Key Points
- Columbus-area CNAs earn a median $34,000 annually, top earners $42,000.
- Ohio CNA job growth outpaces the national 5% projection.
- Licking County offers free CNA training via grants and employer apprenticeships.
Your Guide to CNA & STNA Training in Newark, Ohio
Discover Newark's state-approved CNA and STNA programs, compare tuition and schedules, and learn how to earn your nursing assistant certification.
State-approved programs and employer-sponsored apprenticeships represent two distinct paths into Newark's CNA workforce, each with different upfront costs and timeline commitments. Newark's healthcare sector continues to add direct-care positions across Licking Memorial Hospital, skilled nursing facilities, and home health agencies, creating steady demand for certified nursing assistants who complete Ohio's 75-hour training requirement and pass the state competency exam.
The rankings ahead spotlight programs offering in-person clinicals at Newark-area facilities, hybrid formats for working adults, and tuition-free options through workforce grants. Median CNA pay in the Columbus metro area now sits at $34,000 annually, with experienced aides in hospital settings earning above $40,000.
Jump straight to the program list →
CNA Career Landscape in Newark and Central Ohio
Newark sits at the heart of Licking County's healthcare economy, where certified nursing assistants provide hands-on patient care in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living communities, and home health agencies. The city anchors a regional healthcare corridor that stretches into the broader Columbus metropolitan area, creating a steady pipeline of CNA jobs for qualified candidates.
Major Healthcare Employers in Newark and Licking County
Licking Memorial Hospital serves as Newark's largest healthcare employer, operating a 226-bed acute-care facility and a growing network of outpatient clinics across the county. The hospital maintains a dedicated CNA workforce in medical-surgical units, emergency departments, and specialty care areas. Beyond the hospital, Newark is home to more than a dozen skilled nursing facilities and assisted living communities, including The Laurels of Heath, Park Place Rehabilitation and Healthcare, and Kendal at Granville, all of which rely heavily on certified nursing assistants for daily patient care.
The local healthcare market also includes Columbus-based health systems with satellite clinics in Newark, such as OhioHealth and Mount Carmel, expanding the range of employment options for CNAs willing to commute or work in multiple settings.
Ohio Scope of Practice and CNA Responsibilities
Under Ohio's nurse aide regulations, CNAs (called State Tested Nursing Assistants or STNAs in Ohio) work under the supervision of licensed nurses to provide direct patient care. Daily responsibilities include assisting with bathing, dressing, and grooming; monitoring vital signs; helping patients move safely; and documenting care activities. In long-term care facilities, CNAs often build lasting relationships with residents, providing continuity and emotional support alongside physical assistance. Hospital-based CNAs typically rotate through multiple patients each shift, supporting acute-care teams during admissions, discharges, and procedures.
Ohio law requires CNAs to complete CNA training in Ohio and pass a competency exam before performing these tasks, ensuring that every aide meets baseline safety and quality standards.
Job Stability in Newark's Healthcare Corridor
Newark's location within the Columbus metro area offers CNAs unusual job security. The region's aging population continues to drive demand for long-term care services, while Licking Memorial's expansion plans promise additional hospital positions through the next decade. CNAs who start in Newark can easily access Columbus-area facilities and explore CNA classes in Columbus, Ohio when seeking shift variety, specialization, or higher hourly rates, all within a 30- to 45-minute commute. This geographic advantage makes Newark an ideal base for building a durable CNA career.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for nursing assistants to grow roughly 5 percent nationally through 2033, and Ohio consistently ranks among states with strong demand for CNAs, giving Newark-area graduates solid job security and a clear path toward higher-paying roles like LPN or medical assistant.
Online and Hybrid CNA Programs for Ohio Residents
Hybrid CNA programs give Ohio residents the flexibility to complete coursework on their own schedule while still meeting the hands-on clinical requirements that Ohio mandates for state certification.
How Hybrid Programs Work
A typical hybrid program splits the curriculum into two parts. The theory portion covers anatomy, infection control, patient rights, and basic nursing skills through an online platform. Once that coursework is finished, students move into in-person clinical hours at an approved healthcare facility. Ohio requires a minimum number of supervised clinical hours before a student can sit for the state competency exam, so that hands-on component is non-negotiable regardless of how the classroom portion is delivered.
