Key Points
- Toledo CNAs earn a median $39,000, with top earners above $43,500.
- 85.3% of Ohio STNA candidates pass the exam on first attempt.
- Northwest Ohio's senior population growth outpaces STNA training program capacity.
Your Guide to CNA Classes & STNA Training in Toledo, Ohio
Explore Toledo CNA programs, compare costs, schedules, and certification steps to launch your nursing assistant career with confidence.
Toledo’s long-term care facilities and hospitals continuously need nursing assistants, with job postings far exceeding the number of newly certified aides each year. The work is physically and emotionally demanding, but it offers predictable hours, benefits, and a stepping stone to higher nursing credentials.
In Ohio, the state-issued credential is called State Tested Nurse Aide (STNA), which is functionally identical to CNA. When researching training options, the terms are interchangeable. Finding a program that balances cost, location, and clinical placement quality is essential, and costs can range from free employer-sponsored training to over $1,500. Jump to the program list below.
Why Become a CNA in Toledo?
Toledo's healthcare sector is one of the region's largest employers, and certified nursing assistants play a central role in keeping that system running. If you are weighing your options for a stable, rewarding career that does not require years of schooling, here is why Toledo deserves a closer look.
Strong Local Demand for CNAs
Northwest Ohio is home to several major health systems, long-term care facilities, and rehabilitation centers that hire CNAs on an ongoing basis. Demand tends to remain steady even during economic slowdowns because patient care cannot be paused or outsourced. Many area employers actively recruit new graduates, and it is common to see listings that include signing incentives, tuition reimbursement, and premium pay for evening or weekend shifts. Checking the career pages of the region's larger hospital networks is a smart first step; you will often find dozens of open CNA positions at any given time.
Competitive Starting Wages
CNA wages in the Toledo metro area are generally competitive with other midsize cities in the Midwest. You can review current pay data for nursing assistants in the region through the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which publishes area-specific wage estimates updated on a regular cycle. Many employers also offer shift differentials, overtime opportunities, and benefits packages that add meaningful value on top of base pay.
A Fast, Affordable Entry Point
Unlike many healthcare careers that require multi-year degree programs, CNA training in Ohio can typically be completed in a matter of weeks. Local community colleges and vocational schools offer state-approved programs, and some facilities even provide free or employer-sponsored training in exchange for a work commitment. Contact programs in the Toledo area directly to ask about enrollment timelines, job placement support, and any scholarship or incentive programs they currently offer.
Networking and Professional Growth
Professional organizations focused on healthcare in Ohio can connect you with mentors, continuing education opportunities, and job leads. Groups that represent long-term care providers and healthcare workers in the state regularly share information about workforce incentives and advocacy efforts that benefit CNAs. Getting involved early, even while you are still in training, can give you a head start on building relationships that pay off throughout your career.
A Launchpad for Advancement
Many registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and allied health professionals started their careers as CNAs. Working at the bedside gives you direct patient care experience, clinical vocabulary, and professional references that strengthen future applications to nursing or other health science programs. In a city with multiple colleges and universities nearby, you will have plenty of options for continuing your education when the time is right.
CNA Vs. STNA: What's the Difference in Ohio?
If you've been searching for CNA classes in Toledo and keep running into the term STNA, you're not confused, you're just running into Ohio's quirky naming history. The credential is the same, but the label depends on which era of Ohio law you're looking at.
Same Job, Two Names
For decades, Ohio called its entry-level nursing assistants State Tested Nurse Aides (STNAs) rather than Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs).1 The training, the competency exam, and the registry listing were all identical in scope to what other states called CNA certification. Ohio just used its own terminology to match its state-run testing and registry process. That is why employers, schools, and job boards in Toledo still use CNA and STNA interchangeably today.
What Changed in 2024
Ohio Senate Bill 144, signed in 2024, formally aligned the state's title with the national CNA standard.2 New graduates are now credentialed as Certified Nursing Assistants and listed on the Ohio Nurse Aide Registry, the same registry that previously tracked STNAs.2 If you completed STNA training before the change, your credential is still valid and equivalent, no re-testing required.3
Working Outside Ohio
Because the scope of practice, training hours, and competency exam already mirrored federal CNA standards, an Ohio STNA or CNA credential is generally recognized by other states through reciprocity.4 Most states just ask you to submit a short transfer or endorsement form to their nurse aide registry, verify your Ohio listing is in good standing, and pay a small fee. No retraining, no retesting in most cases.
