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In Ohio, state-tested nurse aides (STNAs) are under the jurisdiction of the state Department of Health. If you wish to become one, you must meet this department’s requirements: take STNA classes, apply, and pass the examination. Here’s how to get started on this career path.

A Guide to STNA Requirements in Ohio

1. Training

The easiest and most common route is to take a state-approved training course for STNA classes. These programs require a minimum of 75 hours, and after the first 16, you may begin interacting with residents. You will learn a variety of subjects, including safety, personal care, infection control, mental health, residents’ rights, cognitive impairment, data collection, communication, basic nursing skills, disease process, role and responsibility, and more.

If you are an out-of-state certified nursing assistant (CNA), you can instead submit a request for reciprocity. You must prove that you have completed the training and testing that meets the federal curriculum requirements and that you’re in good standing on the out-of-state registry.

You may also be eligible for application if you have had at least one year of recent experience as a hospital orderly or aide. Nursing students may take their test if they are enrolled in an approved program, and their coursework has included infection control, personal care, and safety and emergency procedures.

2. Application

STNA classesOnce you have completed STNA classes, you can apply for registry placement—you apply for your exam and placement at the same time. Include a copy of your training certificate to prove completion.

3. Examination

If you’re accepted, you have three attempts to take and pass the Ohio nurse aid competency evaluation. The test is split into two parts: knowledge and skills. The knowledge test can be written, oral, or digital, and the fee to take it varies depending on which method you choose. The skills test requires candidates to demonstrate five proficiencies—selected at random from the 25 skills listed in the candidate handbook—within 35 minutes. To pass, you must score at least 80% on each competency and perform all the essential steps.

 

Great Oaks Career Campuses is a distinguished career and trade school with affordable tuition in the Greater Cincinnati, OH, area. Their state-approved STNA classes will teach you all the skills you need to pass your exam and succeed in your career. Learn more about their full-time career training online, or call to speak with a representative. To reach the Diamond Oaks Campus, call (513) 574-1300; for the Laurel Oaks Campus, call (800) 752-5480 or (937) 382-1411; for the Live Oaks Campus, call (513) 575-1900; or for the Scarlet Oaks Campus, call (513) 771-8810.

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