Finding Certified Nursing Assistant Programs in Ohio
Are you considering a career in healthcare as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) in Ohio? CNAs and STNAs play a vital role in providing basic care and support to patients in various healthcare settings. In this blog post, we will guide you through finding certified nursing assistant programs in Ohio, understanding the requirements and certification process, exploring employment opportunities, and sharing tips for success in CNA/STNA training programs.
Overview of Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Programs in Ohio
Embarking on a career as a CNA or STNA in Ohio is an excellent choice for those interested in entering the healthcare field. A variety of state-approved programs are available at public schools, community colleges, and the American Red Cross, preparing you for a fulfilling career as a nursing assistant. Some of the top CNA/STNA training programs in Ohio include Ohio Medical Career College, Clark State Community College, and the American Red Cross.
To become a CNA/STNA in Ohio, you must complete a state-approved program and pass the state’s certification exam. The certification process ensures that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to provide excellent care to patients in various healthcare settings, such as nursing homes, hospitals, and assisted living facilities.
State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA)
The Ohio State Career Training Center (OSCTC) is offering the State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) program. This program is approved by the state and consists of 75 hours of certified nursing assistant training. The program includes a mandatory 2-day (16 hours) clinical at an off-site nursing facility, providing students with valuable hands-on experience.
Upon successful completion of the OSCTC STNA program, students will be awarded a certificate and be eligible to work in a variety of settings, such as long-term care facilities, hospitals, clinics, and home health care agencies, as a nursing assistant.
Requirements for CNA/STNA Training in Ohio
To enrol in a CNA/STNA training program in Ohio, there are certain requirements you must meet. Firstly, you must be at least 16 years of age. In addition, a high school diploma or GED is required, ensuring that you have a solid educational foundation to build upon during your CNA/STNA training. Lastly, applicants must successfully pass a criminal background check to ensure the safety of patients and coworkers.
Ohio Department of Health Approval
The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) plays a vital role in ensuring the quality of CNA/STNA training programs in the state. To be considered state-approved, CNA/STNA training programs must meet the ODH’s approval requirements and adhere to the ODH NATCEP Curriculum standards.
This comprehensive curriculum covers essential nursing assistant knowledge and skills, ultimately preparing you for a successful career in the healthcare field.
Top CNA/STNA Training Programs in Ohio
As mentioned earlier, some of the top CNA/STNA training programs in Ohio include Ohio Medical Career College, Clark State Community College, and the American Red Cross. These renowned institutions offer comprehensive training programs that cover essential nursing skills, patient care, and residents’ rights, among other topics.
By choosing one of these top programs, you can be confident that you’re receiving the best education and preparation for your career as a CNA/STNA.
Ohio Medical Career College
Ohio Medical Career College offers a flexible CNA program schedule consisting of eight 4-hour sessions held one night per week, as well as eight Saturday classes. The program covers a wide range of topics, including patient care, residents’ rights, and long-term care procedures, as well as basic nursing skills.
Clark State Community College
Located in Springfield, Ohio, Clark State Community College is a public community college with an enrollment of 5,704 students. Established in 1962 as the Springfield and Clark County Technical Education Program, the college has a long history of providing quality education to its students.
Clark State Community College offers a comprehensive CNA/STNA training program that prepares you for your career in the healthcare field.
American Red Cross
The American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization dedicated to assisting vulnerable individuals across the globe, also offers a CNA/STNA training program in Ohio. The purpose of the American Red Cross is to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies through the mobilization of volunteers and donors.
Licensing and Certification Process for CNAs/STNAs in Ohio
To become a certified CNA/STNA in Ohio, you must complete a state-approved program and pass a two-part test administered by D & S Diversified Technologies, LLP. The test consists of a Basic Nursing Skills Assessment and a Written Examination, which evaluates your knowledge and skills in providing quality care to patients.
Once you pass the test, you must register with the Ohio Nurse Aide Registry to obtain your CNA/STNA license. This license must be renewed every two years with proof of employment to maintain your certification.
Basic Nursing Skills Assessment
The Basic Nursing Skills Assessment is a crucial component of the CNA/STNA certification process in Ohio. This assessment consists of a knowledge test and a skills test, which includes the demonstration of five nursing aide skills within a 35-minute timeframe. The skills test is designed to ensure that you have the necessary skills to provide quality care to patients in various healthcare settings.
The five nursing aide skills assessed during the Basic Nursing Skills Assessment include bathing, dressing, transferring, ambulating, and feeding. These skills are essential for CNAs/STNAs to provide competent and compassionate care to patients.
Written Examination
The Written Examination is another important component of the CNA/STNA certification process in Ohio. This exam consists of 79 multiple-choice questions that evaluate your understanding of fundamental nursing skills, infection control, and patient safety. The format of the exam ensures that you have a comprehensive understanding of the knowledge required to work as a CNA/STNA.
Employment Opportunities for CNAs/STNAs in Ohio
CNAs and STNAs in Ohio have a range of employment opportunities available to them. These healthcare professionals can find work in nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living facilities, and home healthcare agencies.
With an average salary of approximately $33,150 per year, a career as a CNA/STNA in Ohio can be both rewarding and fulfilling.
Columbus, OH
In Columbus, Ohio, there are numerous job opportunities for CNAs/STNAs. A search on Indeed.com reveals that there are currently over 580 job listings for CNAs/STNAs in the area.
Additionally, several top CNA/STNA training programs, such as Ohio Medical Career College, Clark State Community College, and American Red Cross, are available in Columbus to prepare you for a successful career in the healthcare field.
Dayton, OH
Dayton, Ohio, offers a wealth of job opportunities for CNAs/STNAs. Data from Indeed.com and Snagajob.com indicates that there are over 1,000 job opportunities for CNAs/STNAs in Dayton, in various healthcare settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, and home care.
Additionally, the Ohio State Career Training Center provides nurse aide STNA training in both Dayton and Beavercreek, equipping you with the skills and knowledge required for a successful career in the healthcare field.
Summary
Necoming a Certified Nursing Assistant or State Tested Nursing Assistant in Ohio is an excellent career choice for those interested in providing compassionate care to patients in various healthcare settings. By choosing a top CNA/STNA training program, such as Ohio Medical Career College, Clark State Community College, or American Red Cross, you can ensure that you receive the best education and preparation for your new career.
Explore Certified Nursing Assistant Programs in Neighboring States
If you’re pursuing a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in the Midwest and Appalachian regions, exploring training programs in neighboring states can help you find the right opportunities to achieve your goals. Approved CNA programs are available in:
These programs emphasize essential skills like patient care, infection control, and communication, ensuring you’re prepared to pass certification exams and excel in a fulfilling healthcare career.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my STNA online in Ohio?
Yes, you can get your STNA certification online in Ohio. You will need to attend state-recognized training which includes 75 hours of lectures that can be done online and 16 hours of clinicals that must be done in person at a partner nursing home.
How much do CNAs make in Ohio?
In Ohio, Certified Nursing Assistants typically earn an average annual salary of $41,141, with wages ranging from $31,506 to $37,865 per year.
The average hourly wage for CNAs is $19.78 per hour.