Online and Hybrid CNA Training Options for Ohio Students
Can you complete CNA training entirely online in Ohio? The short answer is no. Ohio law requires all STNA candidates to complete supervised, in-person clinical practice before sitting for the state exam.6 While purely online CNA programs do not meet Ohio Department of Health approval standards6, hybrid models that combine online classroom instruction with arranged clinical shifts have emerged as a flexible alternative for students balancing work, family, or transportation challenges.
How Hybrid Programs Work
Hybrid STNA programs deliver theory lessons through online modules or live video sessions, allowing students to study lecture material, anatomy basics, and infection control protocols on their own schedule. The in-person component, typically 16 or more clinical hours, takes place at a partnered long-term care facility or hospital where students practice vital signs, patient transfers, and daily living assistance under the supervision of a registered nurse. Students must travel to the clinical site on designated dates, so confirming site location and availability before enrollment is essential.
Available Hybrid Programs for Toledo-Area Students
Several Ohio-approved programs now serve students across the state:
- Ohio State Career Training Center Hybrid CNA/STNA: Offers online theory paired with coordinated clinical placements statewide. Total program cost is $645.7 Approved by the Ohio Department of Health.6
- Warren County Career Center Hybrid STNA/CNA: Provides online coursework and 16 hours of hands-on clinical training. While based outside Toledo, the program accepts students from throughout Ohio.
- 1st Choice Career Center Hybrid STNA Program: Combines virtual instruction with arranged in-person clinicals at partnered facilities.
- Umbrella Academy Unlimited Online Hybrid CNA/STNA Course: Charges $750 for online lessons and scheduled clinical sessions. State-approved.
- Heart to Heart Health Care Center Hybrid STNA: Delivers theory online and arranges local clinical placements for enrolled students.
Ensuring Your Program Meets State Standards
Before enrolling in any hybrid program, verify that the Ohio Department of Health lists it as an approved STNA training provider.6 Ask the school to confirm your clinical site location, hours, and whether transportation or scheduling conflicts might interfere. Hybrid programs offer meaningful flexibility, but they still require the same rigor and in-person skill demonstration as traditional classroom courses.
CNA Programs Within Commuting Distance of Toledo
Students willing to commute up to 50 miles from Toledo gain access to a broader range of training options compared to those limiting their search to the immediate metro area. Nearby cities in northwest Ohio and southeastern Michigan offer approved programs that may fit your schedule, budget, or learning preferences.
Bowling Green and Findlay Options
Bowling Green State University and other institutions in Bowling Green (approximately 25 miles south of Toledo) periodically offer continuing-education CNA courses, though these tend to run less frequently than dedicated vocational programs. Findlay, about 45 miles south, similarly hosts community-college-affiliated training through partnerships with local healthcare employers. Tuition at these satellite programs typically ranges from $400 to $700, and class sizes may be smaller than Toledo's largest providers. Prospective students should confirm current schedules directly with each school, as sessions often align with academic semesters rather than monthly start dates.
Programs in Michigan: Adrian and Monroe
For CNA classes in Michigan, Adrian (roughly 35 miles north of Toledo) and Monroe (about 25 miles northeast) both host state-approved nurse aide training programs. Michigan's certification is labeled "CNA" rather than Ohio's "STNA," but the core curriculum is federally standardized under the same OBRA regulations. Tuition at Michigan community colleges and career centers generally falls between $500 and $900.
Important consideration: If you train in Michigan but plan to work in Ohio, you must transfer your certification to Ohio's nurse aide registry after passing Michigan's exam. The transfer process requires submitting verification forms and may take several weeks. Conversely, Ohio STNA graduates can work in Michigan by applying for reciprocity. Before enrolling in an out-of-state program, confirm that its curriculum meets Ohio Department of Health STNA requirements (minimum 75 hours, including at least 16 clinical hours) and that the state board recognizes the credential for endorsement.
Sylvania and Outer Lucas County
The STNA program at Ohio State Career Training Center in Sylvania (a Toledo suburb just outside city limits) is approved, meets Ohio Department of Health education and testing requirements, and serves as a state test site. Sylvania is typically a 15-to-20-minute drive from central Toledo, making it a convenient option for students seeking smaller class sizes or evening schedules. Tuition details should be confirmed directly with the center, as costs can vary by cohort and funding availability.
Toledo is home to dozens of nursing facilities, assisted living centers, and home health agencies, and the region's growing senior population is driving demand for STNAs faster than training programs can keep up. That shortage is working in job seekers' favor: many employers in the Toledo metro area are responding with competitive starting wages, tuition reimbursement, and signing bonuses to attract qualified candidates.