Finding Ohio-Approved Programs
The Ohio Board of Nursing maintains a list of state-approved nurse aide training programs. That list is your most reliable starting point. When you search it, look for programs that explicitly note a hybrid or distance-learning format, and confirm that the approval covers clinical placements in your area. Community colleges in the Columbus metro area (including those that offer CNA classes in Groveport, OH) and in Licking County are worth checking directly, since their program pages typically describe format, length, and tuition. Contacting an admissions office by phone or email is the fastest way to find out whether clinical slots are available near Newark or elsewhere in Licking County.
Other Resources Worth Bookmarking
- Career data: The Bureau of Labor Statistics website (BLS.gov) publishes national and state-level information on CNA employment, wages, and job growth.
- Local program search: The Ohio Health Care Association website is a useful directory for finding training programs tied to long-term care employers across the state.
- Program format questions to ask: How many clinical hours are required? Where are clinical sites located? Is the online portion self-paced or scheduled? What is the total cost, including fees and exam registration?
A Practical Next Step
Before enrolling anywhere, verify that the program carries current Ohio approval. An unapproved program, even a reputable-looking one, will not qualify you to take the Ohio nurse aide competency exam. Checking approval status takes a few minutes on the Board of Nursing website and can save you significant time and money.
Questions to Ask Yourself
Are you looking for daytime, evening, or weekend classes?
Many Newark programs offer only daytime hours; verify the schedule fits your availability before enrolling.
What is your maximum budget for training, and are you willing to commit to an employer for free tuition?
CNA programs in Licking County range from $500 to $1,200, but employer-sponsored options may require a work contract.
How far are you willing to commute, and do you prefer online theory or fully in-person instruction?
Some Newark providers offer hybrid models; others require full on-site attendance, which could mean travel to Columbus.
State-Approved CNA & STNA Programs in Newark and Nearby
Ohio requires every CNA training program to earn state approval before graduates can sit for the competency exam, which means your first step is confirming that any program you consider carries that credential.
Start with the Ohio Board of Nursing
The Ohio Board of Nursing maintains a searchable directory of approved State Tested Nurse Aide (STNA) training programs. You can search by county or zip code, making it easy to find programs in Licking County or within a reasonable commute of Newark. The directory lists each program's approval status, so you can verify standing before you ever pick up the phone.
Because programs are added, suspended, or updated on a rolling basis, checking the Board of Nursing site directly gives you the most current picture, far more reliably than any printed list.
Local Colleges and Healthcare Employers
Community colleges serving central Ohio often offer STNA programs designed around working adults, with daytime, evening, and sometimes hybrid scheduling options. If you live in or near Newark, look specifically at schools with campuses in Licking County and surrounding counties. Visit each school's website for current tuition, start dates, program length, and whether clinical hours are arranged by the school or left to students.
Healthcare employers, including hospitals and long-term care facilities in the Newark area, are another source worth exploring. Some run their own state-approved training programs, occasionally at low or no cost, in exchange for a commitment to work at that facility after certification. Local hospitals and nursing homes sometimes post these opportunities on their websites, but calling human resources or education departments often yields faster answers.
Other Regional Resources
Both the Ohio Department of Education and the Ohio Department of Aging maintain information on approved training programs, especially those in long-term care. If you have trouble finding options online, either agency can direct you to a regional program directory.
BLS.gov and the Ohio job board at jobsohio.com can provide contact information for training sites you might not find through a general search. When you reach out to any program, ask specifically about:
- Program length: Total classroom and clinical hours required
- Clinical sites: Whether the school places you or you must arrange your own
- Format: Fully in-person, hybrid, or any online components
- Cost: Tuition, supply fees, and exam registration fees
- Approval status: Confirm the program is currently approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing
Spending thirty minutes to gather this information can save you from enrolling in a program that does not qualify you for state certification.
Free and Employer-Sponsored CNA Training in Newark and Licking County
Free CNA training in Newark and Licking County is more accessible than many prospective students realize, with options ranging from state-funded workforce grants to employer-sponsored apprenticeships that let you earn while you learn.
State Workforce Grants Can Cover Your Tuition
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services administers several programs that may fully cover CNA training costs for eligible residents. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) provides grants for unemployed or underemployed adults seeking in-demand healthcare skills. Additionally, the Ohio Talent Ready Grant targets short-term certificate programs in high-demand fields, often covering tuition for state-approved nurse aide training. Because funding levels and eligibility criteria change, start by visiting the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services website to check current offerings and local application contacts. You can also call Job and Family Services offices in Licking County for guidance on workforce development programs tailored to healthcare careers.
