Points of interest…
- Toledo metro nursing assistants earn $19.09 median hourly wage.
- Maumee-area STNA programs typically cost about $869 in 2027.
- Ohio-approved training plus exam leads to registry listing within weeks.
Ohio requires just 75 hours of state-approved nurse aide training, which is why a Maumee resident can go from first class to an active registry listing in a matter of weeks rather than semesters. The credential carries two names: federally it is a certified nurse aide, while Ohio calls the same worker a State Tested Nursing Assistant, so the Steps to Become a CNA are the same either way.
The tension is rarely the coursework. It is cost versus commitment: an unfunded budget runs several hundred dollars out of pocket, while employer-sponsored cohorts in the Toledo area often cover everything in exchange for working at the sponsoring facility.
Where STNAs Work in Maumee, Perrysburg, and Greater Toledo
Long-term care drives most STNA hiring across the Maumee area, but the full map of jobs stretches from skilled nursing floors to hospital units to patients' living rooms. Knowing which setting fits your goals matters as much as picking a class.
The Big Regional Employers
ProMedica and Mercy Health anchor the Toledo metro's health care job market, and both hire nursing assistants across their hospital and senior-care operations. Around them sits a dense ring of skilled nursing and long-term care facilities in Maumee, Perrysburg, Sylvania, and Toledo: names like Otterbein SeniorLife, Arbors at Sylvania, Scenic Pointe, Swanton Valley, Kingston, Genacross, and Ayden Healthcare of Toledo. Home health agencies add a third lane, hiring aides to care for clients one household at a time.
How the Settings Differ
- Long-term care: The most openings and the usual entry point. Expect several residents per shift and a steady routine.
- Hospitals: Patient care technician roles often prefer candidates with some floor experience, so these can be a step up rather than a first job.
- Home care: More independence and one-on-one work, but more driving between clients.
Pay reflects the setting and shift. Otterbein lists openings starting around $18 an hour, while Arbors at Sylvania advertises $18.25 to $24.59 plus a limited-time sign-on bonus of $2,500 for new full-time hires.
Training, Bonuses, and the Michigan Factor
A few local employers pair hiring with training support. ProMedica runs a free five-week STNA program at its Ebeid Center in Toledo, one of the free CNA training programs in the region; Scenic Pointe offers a 13-day onsite course, one of the fast CNA programs nearby, and Hospice of Northwest Ohio helps cover the state exam fee. We cover these free and paid options in detail below.
One geographic note: Toledo-area aides sometimes commute north toward Monroe County, Michigan, but an Ohio registry listing is what qualifies you for Ohio jobs. If you are open to looking beyond the metro, browse CNA programs in Ohio on our Ohio page.
Evening, Accelerated, and Hybrid STNA Classes Near Maumee
Hybrid or fully in person: that is the first scheduling choice most Maumee-area STNA students face, and both paths end at the same place, an approved clinical site.
Can You Take STNA Classes Online in Ohio?
Partly. Ohio requires at least 75 training hours: 59 of classroom instruction and 16 of supervised clinical practice. Some approved CNA training programs put the theory portion online or use a hybrid schedule. The clinical hours, however, still have to be completed on site at a long-term care facility or other approved location. The amount of theory a program can move online varies, so confirm it with the program and the Ohio Department of Health.
Be wary of ads promising fully online "certification" with no clinicals. Many are continuing-education or temporary-aide courses that do not lead to the Ohio competency exam.
Schedule Formats in the Toledo Area
- Accelerated days: 1st Choice Career Centers advertises a 2-week hybrid format (Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM) with one week online and one in person. The remaining 2026 starts are October 26 and November 30, with no December session. Ask where the in-person week meets.
- Evenings: The same provider lists a 3-week option, Monday to Thursday, 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM. Two weeks are online, and the final in-person week runs during the day.
- Free in-person: ProMedica Ebeid Center in Toledo offers a 5-week in-person program at no cost.
- Low-cost hybrid: Richard Medical Academy in Toledo lists a hybrid course at $400. Verify its Ohio approval before paying.
Other Nursing schools near Toledo Ohio, including Owens Community College and Professional Skills Institute, also train STNAs. Call them directly for current day, evening, or weekend availability.
Ask for Two Start Dates
Evening and weekend cohorts tend to start less often and fill quickly. When you call, ask for the next two start dates so one full class does not push your plans back a month or more.
