A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and a State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) represent the exact same healthcare support role. The difference between the two titles is purely a matter of regional terminology and regulatory naming conventions established by different state governments. Individuals in this profession provide direct, hands-on care to patients and residents in various settings, serving as a fundamental part of the nursing team. Understanding the terminology is important for anyone considering this career path or searching for employment across state lines.
Defining the Roles: CNA vs. STNA
The designation Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is the most widely accepted and recognized title for this profession across the United States. This term signifies that the individual has completed the required training and passed a competency evaluation, thereby earning a certification that is generally portable. The title State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) refers to the identical role but is the specific nomenclature used within the state of Ohio. The use of “State Tested” rather than “Certified” simply reflects the regulatory language of that particular state.
This semantic distinction means that an STNA performs the same duties, holds the same professional standing, and meets the same federal training standards as a CNA. The purpose of both titles is to confirm that the individual has successfully completed a state-approved program and passed a standardized competency exam. Because the underlying federal requirements are uniform, the roles are functionally equivalent, even if the acronyms differ.
Shared Responsibilities and Daily Duties
The daily work performed by both CNAs and STNAs is identical, focusing on assisting patients with activities of daily living (ADLs) under the supervision of licensed nursing personnel. These professionals are tasked with providing personal care, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and helping patients with mobility and transfers. They are often the primary caregiver interacting directly with the patients over the course of a day.
Monitoring and recording patient information is another responsibility. This includes taking and charting vital signs, such as pulse, temperature, respiration, and blood pressure, multiple times during a shift. They also assist with feeding, monitor food and fluid intake, and accurately document all observations and care provided in the patient’s record. This documentation is then reported to the supervising nurse to ensure continuity of care and the detection of any changes in a patient’s condition.
Training and Certification Requirements
The foundational training required to become either a CNA or an STNA is mandated by federal regulation, ensuring a baseline standard across all states. Federal guidelines stipulate that all Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Programs must consist of no less than 75 clock hours of instruction. This required training includes a minimum of 16 hours of supervised practical training, which is hands-on experience in a laboratory or clinical setting.
Following the completion of the training program, candidates must pass a state-approved competency evaluation, which typically consists of both a written or oral examination and a skills demonstration portion. Successfully passing this evaluation is the final step necessary to be placed on the state’s Nurse Aide Registry. This registration officially allows the individual to practice and is a requirement for employment in federally certified long-term care facilities.
Understanding Certification Transferability
Professionals who hold a CNA or STNA certification can generally transfer their credentials to a different state through a process called reciprocity or endorsement. This process is possible because the initial training in all states is required to meet the same federal standards of a minimum of 75 hours. When moving, a professional applies to the new state’s Nurse Aide Registry for endorsement, seeking to be listed as a CNA in that state.
The application for reciprocity typically requires the individual to be in good standing on their original state’s registry and to provide proof that their initial training met the federal minimum standards. While re-testing is usually not required, most states will require an application, a fee, and a criminal background check before granting the new certification. This endorsement acknowledges the individual’s existing credentials and allows them to practice the same role under the new state’s preferred title.