ohio does not currently offer a "refresher course" for lapsed aides.
Top STNA Training Schools in Ohio
Akron
Cincinnati
Cleveland
Columbus
Dayton
Toledo
FREE STNA PROGRAMS IN OHIO
| Program & Location | Type | Direct Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Altercare Integrated Health ServicesStatewide / North Canton HQ | Paid Training | (330) 498-8121 |
| Burlington House Healthcare CenterCincinnati | Free Classes | (513) 522-1200 |
| CommuniCare Health AcademyStatewide | Employer Sponsored | (513) 531-0100 |
| Forest Hills Healthcare CenterCincinnati | Free Classes | (513) 231-2223 |
| Foundations Health SolutionsStatewide / Akron | Full Sponsorship | (330) 668-2828 |
| Genacross Lutheran ServicesToledo / NW Ohio | No-Cost Program | (419) 861-4990 |
| HCF Management Inc.Western Ohio | Free with Hire | (419) 228-1145 |
| Majestic CareCentral Ohio | 100% Free Training | (614) 224-2224 |
| McGregor PACE AcademyCleveland / East Side | Full Scholarship | (216) 851-8200 |
| Otterbein SeniorLifeLebanon / Dayton | Paid Training | (513) 932-2020 |
| The Colony Healthcare CenterTallmadge | Free Classes | (330) 633-8581 |
| Three Rivers Healthcare CenterCincinnati | Free Classes | (513) 941-8000 |
| Welcome Nursing HomeOberlin | Free with Hire | (440) 775-1491 |
Free STNA Training in Cleveland
McGregor PACE Academy offers a premier "Earn and Learn" program designed for Cleveland residents. This 100% tuition-free course covers all training costs, books, and testing fees.
Students receive hands-on clinical experience within the McGregor senior care network and are often guaranteed a position upon successful certification.
| County | School Name | Address | Phone |
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No programs found — try adjusting your search.
Ohio STNA Frequently Asked Questions
In Ohio, the term STNA (State Tested Nurse Aide) is used instead of CNA. It signifies that the aide has completed state-mandated training and passed the competency evaluation to be listed on the registry.
Ohio requires a minimum of 75 hours of training. This is typically divided into 59 hours of classroom/lab instruction and 16 hours of supervised clinical experience in a long-term care facility.
The competency evaluation is administered by D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster). Results are typically available through the TMU portal within 24–48 hours.
The average annual salary for an STNA in Ohio is $37,900. Pay scales are generally higher in Columbus and Cleveland due to increased demand in large medical networks.
Ohio registries do not expire if you maintain a "clean" record and perform at least one shift (8 hours) of paid nursing work every 24 months. Ohio does not charge a renewal fee.
Yes. All candidates must undergo a BCI and FBI criminal background check and fingerprinting. Additionally, a physical exam and TB test are required before starting clinical training.
Yes, hybrid programs are permitted. You can complete the theory portion online, but the 16 clinical hours must be completed in person at a state-approved site.
Candidates have three attempts within two years of completing their training program to pass both the knowledge and skills portions of the Headmaster exam.
Yes. CNAs in good standing from other states can apply for reciprocity through the Ohio Department of Health to be added to the STNA registry without retaking the full course.
The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) maintains the registry. You can verify your status online through the ODH Public Search portal.