STNA Training Providers Within Commuting Distance of Maumee
An Ohio-approved nurse aide training and competency evaluation program is a course the Ohio Department of Health has signed off on2: a minimum sequence of classroom hours, skills lab, and supervised clinical time that qualifies you to sit for the state competency exam. Only graduates of an approved program can test and be listed on the Ohio Nurse Aide Registry1, an early step in how to become a nurse. That approval status, not the school's reputation or price, is the single thing worth verifying first.
What is confirmed near Maumee
Maumee itself does not have a confirmed ODH-approved program operating in the city limits.1 The provider we can verify within an easy drive is Owens Community College, a nursing school in Ohio whose Nurse Assistant Training/Home Health Aide Certificate runs out of its Toledo-area campus, a short trip up the road from Maumee and adjacent to Perrysburg. Owens states its STNA coursework is Ohio Department of Health approved2 and prepares students for the Ohio Competency Evaluation Exam. The college is clear that completing the course does not by itself make you a certified nurse aide: you still have to pass the state exam. Attendance is strict, with 100 percent required3, so a single missed clinical day can derail a term.
Admission is a two-step process at Owens.3 You apply to the college first, then submit a separate application to the School of Nursing and Health Professions. Current seat availability and cohort start dates are not published, so call the health programs office before you plan around a specific start.
The three provider types to look for
- Private training centers: Usually the fastest route, with frequent start dates and short schedules. Approval status changes, so confirm each one individually.
- Community college and career-tech programs: Owens falls here. These can carry college credit and may open the door to financial aid, but admission cycles are slower.
- Facility-based programs: Nursing homes and health systems sometimes train their own aides at no cost in exchange for a work commitment.
Verify before you pay
Approval lapses, providers close, and websites go stale. Before handing over a deposit or registration fee, check the program against the Ohio Department of Health's nurse aide resources or call ODH directly.1 If a provider cannot give you its approval number, walk away.
What STNA Training Costs Near Maumee, Fee by Fee
Most Maumee-area STNA programs list tuition separately from the Ohio exam, background checks, uniforms, and supplies. A typical unfunded budget totals about $869 when these are paid out of pocket. Facility-sponsored cohorts can cover every cost, bringing the student bill to $0.
Free STNA Classes in the Toledo Area, and the Federal Reimbursement Rule
Are there free STNA classes near Maumee or Toledo? Sometimes, but usually not as a no-strings gift. Free training in northwest Ohio typically comes from an employer: a nursing facility or health system pays for an approved course, and you agree to work for them afterward. Large systems such as ProMedica and Mercy Health have run aide pipelines in the past, but I could not verify current 2026 terms, locations, or deadlines for either. Call their recruiters and individual nursing homes directly and ask whether a sponsored class is open now.
The Federal Reimbursement Rule
Federal rules (42 CFR 483.152) protect you even if you pay first.3 If a nursing facility hires you, or offers you a job, within 12 months of finishing a compliant program, the cost of training and competency testing must be reimbursed.1 A compliant program runs at least 75 hours, with at least 16 of them supervised practical training.2 If you already have a job or offer when the class starts, the facility cannot charge you for any part of it.3
The rule does not say how fast you get repaid, in one payment or several, or that a facility must hire you. Ohio and individual employers set the process, so ask how it works.
- Keep records: Save receipts for tuition, books, uniforms, background checks, and exam fees.
- Ask early: Request the reimbursement procedure in writing before you accept an offer.
Other Funding Routes
WIOA funding through OhioMeansJobs centers in Lucas and Wood counties may cover training for eligible applicants. I could not confirm current STNA coverage, caps, or approved providers, so contact a local job center and ask whether your chosen course qualifies.
Before You Sign a Work Commitment
Ask how long you must stay, what happens if you leave early, and whether you would owe money back. Get the answers in writing.
Related Articles
What Nursing Assistants Earn in the Toledo Metro
The most recent BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data put the median hourly wage for nursing assistants in the Toledo metro at $19.09, or about $39,700 per year.
How to Become an STNA in Ohio and How Long It Takes
The credential has two names, but the job is one. Federally, the role is a certified nurse aide (CNA). Ohio calls the same worker a State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) because the title comes from passing the state's competency evaluation. Employers, job boards, and the state registry in Ohio almost always use STNA, so that is the term you will see locally.
Training Hours and the Classroom-Clinical Split
Ohio requires you to finish a nurse aide training program approved by the Ohio Department of Health totaling at least 75 hours. Of that, a minimum of 59 hours covers classroom instruction and skills-lab practice, and at least 16 hours are supervised clinical experience inside a long-term-care facility. Many programs run longer than the minimum, but no approved program runs shorter.