CNA Salary and Job Outlook in the Toledo Metro Area
Nursing assistants in the Toledo metro area earn a median annual salary of $39,000, with the top quarter earning over $43,500. The region employs roughly 3,500 CNAs, and its pay compares favorably with Ohio's largest markets like Cleveland and Akron.
| Metro Area | Total Employment | Average Annual Salary | 25th Percentile | Median Annual Salary | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toledo, OH | 3,500 | $40,390 | $36,580 | $39,000 | $43,510 |
| Cleveland, OH | 12,310 | $39,970 | $37,120 | $38,060 | $43,890 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | 11,280 | $40,900 | $37,370 | $39,150 | $44,650 |
| Columbus, OH | 10,270 | $41,010 | $38,200 | $39,830 | $44,700 |
| Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek, OH | 4,230 | $39,740 | $37,340 | $38,950 | $43,370 |
| Akron, OH | 3,480 | $39,590 | $37,990 | $38,160 | $43,310 |
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How to Get Your CNA License in Ohio: Step-By-Step
Understanding the licensing timeline helps you plan your cna training and job search effectively. Ohio uses the STNA (State Tested Nurse Aide) designation, which is equivalent to CNA in most other states, and the process involves four main stages: training, exam, background check, and registry placement.
Complete a State-Approved Training Program
All aspiring CNAs in Ohio must complete a state-approved nurse aide training program. These programs provide at least 75 hours of instruction, split between classroom theory and hands-on clinical practice. You can find approved cna programs through community colleges, vocational schools, and some healthcare facilities. When evaluating options, ask about total cost, class schedules, and recent graduate pass rates on the state exam, as most programs share this information during enrollment conversations. Be sure to choose a program that meets Ohio Department of Health (ODH) standards, as only approved training qualifies you for the certification exam.
Register for and Pass the Competency Exam
After finishing your training, the next step is the state competency exam. The test is typically administered by a third-party provider and consists of two parts: a written (or oral) knowledge test and a skills demonstration. The knowledge portion covers patient care principles, safety protocols, and infection control. During the skills test, you will perform a selection of hands-on tasks in front of an evaluator. Some candidates find the skills portion more intimidating, so practical practice during your training is crucial. Exam fees vary, and you may need to pay separately for each part. The Ohio Department of Health's STNA page lists current exam providers, approved test sites, and fee schedules.
Complete a Background Check
Ohio requires all nurse aide candidates to undergo a criminal background check before they can be listed on the registry. You will typically need to submit fingerprints through an authorized vendor. Any disqualifying offenses can prevent you from working as a CNA, so it is wise to review the eligibility criteria before enrolling in a training program. Your training provider or the exam administrator can often guide you through this step.
Get Listed on the Ohio Nurse Aide Registry
Once you pass both parts of the exam and clear the background check, your name is added to the Ohio Nurse Aide Registry. This listing is your official STNA certification and allows you to work in long-term care facilities, hospitals, and other healthcare settings. You can check your status online through the registry’s database. If you are relocating from another state, you may qualify for reciprocity; contact the Ohio Department of Health for the current process.
Keep Your Certification Active
To remain active on the registry, you must perform at least eight hours of paid nurse aide work every 24 months. If you let your certification lapse, Ohio offers a retraining and re-testing pathway. Stay informed about any changes to continuing education requirements by checking the ODH website or joining a professional association like the Ohio Health Care Association, which often provides updates and exam preparation resources.
Questions to Ask Yourself
Can you handle the physical demands of the job?
CNAs spend most of their shift on their feet, lifting and repositioning patients, and helping with mobility. If you have back issues or prefer desk work, this role can lead to burnout fast.
Do you find meaning in hands-on caregiving?
Much of the work is bathing, feeding, and comforting people who are frail, confused, or scared. If that kind of intimate care feels rewarding rather than draining, you will thrive.
Are you using CNA work as a stepping stone to nursing?
Many Toledo CNAs go on to LPN or RN programs, and the bedside experience is invaluable. If long-term nursing is the goal, CNA certification is a smart, low-cost first step.
Cost of CNA Classes in Toledo: Tuition, Fees, and Free Options
Understanding the total cost of CNA training in Toledo helps you budget wisely and identify opportunities for free or subsidized education. Tuition is just one piece of the puzzle. Most programs also charge for textbooks, uniforms, background checks, and state certification exam fees. When comparing schools, always ask for a complete breakdown of expenses so you can make an apples-to-apples comparison.