Employer-Sponsored Training: Earn While You Learn
Many nursing homes, assisted living centers, and hospitals in central Ohio address staffing shortages by offering paid CNA training programs. These typically require a work commitment contract, for example, agreeing to stay with the employer for six to twelve months after certification, in exchange for free tuition, paid study time, and a wage during clinical rotations. To find these opportunities, contact human resources departments at long-term care facilities and hospitals in Newark and Licking County directly. Ask whether they offer Nurse Aide Trainee positions or CNA apprenticeship models. Some facilities may not advertise these openings widely, so a proactive call or visit can reveal hidden options that eliminate upfront tuition while providing immediate income.
How to Find Approved Programs and Hidden Scholarships
The Ohio Board of Nursing maintains a current list of state-approved nurse aide training programs on its website. Review this list to identify providers near Newark, then contact each school’s admissions office. Specifically ask about internal scholarships, need-based tuition waivers, or partnerships with local employers that may fund training seats. Some schools receive grants that allow them to offer free or reduced-cost CNA classes to qualifying students, but these opportunities are rarely advertised broadly. Direct, polite inquiry is often the best way to uncover them.
Use Public Data to Target Healthcare Employers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS.gov) offers tools to identify the largest healthcare employers in a region. Search for nursing care facilities, hospitals, and residential care providers in the Columbus metropolitan area, which includes Licking County. Once you have a list of employers, visit their career websites and look for phrases like "nurse aide trainee," "tuition assistance," or "paid training." Large health systems sometimes list CNA training programs under their employee benefits or professional development sections. Even if no current openings match, you can inquire about future cohorts; some employers run training sessions several times a year based on staffing needs.
Remember that free training often comes with conditions: a work commitment, an application deadline, or income documentation. Read the fine print carefully, but don't let that deter you. With persistence and a strategic approach, you can find a path to CNA certification without student debt.
Newark CNA Salary & Job Outlook: Columbus Metro Data
Columbus-area CNAs now earn slightly more than both the Ohio state average and national median, reflecting steady demand in one of the Midwest's fastest-growing metro regions. Newark residents working in skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health agencies throughout Licking and Franklin counties can expect competitive starting wages and a stable hiring outlook through the next decade.
Columbus Metro Salary Benchmarks
Nursing assistants in the Columbus metropolitan area earned a median annual wage of $39,830 in 2024. Entry-level aides at the 10th percentile brought home $35,870 per year, while experienced CNAs at the 90th percentile earned $47,170 annually. These figures translate to hourly rates between roughly $17 and $23, depending on shift differentials, certifications, and care setting.1
The Columbus median sits above Ohio's statewide average of $38,570, a difference of about $1,260 per year. It also edges past the national median of $39,530 by a modest $300. While the gap is narrow, it reflects central Ohio's combination of large hospital systems, thriving senior-living communities, and lower cost of living compared to coastal markets.
Ohio and National Context
Across Ohio, the 10th percentile for nursing assistants stood at $34,480 and the 90th at $46,060 in 2024. Nationally, the wage band stretched wider: $31,390 at the low end and $50,140 at the high end. Columbus metro falls comfortably in the middle of that national range, offering Newark-area CNAs a balanced mix of competitive pay and affordable housing costs.1
Job Growth and Annual Openings
The Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook projects 2 percent growth for nursing assistants nationwide between 2024 and 2034, translating to approximately 211,800 annual job openings across the country. While that growth rate is slower than some allied health occupations, the sheer volume of openings stems from steady replacement demand as experienced CNAs retire or advance into LPN and RN roles. In the Columbus metro, aging Baby Boomers and expanding outpatient clinics continue to drive hiring, making Newark an attractive location for newly certified aides seeking their first healthcare position.
In the Columbus metro area, CNAs earn a median annual wage of $34,000, with top earners reaching $42,000.
How to Become a CNA in Ohio: Step-By-Step Guide
Becoming a State Tested Nurse Aide (STNA) in Ohio follows a clear path that can often be completed in just a few months. Here's how to get started and earn your credential.
Top-Ranked CNA Programs for Newark Students
Below are the top CNA programs serving Newark students, ranked by affordability, program format, and local relevance. These schools offer state-approved training that prepares you for Ohio's nurse aide certification exam. The three highest-ranked options provide direct local access and strong career pipelines into central Ohio healthcare.
