Certified Nursing Assistant in Ohio

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for OH. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$38,570

trending_down -2.4% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Ohio.

engineering

62,360

Jobs (OH)

monitoring Stable

+2.3%

10-yr job growth

payments

$104

Licensing fees

schedule

3-15 weeks

Time to complete

route How to become a certified nursing assistant in Ohio

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), also known as a State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA), in Ohio, individuals must complete a state-approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP) of at least 75 hours, including 16 hours of clinical experience. After completing the training, candidates must pass the Ohio Nurse Aide Competency Exam administered by D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster). Ohio offers reciprocity for CNAs from other states who hold an active and in-good-standing certification, requiring the submission of a reciprocity form and supporting documentation.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $34,480

25th percentile $36,810

50th (median) $38,570

75th percentile $43,620

90th (experienced) $46,060

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Ohio. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Ohio requirements

Licensing body	Ohio Department of Health
State license	Required
Education	75-hour state-approved training program
Exam	Ohio STNA Exam via D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) ($104)
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Notes	In Ohio, CNAs are often referred to as State Tested Nursing Assistants (STNA). Minimum age is 16 years old. Renewal requires having worked for pay as a CNA for at least 7.5 consecutive hours or 8 hours total within a 48-hour period in the past 24 months. A high school diploma or GED is often required by training programs, along with a criminal background check and up-to-date immunizations/TB test. The exam cost is $26 for the written knowledge test and $78 for the skills test, totaling $104. An oral knowledge test is $36.

Source: Ohio Department of Health

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+2.3%

Average

Annual openings

204,100

Nationwide per year

Total employment

1,441,500

Nationwide

balance Is it worth it?

check_circleOhio license required — clearer credential signal to employers

psychology

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Frequently asked questions

How do you get certified as a certified nursing assistant in Ohio? expand_more

To become a certified nursing assistant in Ohio, you need to complete the required education (75-hour state-approved training program), and pass the Ohio STNA Exam via D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster).

Do I need a license to work as a certified nursing assistant in Ohio? expand_more

A state license is required in Ohio. Ohio Department of Health handles certified nursing assistant licensing — the Ohio STNA Exam via D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) is part of the process.

What is the average certified nursing assistant salary in Ohio? expand_more

The median certified nursing assistant salary in Ohio is $38,570 per year. That's roughly in line with the $39,530 national median. The range spans from $34,480 at the entry level to $46,060 for top earners.

What's the total cost to get certified nursing assistant certified in Ohio? expand_more

Between exam fee ($104), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.

How quickly can I become a certified nursing assistant in Ohio? expand_more

Expect to spend 3-15 weeks from start to finish in Ohio — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.