What's Included in CNA Training Costs?
Typical expenses for STNA training in Toledo include:
- Tuition: The base cost of classroom instruction and clinical hours.
- Books and supplies: Textbooks, nursing assistant manuals, and any required course materials.
- Uniform and equipment: Scrubs, stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, and closed-toe shoes for clinical rotations.
- Background check: Ohio requires a criminal background check for all nursing assistant candidates.
- Certification exam fees: The state competency exam (written and skills) is administered by Pearson VUE and costs approximately $130 to $150 as of July 2026.
Some programs bundle these costs into one flat fee, while others itemize each component separately. Always confirm what is and is not included before enrolling.
Side-by-Side Cost Comparison of Toledo CNA Programs
Here is a snapshot of tuition and fees at major Toledo-area STNA training providers as of July 2026. Prices are subject to change, so verify directly with each school before enrolling.
| Program Name | Tuition | Additional Fees | Total Estimated Cost | Notes on Free/Sponsored Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Owens Community College | $500.311 | Books ~$150, Uniform ~$50, Background check ~$50, Exam ~$140 | ~$890 | Long-term care facilities may reimburse tuition, fees, and books for employees2 |
| ProMedica Training (employer-sponsored) | $0 | $0 (covered by employer) | $0 | Free for ProMedica employees; typically requires 6-12 month work commitment post-certification |
| Richard Health Systems | ~$650 | Books ~$125, Uniform ~$50, Background check ~$50, Exam ~$140 | ~$1,015 | May offer tuition reimbursement for newly hired employees |
| Med1Care Training Center | ~$700 | Books ~$100, Uniform ~$50, Background check ~$50, Exam ~$140 | ~$1,040 | Ask about payment plans or scholarship opportunities |
| Local long-term care facilities (various) | $0 (reimbursed) | May require upfront payment, then reimbursed | Varies | Many Toledo-area nursing homes reimburse tuition, fees, and books in exchange for employment commitment |
| American Red Cross (if offered locally) | ~$800 | Books ~$100, Uniform ~$50, Background check ~$50, Exam ~$140 | ~$1,140 | Flexible schedules; check current availability in Toledo metro |
Free and Employer-Sponsored Training in Toledo
Several Toledo-area employers cover the full cost of STNA training in exchange for a work commitment. ProMedica, one of the region's largest health systems, offers free training to employees and often to new hires who commit to working for the organization for six to twelve months after earning certification. This arrangement eliminates out-of-pocket costs and guarantees you a job upon completion.
Many long-term care facilities in the Toledo area also reimburse employees for tuition, books, and fees once they complete the program and remain employed for a specified period. If you are already working at a nursing home or assisted living center, ask your HR department whether STNA training reimbursement is available.
How to Find the Best Value
When comparing programs, consider:
- Total cost: Add tuition, fees, books, uniform, background check, and exam fees for a true comparison.
- Pass rates: Programs with higher first-time pass rates on the state exam save you from retesting fees.
- Schedule flexibility: Evening and weekend options may allow you to keep working while training.
- Employer partnerships: Some schools have direct pipelines to local healthcare employers, making job placement faster.
Prices listed here are accurate as of July 2026 but are subject to change. Always contact the school directly for the most current tuition, fee schedules, and financial aid options.
During the 2023 to 2024 testing period, the statewide first-time pass rate for Ohio's STNA competency exam was 85.3%, according to the Ohio Department of Health. That means roughly 17 out of every 20 test-takers passed on their very first attempt. It is a strong reflection of the quality preparation students receive from Ohio's approved training programs.
Top CNA Training Programs in Toledo
Below are the top CNA/STNA programs serving Toledo students, ranked by affordability, student outcomes, and program quality. While some are located elsewhere in Ohio, each is state-approved and delivers strong employment preparation.
Factors considered
- Affordability and financial aid
- State approval and certification
- Program completion and licensure rates
- Employer partnerships and placement
- Student outcomes and ROI
Data sources
- Independent program research
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Internal program database
Eastland-Fairfield Career and Technical Schools
#1Groveport, OH · $16,000/yr (net price)
Best for: Newcomers building inpatient care foundations
Eastland-Fairfield Career and Technical Schools offers an Ohio Department of Health-approved STNA program that blends classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experience. The program prepares students for the state certification exam and is designed as a quick entry point into central Ohio healthcare careers. With a retention rate of 84% and strong graduate earnings, it provides a solid foundation for nursing assistant roles.
