The State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) is a regulated position providing direct patient care as a member of the healthcare team. The STNA title is specific to Ohio, signifying that an individual has successfully completed the state’s training and competency evaluation process. In nearly all other states, this role is known as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). The path to becoming an STNA involves meeting initial prerequisites, completing a state-approved training program, and passing a standardized competency examination. This guide details the requirements and steps necessary to obtain STNA certification in Ohio.
Understanding the STNA Role and Responsibilities
STNAs provide foundational care supporting a patient’s daily activities, often under the supervision of licensed nursing personnel. Daily duties involve assisting patients with mobility, including transferring them between beds and wheelchairs, and helping them ambulate using walkers or canes. They are also responsible for performing personal care such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and assisting with hygiene and toileting needs.
The role involves continuous patient observation, monitoring and recording vital signs, including temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure. Observing changes in a patient’s condition, behavior, or appetite is a regular part of the job. Communicating these observations accurately and promptly to the medical staff ensures proper patient care. This profession demands physical stamina, attention to detail, and a compassionate approach to patient interaction.
Meeting the Initial Eligibility Requirements
Before enrolling in a training program, prospective candidates must satisfy foundational prerequisites established by the state. While requirements vary slightly between training providers, applicants are generally required to be at least 16 years old. Many programs also recommend or require candidates to possess a high school diploma or its equivalent, such as a GED.
Eligibility involves completing health screenings and a criminal background check. Candidates must provide proof of physical health and up-to-date immunizations, often including a tuberculosis (TB) test. Ohio law requires a fingerprint-based criminal records check through both the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). This screening process protects patients and upholds the integrity of the healthcare workforce.
Enrolling in a State-Approved Training Program
Once initial eligibility is confirmed, the next step is completing a Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP) approved by the Ohio Department of Health (ODH). Federal regulations stipulate a minimum of 75 training hours for nurse aides, a standard Ohio programs must meet or exceed. These state-approved programs often take place at vocational schools, community colleges, or through healthcare facilities like nursing homes.
Ohio’s training structure consists of two components: classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience. The curriculum requires at least 59 hours dedicated to classroom and lab instruction, focusing on technical knowledge like infection control, basic nursing skills, and resident rights. The remaining portion is a minimum of 16 hours of supervised, practical resident care in a long-term care facility. Prospective STNAs are permitted to begin direct interaction with residents only after completing the first 16 hours of the overall training program. Program duration is variable, with some accelerated courses compressing the 75 hours into three to four weeks, while others span several months.
Preparing for and Passing the Certification Exam
After completing the state-approved training program, the individual becomes eligible to register for the official competency evaluation. This examination is administered by a third-party testing service contracted by the state, such as Headmaster/D&S Diversified Technologies. The exam is divided into two sections that must both be passed for certification.
The first section is a knowledge test consisting of multiple-choice questions covering theoretical aspects of the curriculum, such as safety, personal care, and mental health. Candidates may choose a written exam or request an oral version, though the oral exam includes reading comprehension questions. The second section is the manual skills demonstration, a practical assessment conducted under the observation of a Nurse Evaluator.
During the skills portion, candidates perform five tasks selected at random from a list of approved competencies, such as assisting with ambulation or measuring and recording output. Candidates must perform all steps for each skill safely and accurately, generally requiring a minimum overall score of 80% to pass. Individuals should utilize practice tests and review the candidate handbook provided by the testing service to familiarize themselves with the testing environment.
Official Registration and State Certification
Passing both the knowledge and skills components of the competency evaluation is the final step before official certification. Upon receiving passing scores, the testing service reports the results directly to the Ohio Department of Health. The state then places the individual’s name onto the official State Nurse Aide Registry (NAR).
Placement on this registry signifies that the individual is recognized as a State Tested Nurse Aide (STNA) eligible for employment in long-term care facilities. This registry serves as the authoritative source for employers to verify an STNA’s active status and qualification. Newly certified STNAs should confirm their listing immediately after receiving notification of passing scores. The state maintains this official list, ensuring only qualified individuals are eligible to provide care.
Maintaining and Renewing Your Certification
STNA certification is not permanent and must be renewed periodically to maintain active status. In Ohio, the certification period lasts for 24 months. To qualify for renewal, the STNA must provide documentation confirming they have worked for pay performing nursing or nursing-related services within that 24-month period.
The minimum work requirement demands at least seven and one-half consecutive hours or eight hours within a 48-hour period. The employer is responsible for submitting the verification form to the state to confirm the paid work requirement has been met. Failure to meet this minimal work requirement within the 24-month window results in the certification lapsing. If certification lapses, the individual must complete additional training and retake the full competency evaluation to be reinstated on the registry.