The Competency Exam
Ohio's competency evaluation is administered by Headmaster LLP and has two parts: a knowledge exam (taken written or orally, with an audio option available) and a hands-on skills demonstration. You get up to three attempts per component within two years of completing your training. The attempts count separately, so passing one part and failing the other means you only retake the part you missed. Fees vary by component and testing site, and under Ohio rules the registration fee is often paid by the employing long-term-care facility rather than by you.
Getting on the Registry
To be listed on the Ohio Nurse Aide Registry, you must pass both components. Once you do, Headmaster notifies the Department of Health, which adds your name to the registry. Employers verify your active status by checking that registry before hiring, so placement is what makes you employable as an STNA.
Realistic Timeline
Most students finish the coursework and clinicals in a few weeks of full-time study, or longer if classes meet part-time. Add scheduling time to sit for the exam and wait for registry placement, and the full path typically runs several weeks start to finish before some STNAs pursue CNA to LPN Programs.
From First Class to Registry Listing
In Ohio, becoming an STNA follows a clear sequence: state-approved training, a competency exam, and a registry listing. Most students move from first class to an active registry status within a matter of weeks, not months.
Questions to Ask Yourself
Can you commit to a 2-3 week daytime class, or do you need an evening or weekend cohort?
Accelerated daytime courses finish fastest but usually mean stepping away from work. Evening and weekend cohorts stretch the timeline over more weeks, which suits anyone keeping a current job or managing childcare.
Would you rather pay tuition and choose any employer, or train free in exchange for a work commitment?
Employer-sponsored training at a Toledo-area facility can cost nothing upfront, but it typically ties you to that employer for a set period. Paying tuition keeps every job offer open.
Is college credit toward an LPN or RN path worth a longer schedule?
Community college courses can run longer and cost more than a standalone class. If nursing school is your goal, credit that transfers may save time and money later.
Do you have reliable transportation to clinical sites in Toledo, Perrysburg, or Sylvania?
Clinical hours happen at partner facilities, not always near your classroom. Missed shifts from car trouble can jeopardize completion, so map the commute before you enroll.
Top-Ranked Nursing Assistant Programs Near Maumee
Below are the top-ranked nursing assistant programs serving Maumee students. Each entry notes the school’s city and campus-based format so you can weigh commute distance. Standalone private training centers covered earlier may not appear here because the rankings draw on federal college data.
Factors considered
- First-year retention and persistence
- Student-to-faculty ratio
- Accreditation status and approval
- Affordability and program fit
Data sources
- BEA state price parities, used to adjust tuition — bea.gov
- College Scorecard post-completion earnings data — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Program-level records maintained in house
- Original research on individual programs
- National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) — nces.ed.gov
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Eastland-Fairfield Career and Technical Schools | Groveport, OH | $16,000/yr (est. net price) | Campus-based learners seeking Ohio STNA certification | |
Eastland-Fairfield Career and Technical Schools in Groveport delivers a campus-based nurse aide pathway built around direct patient care hours. Students train hands-on in vital signs, hygiene, and medical terminology before sitting for the Ohio STNA exam. The short certificate format supports entry into nursing homes, hospitals, or home health.
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| #2 | Career and Technology Education Centers of Licking County | Newark, OH | Central Ohio entry-level healthcare learners | ||
Career and Technology Education Centers of Licking County in Newark runs a campus-based Certified Nurse Aide program with clinical experience. The curriculum covers infection control, daily living assistance, and vital signs monitoring. Graduates are positioned for roles in nursing homes, hospitals, and home health agencies.
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| #3 | ETI Technical College | Niles, OH | ~$14,000/yr (est.) | Structured weekday learners needing clinical training | |
ETI Technical College in Niles offers a campus-based State Tested Nurse Aide program with an all-inclusive tuition model and a payment plan. Students complete 10 classroom days and 2 clinical days on a weekday schedule. Admission requires a high school diploma or GED, a background check, and TB testing.
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| #4 | Columbiana County Career and Technical Center | Lisbon, OH | ~$12,000/yr (est.) | ||
Columbiana County Career and Technical Center in Lisbon provides an 86-clock-hour Certified Nurse Assistant program with day or evening options. Training includes classroom instruction and clinical experience at nursing facilities. Students leave prepared for the Ohio CNA exam and patient care roles.
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| #5 | Sandusky Career Center | Sandusky, OH | |||
Sandusky Career Center in Sandusky offers a three-week, campus-based CNA/STNA program that meets Ohio Department of Health requirements. The 76-hour course includes classroom sessions, skills labs, and clinical practice. The total cost covers tuition and the state exam fee.