- Ohio Department of Health-approved NATCEP program
- Combines classroom learning with clinical rotations
- Covers vital signs, patient hygiene, and medical terminology
- Prepares graduates to sit for the state certification exam
- Designed for quick workforce entry in weeks
- Feeds into central Ohio long-term care and hospital systems
- Retention rate of 84% indicates strong student support
ETI Technical College
#2Niles, OH · $14,000/yr
Best for: Low tuition with career services support
ETI Technical College in Niles offers a highly affordable State Tested Nurse Aide program with a total tuition of $850. The short 10-day classroom plus 2-day clinical schedule gets students job-ready quickly, and a payment plan helps with costs. Career Services assists graduates with employer connections, and the program is a stepping stone to ETI's Practical Nursing path.
- Total tuition $850 with payment plan options
- 10 classroom days and 2 clinical days on weekdays
- Admission requires diploma/GED, BCI check, TB test
- Prepares students for the Ohio State Test for Nurse Aides
- Financial aid possible through local Job and Family Services
- Career Services office provides employer recruitment events
- Stackable credential into ETI's Practical Nursing program
Columbiana County Career and Technical Center
#3Lisbon, OH · $12,000/yr
Best for: Flexible evening schedules for working adults
Columbiana County Career and Technical Center delivers an 86-hour state-approved CNA program with flexible day or evening schedules. The program boasts a 98% completer rate and 80% job placement rate, thanks to hands-on clinicals at local nursing facilities. It's a military-friendly option that thoroughly prepares students for the Ohio CNA exam.
- 86-clock hour program meets Ohio Department of Health standards
- Choose day (9am-4pm) or evening (4pm-9pm) schedules
- Hands-on clinical experience at local nursing facilities
- 98% completer rate and 80% job placement rate
- Covers patient care, infection control, and communication skills
- Prepares students for the Ohio CNA certification examination
- Military-friendly and adult education-focused
Career and Technology Education Centers of Licking County
#4Newark, OH
Career and Technology Education Centers of Licking County (C-TEC) provides a campus-based Certified Nurse Aide program approved by the Ohio Department of Health. The training includes vital signs monitoring, infection control, and daily living assistance, with no entrance exam required for admission. Graduates are prepared for nursing homes, hospitals, and home health agencies, with strong median earnings reported.
- Ohio Department of Health-approved CNA program
- Campus-based with hands-on clinical training
- No entrance exam required for admission
- Covers vital signs, infection control, and daily living assistance
- Prepares graduates for the state certification exam
- Strong earnings potential reported for alumni
- Focuses on entry-level roles in multiple healthcare settings
Ashtabula County Technical and Career Campus
#5Jefferson, OH · ~$10,000/yr (est.)
Ashtabula County Technical and Career Campus (A-Tech) offers an STNA program that packs great value: $645 covers everything including textbooks, uniform reimbursement, background check, and the state exam fee. The 80-hour evening program with Saturday clinicals suits working students, and it's WIOA-eligible for qualified applicants.
- 80-hour program with evening classes Monday-Thursday
- All-inclusive $645 covers tuition, books, uniform, exam fee
- 16 hours of clinical training at long-term care facilities
- State exam fee and BCI background check included in cost
- Prepares for Ohio STNA certification examination
- Eligible for WIOA and OhioMeansJobs funding for qualified students
Sandusky Career Center
#6Sandusky, OH
Sandusky Career Center's STNA program is a fast-paced, three-week course costing $810 total. The hybrid schedule with Monday-Wednesday classes and clinicals gets you exam-ready quickly. As an Ohio Department of Health and Council on Occupational Education accredited program, it's well-respected by Firelands-area employers.
- 76-hour program completed in three weeks
- Total cost $810 includes state exam fee
- Classes Monday-Wednesday, clinicals 6:30am-3:00pm
- Ohio Department of Health and COE accredited
- Curriculum covers patient care, safety, and communication
- Strong preference from Firelands-area healthcare employers
North Central State College
#7Mansfield, OH · $5,000/yr (net price)
North Central State College offers a 6-credit State Tested Nurse Assistant Certificate that fits into a broader Health Sciences pathway. The program includes CPR and first aid certifications, and its flexible scheduling partners with regional career centers for clinicals. It serves as an entry point to the college's Practical Nursing and ADN programs.
