Thomas Reed, RN
June 24, 2025
The official training program for Certified Nursing Assistants in Ohio provides caring caregivers with essential skills to maintain daily patient care which supports Ohio’s healthcare operations. Graduates work in nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, assisted-living residences and home-care agencies where their consistent presence enables them to detect minor health changes in residents.
Mansfield, OH - Public 4-Year - ncstatecollege.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The State Tested Nurse Assistant (STNA) Certificate at North Central State College prepares students for a vital healthcare role, enabling graduates to provide essential patient care under licensed nursing supervision. This comprehensive program covers classroom instruction, practical skills development, and clinical training through partnerships with local career centers. Students learn critical healthcare techniques, emergency response skills, and receive certifications in first aid and CPR. The flexible program offers a pathway to enter the healthcare workforce quickly, with potential for further advancement into associate degree programs like Health Services Technology.
Perrysburg, OH - Public 2-Year - owens.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Owens Community College's Nurse Assistant Training/Home Health Aide Certificate provides a comprehensive 75-hour program preparing students for critical healthcare roles. Designed for compassionate individuals, the course covers essential patient care skills across long-term care, hospital, hospice, and home health settings. Students gain hands-on clinical experience and theoretical knowledge, preparing them to successfully complete the Ohio Competency Evaluation Exam and launch a meaningful healthcare career.
Piqua, OH - Public 2-Year - edisonohio.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Edison State's Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training provides a fast-track pathway to a rewarding healthcare career. Students can complete an accelerated course and quickly enter the workforce, meeting high local and state demand. The program offers comprehensive classroom and clinical training, preparing graduates for immediate employment in hospitals, assisted living facilities, rehabilitation centers, and home healthcare.
Canton, OH - Private 2-year - rosseducation.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Ross College's Nursing Assistant Training Program provides comprehensive healthcare education in just two weeks, equipping students with critical clinical skills for patient care. The hands-on program covers essential techniques like resident care, hygiene, vital signs measurement, and patient interaction. Graduates are prepared to work in diverse healthcare settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, and home care, with real-world clinical experience and pathways to certification.
The state of Ohio prohibits fully virtual CNA courses because patient contact needs to be conducted in person but blended learning programs have become more prevalent. Secure online portals allow working students to complete their theory education after their daily responsibilities through video demonstrations, quizzes, and lectures provided by providers. Students must complete skills labs and clinical rotations at on-campus facilities or partner sites to develop correct care methods for actual residents. The availability of evening and weekend classes helps students who work during the week to enroll in the program.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Edison State Community College |
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| North Central State College |
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| Owens Community College |
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| Eligibility Prerequisites | At least 16, HS diploma/GED, required immunizations and good health, clear criminal background check, and graduation from an approved CNA program |
|---|---|
| Certifying Board | Ohio Department of Health Nurse Aide Registry |
| Training Program Requirements | Minimum 75-hour Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program, combining classroom instruction and supervised clinical practice |
| Exam and Application Fees | Knowledge test $26, oral test $36, skills test $78, fees paid directly to the exam vendor |
| Certification Exam | Pass both the written/oral competency test and the five-skill practical evaluation within your eligibility period |
| Registry Activation Time | Added to the registry within two business days of passing both exams |
| Renewal Requirements | Every two years, complete 48 hours of in-service training and at least one eight-hour day of paid CNA work, $65 renewal fee |
| License by Endorsement | Out-of-state CNAs can transfer via reciprocity by submitting proof of active, unencumbered certification, no retesting or fees required |
The combination of population aging and growing home-care services in Ohio drives consistent demand for certified nurse aides. Full-time certified nurse aides can earn salaries in the upper thirty-thousand-dollar range due to their average hourly wages being in the high teens. Metropolitans and government-funded facilities within hospitals provide the highest compensation to certified nurse aides. The availability of shifts at all times allows workers to select their preferred working hours which include days, nights, weekends and rotating shifts. Long-term-care staffing will continue to expand throughout at least 2033 according to state labor projections because older adults prefer home-based care over institutional care. New entrants find the position delivers stable income along with good benefits at large institutions while gaining essential hands-on experience that benefits their professional development.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Ohio | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual CNA Salary | $37,544 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $18.05 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$45,460 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $37,544 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$30,020 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~4% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~12,400 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| North Central State College |
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| Edison State Community College |
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| Owens Community College |
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CNA certification functions as both an occupational credential and a starting point for career progression. Nursing programs throughout Ohio provide preference to applicants who present their nurse-aide work experience because they understand patient contact develops essential communication skills and time management abilities along with compassion. After gaining their LPN certification in twelve months candidates can access expanded clinical duties that result in greater earning potential. The pathway to registered nursing includes bridge programs that allow practical nurses to earn their associate or bachelor’s degree by accepting prior experience and coursework credits. The combination of tuition reimbursement, flexible scheduling, and mentoring programs supported by employers enables CNAs to advance their careers. Healthcare facilities provide their staff members with career advancement opportunities by offering patient-care technician roles as well as medication aide positions and unit coordinator positions which enhance their patient care expertise.
Additional Nursing Programs in Ohio
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