CNA Certification in Ohio

How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Ohio

Becoming a CNA in the state of Ohio means getting training from a program approved by the Ohio Department of Health, which is the agency that also oversees the state CNA registry. They work with D&S Diversified Technologies to get formal certification exams graded and reported. In Ohio, a CNA is also known as an STNA or “state tested nurse aide”, and though you will see them referred to by both acronyms they all have the same certification process.

Eligibility Requirements

Before you can be enrolled in certified nursing assistant certification training, you have to meet specific eligibility requirements that include:

You must be 18 or older;You must possess your high school diploma or have gotten a GED;You must undergo health screening that shows you are suitable for the work and that you are drug and TB free; andYou will have to submit fingerprints and have a criminal background check.

Once this part is finished, the candidate is accepted and enrolled in the program for their CNA certification in Ohio.

Applying for CNA Certification in Ohio

CNA certification in Ohio does not always mean participation in a training program. Currently, the following candidates can just sit for the exam or apply directly to the registry:

Lapsed CNAs who attended approved training; orReciprocity candidates who have CNA certification from another state and are in good standing.

Additionally, state guidelines make further allowances for those with evidence of valid training, but without an academic background.

Should the candidate require access to an approved program, they will find that all community colleges, technical schools, vocational schools, and Medicare approved nursing facilities have approved programs.

Ohio CNA certification programs require a minimum of 75 hours divided between 16 clinical hours and the remainder in classroom hours. Once the mandatory hours are done, the candidate applies for the exam. They arrange this through the D&S Diversified website, or by downloading the forms. The exam always consists of 79 multiple choice questions and a practical skills evaluation. It can be done as a written exam or provided as an oral exam if needed.

Costs

CNA certification training in Ohio costs between $600 and $2000 depending upon the location, and usually requires four months or more to complete. The testing fees are separate and these currently are:

Written: $24
Oral: $34
Skills: $76

FAQ

The following issues are those which many candidates frequently need to know:

In Ohio you must pass your exam within 24 months of testing and within three attempts. If you do not pass both parts within two years of your first testing date and within three attempts, you will be required to retrain and retest;Ohio CNA certification is valid for two years, and a certificate has to be renewed by demonstrating employment as a CNA for a minimum of 7.5 or eight paid hours (in a forty-eight-hour period) during the last twenty-four months;In this state a CNA candidate is permitted to work for 120 days if already participating in an approved training program; andUnder federal laws when a candidate is employed by (or has an offer) from a Medicare approved nursing home, they cannot pay for their own training or testing.

Helpful Resources around the Web

Ohio Department of Health
Bureau of Information and Operational Support
246 North High Street
Columbus, OH 43215-2412
In Ohio only (automated system): 1-800-582-5908
Web: http://www.odh.ohio.gov/odhprograms/io/nurseaide/nurseaide1.aspx

D&S Diversified Technologies LLP
333 Oakland Avenue
Findlay, OH 45840
Local 419-420–1605
Toll Free 877-851-2355 — Web
Web: www.hdmaster.com