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| #6 | Central Ohio Technical College | Newark, OH | $5,000 – $8,000/yr (est.) | ||
Central Ohio Technical College in Newark delivers a campus-based Basic Healthcare Skills pathway that leads to CNA eligibility. Students choose from sites in Newark, Knox, or Pataskala and complete 75 required hours, including clinical experience. A Talent Ready Grant may reduce costs, but the short program is not eligible for standard federal financial aid.
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| #7 | North Central State College | Mansfield, OH | $5,000/yr (est. net price) | ||
North Central State College in Mansfield offers a State Tested Nurse Assistant Certificate in a FLEX format that does not follow the college calendar. Three courses totaling six credit hours combine classroom, lab, and directed practice, and include CPR and first aid. The certificate also applies toward the college's Health Services Technology associate degree.
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| #8 | Sinclair Community College | Dayton, OH | $4,000 – $9,000/yr (est.) | ||
Sinclair Community College in Dayton provides a campus-based Nurse Aide certificate that meets Ohio Department of Health training requirements. The four-credit program includes 75 hours of instruction and clinical training. Graduates can pursue STNA certification and roles in long-term care, home health, and patient care.
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| #9 | Cuyahoga Community College District | Cleveland, OH | $4,000/yr (est. net price) | ||
Cuyahoga Community College District in Cleveland offers an Ohio Department of Health-approved Certified Nursing Assistant program at its Metro and Westshore campuses. The non-credit workforce training includes hands-on clinical experience and requires a background check. Workforce scholarships may be available to qualifying students.
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| #10 | Belmont College | St Clairsville, OH | $7,000/yr (est. net price) | ||
Belmont College in St Clairsville runs a fast-track Certified Nurses Assistant program with campus-based instruction. Students pay a transparent upfront cost and complete background checks, TB testing, and state test preparation. The program also serves as a prerequisite for nursing degrees.
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Admission Requirements: Background Checks, TB Tests, and More
- Age and education prerequisitesOhio allows students as young as 16 to enter STNA training, but many Maumee-area programs and clinical employers set 18 as the minimum, check the program rule. A high school diploma or GED is not a statewide requirement, though some for-credit programs require one.
- BCI/FBI fingerprint background checkExpect BCI and FBI fingerprint-based background checks before admission or clinical placement; timing varies by school and clinical site. Ohio nurse aide screening can bar or restrict participation for abuse, neglect, exploitation, or misappropriation of resident property, and individual programs may exclude other offenses.
- TB test and immunization recordsMost programs require a negative TB test before clinicals, commonly a two-step Mantoux/PPD or a negative blood test within the past 12 months. A prior positive may be accepted with a normal chest X-ray. Immunization requirements vary; some schools require influenza, COVID-19 vaccination, or a physical exam.
- CPR/BLS certificationCPR is not a universal Ohio admission rule for every STNA program, but some schools or clinical sites require BLS certification before clinicals. Confirm the level and deadline with your program.
- Identification and registry paperworkBring a government-issued photo ID and your Social Security card, you'll need them for the state competency exam and Ohio Nurse Aide Registry registration. Some programs also verify physical ability, including the ability to lift 50 pounds.
STNA Questions Maumee Students Ask
Most students finish state-approved training in several weeks to a few months, depending on whether they attend full-time, part-time, evening, or accelerated sessions. After completing the required training and passing the state competency evaluation, you can be listed on the Ohio Nurse Aide Registry and start your nursing career as an STNA in Ohio.
Yes, but availability changes. Some Toledo-area nursing homes and health systems offer employer-sponsored cohorts or tuition reimbursement, and long-term care facilities may cover training costs under federal reimbursement rules. Free or sponsored seats are often competitive, so contact the training provider or a hiring facility directly to ask what is currently offered near Maumee.
In most cases, yes. A Michigan CNA can work in Ohio long-term care for up to four months while reciprocity is pending, provided you are listed on the Michigan registry and the state verifies federal compliance. To transfer permanently, submit Ohio's HEA 6907 form by mail, fax, or email. If your credential is current, active, and in good standing with no disqualifying findings, Ohio does not require additional training or retesting. Confirm your Michigan credential with the registry and ODH.
Ohio's rule is tied to paid work, not just a calendar renewal. To remain active on the registry, you need at least 7.5 consecutive hours, or 8 hours within a 48-hour period, of compensated nursing or nursing-related services within every 24 consecutive months. If more than 24 consecutive months pass without verified qualifying work, you must document eligible work or complete additional training and a competency evaluation before long-term care facilities can use you again.
