The State Tested Nurse Aide (STNA) is a common entry point into the healthcare profession, providing hands-on patient support under the supervision of licensed nurses. While the title STNA is specific to certain states, such as Ohio, the function is widely recognized across the country. STNAs are foundational to daily medical facility operations, ensuring patients receive consistent care after completing a state-mandated competency examination.
Defining the State Tested Nurse Aide Role
The designation State Tested Nurse Aide clarifies that the individual has successfully passed a state-administered test demonstrating proficiency in basic patient care skills. STNAs function as unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP); they do not hold the same professional license as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or a Registered Nurse (RN). Their work is performed under the direct oversight and delegation of licensed nursing professionals.
The “nurse” component signifies the supportive role they play within the nursing team, not an independent scope of practice. STNAs do not perform tasks requiring specialized nursing judgment, such as administering most medications or performing sterile procedures. Their certification is recorded on a state nurse aide registry, which officially recognizes their competence and eligibility to work.
Essential Duties and Patient Care Tasks
The core responsibility of an STNA centers on assisting patients with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), the fundamental tasks of self-care. This hands-on work includes helping patients with bathing, dressing, grooming, and feeding to ensure their comfort and dignity are maintained. Assisting with toileting and providing incontinence care are also routine parts of the daily patient care schedule.
STNAs support patient mobility by assisting with transferring between beds and chairs, repositioning those confined to a bed to prevent skin breakdown, and helping with ambulation. They frequently measure and accurately record vital signs like blood pressure, temperature, pulse, and respiration rate. Any significant changes in a patient’s condition or behavior must be immediately observed and reported to the licensed nursing staff for prompt intervention.
Maintaining a clean, orderly, and safe patient environment is another continuous duty, supporting infection control and patient well-being. This includes making beds, ensuring call lights are within reach, and helping with light housekeeping tasks within the patient’s immediate area. The direct interaction with patients often involves providing emotional support and companionship.
Common Work Environments for STNAs
The skills of an STNA are transferable across a wide array of healthcare settings where patients require continuous, direct assistance. Long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes, are common workplaces, providing 24-hour residential care to older adults and those with chronic conditions. STNAs also find employment in acute care hospitals, supporting the care needs of patients recovering from surgery or illness.
The demand for personalized care has expanded the STNA role into home health and hospice care, where they provide one-on-one support in a client’s private residence. Assisted living facilities and rehabilitation centers also rely heavily on STNAs to help residents maintain independence.
The Process of Becoming a Certified STNA
To become an STNA, a candidate must first complete a state-approved nurse aide training and competency evaluation program (NATCEP). Federal guidelines set a minimum training requirement of 75 hours, which includes classroom instruction, laboratory practice, and supervised clinical experience in a healthcare setting. Many state programs structure this training to be completed in a matter of weeks, allowing for rapid entry into the workforce.
Upon successful completion of the training, the candidate must pass a two-part competency examination to achieve certification. This exam consists of a written or oral knowledge test and a skills demonstration portion where the candidate must correctly perform patient care tasks. Passing both parts leads to the individual being placed on the state’s Nurse Aide Registry, formally granting the STNA designation. Maintaining certification typically requires the professional to work a minimum number of paid hours every two years and complete continuing education as mandated by the state.
Career Trajectory and Future Opportunities
The job outlook for nurse aides is positive, driven by the increasing age of the population and the growth in demand for long-term care services. The high volume of annual job openings is largely due to the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or advance their education. The median annual wage for nursing assistants was approximately $39,530 in May 2024, with entry-level STNAs often starting in the low $30,000 range, depending on the location and healthcare setting.
The STNA role is valued as a stepping stone for those pursuing higher credentials in the healthcare field. Many STNAs use the direct patient experience and understanding of healthcare operations to propel themselves into Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN) programs. The experience gained provides a practical foundation of patient care and medical terminology that eases the transition into more advanced clinical education.