- 6-credit hour, short-term certificate program
- Includes CPR and first aid certifications
- Clinical rotations at partner career centers
- Flexible schedule accommodates working students
- Ohio Board of Health certification preparation
- Direct pathway to NC State's LPN and ADN programs
Cuyahoga Community College District
#8Cleveland, OH · $4,000/yr (net price)
Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) delivers its CNA program through workforce training at Metro and Westshore campuses. As a non-credit offering, it may qualify for short-term workforce grants and employer-sponsored tuition. The program is approved by the Ohio Department of Health and has strong links to Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, and other regional employers.
- Non-credit workforce training at Metro and Westshore campuses
- Ohio Department of Health approved
- Requires background check, ID, and COVID-19 vaccination
- Covers patient care for hospitals, rehab, and assisted living
- Workforce scholarships and short-term grants may be available
- Strong employment pipeline with Cleveland Clinic and UH
Sinclair Community College
#9Dayton, OH · $4,000 – $9,000/yr
Sinclair Community College's Nurse Aide certificate is a 4-credit, campus-based program that meets Ohio's 75-hour requirement. It emphasizes long-term care skills and partners with Dayton-area employers for job placement. Graduates can stack this credential into the Patient Care Technician pathway.
- 4-credit hour short-term certificate
- 75 hours of training including clinical experience
- Prepares for Ohio State Tested Nurse Aide certification
- Covers personal care, documentation, and resident rights
- Employer partnerships in Dayton assist with job placement
- Pathway to Patient Care Technician and nursing programs
Central Ohio Technical College
#10Newark, OH · $5,000 – $8,000/yr
Central Ohio Technical College's STNA program, part of the Basic Healthcare Skills certificate, requires just 3.5 credit hours. Open enrollment and multiple campus locations (Newark, Knox, Pataskala) provide access. The Talent Ready Grant can cover up to $2,000 of costs, and completion strengthens applications to COTC's nursing degrees.
- 3.5-credit hour certificate completed in one semester
- Open enrollment at Newark, Knox, or Pataskala campuses
- Talent Ready Grant up to $2,000 available for eligible students
- 75 hours of attendance and clinical experience required
- Prepares students to sit for the state CNA exam
- Enhances applications to COTC's Practical Nursing and ADN programs
Frequently Asked Questions About CNA Training in Toledo
Have questions about CNA training in Toledo? We've compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions about becoming a nurse aide in Ohio. Whether you're curious about costs, program length, or the STNA transition, find clear guidance below.
If you're looking into how to become a CNA, the first step is to complete a state-approved 75-hour training program that covers both classroom and clinical skills. Then, pass a criminal background check and take the CNA Competency Evaluation2, which includes a written test and hands-on skills demonstration. Once you pass, you are placed on the Ohio Nurse Aide Registry and can begin working.
Tuition and fees for CNA training in Toledo generally range from $550 to $1,400.2 This often includes textbooks, supplies, and the cost of the state exam, but always confirm what is covered with the school. Additional expenses may include scrubs, immunizations, and a CPR certification card if not included.
Yes, free or low-cost training can sometimes be found through employer-sponsored programs at nursing homes or hospitals that hire you after certification. Workforce development grants, high school career programs, and scholarships from local agencies may also cover costs. Availability varies, so check directly with providers.
There is no difference in the job duties. In 2025,3 Ohio officially changed the title from State Tested Nurse Aide (STNA) to Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) to align with most other states. You may still see STNA used in job ads or older materials, but the certification and role are identical.
Most programs take between 4 and 12 weeks to complete, depending on whether you attend full-time or part-time. The required training is 75 hours in total, split between classroom learning and 16 hours of clinical practice. After finishing, scheduling and passing the state exam adds a few extra weeks.
You must be at least 16 years old,2 complete a 75-hour state-approved training program, and pass a background check.2 A high school diploma or GED is not required.2 You also need to pass the CNA Competency Evaluation,2 which includes a knowledge test and a skills demonstration, and meet any physical health requirements set by the training site.
Many CNA training programs in Toledo include job placement assistance, such as resume workshops, interview coaching, or direct referrals to local employers, and a guide to landing your first CNA job can help you navigate the process. Because demand for CNAs is high, clinical rotations often turn into job offers. Schools with strong community partnerships can give you a head start on your job search.
Experience as a CNA is a strong foundation. You can pursue bridge programs to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN). Some employers offer tuition reimbursement. Additional certifications, like Medication Aide or Patient Care Technician, can also lead to higher pay and more responsibilities.
To renew, you must work at least eight hours as a paid CNA every two years.2 If you do not meet this requirement, your certification lapses, and you will need to retrain or re-take the competency exam. Keep your contact information current with the Ohio Nurse Aide Registry to receive renewal reminders.
