Obtaining the credentials of a Certified Nursing Assistant in the state of Ohio, takes completing the state approved training programs. These programs are approved and accredited by the Ohio Department of Health. This same agency maintains CNA registry of the state. Exam is taken after completing the training. The state’s Department of Health works with D&S Diversified Technologies for grading the exam and reporting the result. In Ohio, CNAs are also called ‘State Tested Nurse Aide’ or STNA.
Eligibility Requirements
Candidates can apply for the CNA certification in Ohio if they meet the following guidelines:
- Aspirants must be 18 or above;
- They must submit the evidence of the criminal background check and fingerprinting;
- They are required to take full physical test and also submit a proof of all current immunizations. Drug screening and Tb testing as well to prove that they are TB and drug free; and
- They are needed to submit an evidence of a GED and High School diploma.
Candidate’s application for training and for the followed certification process is accepted once these requirements are met by aspiring CNAs.
How to Apply
It is not necessary for everyone to take the state approved training course and then apply for the competency exam. There is a way to sit for the exam directly without the training if:
- Reciprocity Candidates– These candidates who got the CNA certification from other states and are in good standing; or
- Lapsed CNAs– These candidates are those who have completed the state approved training course.
Besides this, candidates who got no academic background but possess a proof of valid training enjoy further allowances.
Candidates, who got no escape from the training, can take the approved training programs available at all vocational schools, community colleges, Medicare accredited nursing facilities and technical schools of the state.
Approved CNA certification training courses take at least 75 hours split between 16 hours in a clinical setting and the remaining hours are for classroom lectures.
After the training, comes challenging the competency examination. Through the website of D&S (or by downloading the application form), candidates need to apply for the examination. There is a written exam that carries 70 MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions) and practical skills testing. Written exam can be taken orally if needed.
Fees
The training cost in Ohio falls in the range between $600 and $2000 as per the location where the training is being taken. It takes around 4 months or more o finish the training. In addition to this, there are expenses in the form of testing fees too. Here are the fees:
- Written test: $ 24
- Skill test: $ 76
- Oral test: $ 34
Certificate Renewal
- In Ohio, the CNA certificates stay valid for 24 months.
- Application of license renewal is accepted if CNAs submit the evidence of paid employment of at least 7.5 or 8 hours during the past 24 months.
Must Know Facts
- Under Federal Laws, employers of Medicare approved nursing facilities pay for the testing and training fee of their CNA aspiring employees. Even if candidates got an employment offer from the nursing homes, they are liberated from training and testing related expenses.
- Candidates, who are enrolled in the state approved training programs, are permitted to work as a Certified Nursing Assistant in a nursing home for up to 4 months.
- Candidates must qualify both the sections of the examination within 3 attempts and within 2 years of testing. If the exam is not passed, then retraining and retesting is needed.