Factors considered
- Local availability to Newark
- Program format and schedule
- Affordability and net price
- Graduate outcomes and certification pass
Data sources
- Internal program database
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Independent program research
Career and Technology Education Centers of Licking County
#1Newark, OH
Best for: Newark-based with employer-connected clinicals
The Career and Technology Education Centers of Licking County provide a state-approved Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) program right in Newark. This campus-based training develops essential patient care skills through hands-on clinical experience, aligning with Ohio's STNA requirements. The program serves as the primary local pipeline into Newark healthcare facilities, with strong ties to area employers.
- Campus-based training in Newark, Ohio.
- Prepares for Ohio state certification exam.
- Hands-on clinical experience included.
- Teaches vital signs monitoring and patient hygiene.
- Infection control and daily living assistance skills.
- Classroom instruction meets state requirements.
- No entrance exam required for admission.
- Focused on quick entry into healthcare careers.
Central Ohio Technical College
#2Newark, OH · $5,000 – $8,000/yr
Best for: Community college pathway to nursing degrees
Central Ohio Technical College offers a Basic Healthcare Skills course in Newark that prepares students for the state nurse aide exam. This campus-based certificate program also fulfills the CNA prerequisite for COTC's nursing degrees, creating a direct pathway to advanced roles. A Talent Ready Grant may help offset costs for eligible students.
- 3.5 credit hour short-term certificate.
- Campus-based at Newark, Knox, or Pataskala.
- Open enrollment for easy access.
- Talent Ready Grant up to $2,000 available.
- 75 hours of training with clinical experience.
- Prepares for Ohio State Tested Nurse Aide exam.
- Meets prerequisite for COTC nursing programs.
- Allows immediate employment in healthcare.
Eastland-Fairfield Career and Technical Schools
#3Groveport, OH · $16,000/yr (net price)
Best for: Central Ohio students wanting affordable training
Eastland-Fairfield Career and Technical Schools, located in Groveport, offers a State Tested Nurse Aide (STNA) program that combines classroom instruction with clinical rotations. The campus-based format delivers hands-on training in vital signs, hygiene, and medical terminology, preparing students for the Ohio certification exam. It is a solid choice for central Ohio residents seeking a quick entry into healthcare.
- State Tested Nurse Aide (STNA) program.
- Campus-based training in Ohio.
- Prepares for state certification exam.
- Hands-on clinical experience included.
- Covers vital signs monitoring and patient hygiene.
- Medical terminology instruction provided.
- Meets Ohio STNA requirements.
- Quick career launch potential in healthcare.
ETI Technical College
#4Niles, OH · $14,000/yr
ETI Technical College in Niles runs frequent STNA cohorts with a total cost of $850, including a payment plan option. The 10-day classroom and 2-day clinical schedule is designed for rapid completion. Daytime-only classes may suit those with flexible daytime availability.
- Total tuition of $850 with payment plan.
- 10 classroom days and 2 clinical days.
- Weekday daytime schedule only.
- Prepares for Ohio State Test for Nurse Aides.
- High school diploma or GED required.
- BCI background check and TB testing needed.
- Registration deadlines for frequent cohorts.
- No Title IV financial aid available.
Columbiana County Career and Technical Center
#5Lisbon, OH · $12,000/yr
Columbiana County Career and Technical Center's 86-hour CNA program offers flexible day or evening schedules and claims a 98% completion rate. Clinical rotations take place at local nursing facilities, and the program boasts a strong 80% job placement rate for graduates.
- 86 clock hours of training.
- Day and evening schedule options.
- Prepares for Ohio CNA examination.
- Clinical experience at nursing facilities.
- Covers infection control and body mechanics.
- Teaches resident rights and communication.
- 98% completer and 80% placement rates.
- Requires TB test and COVID vaccination/testing.
Ashtabula County Technical and Career Campus
#6Jefferson, OH · ~$10,000/yr (est.)
Ashtabula County Technical and Career Campus offers an 80-hour evening STNA program for $645, which covers textbooks, background check, and the state exam fee. The Monday-Thursday evening classes and two Saturday clinical sessions target working students.
- 80-hour program with 16 clinical hours.
- Evening classes Monday through Thursday.
- Two Saturday clinical sessions.
- $645 tuition includes all fees and textbooks.
- Covers background check and state exam fee.
- Prepares for Ohio STNA certification.
- Supervised clinical at long-term care facilities.
- No entrance exam required.
Sandusky Career Center
#7Sandusky, OH
Sandusky Career Center provides a fast-paced three-week STNA program for $810 total, meeting Monday through Wednesday. The blend of classroom, skills lab, and clinical experience qualifies graduates for the state exam and immediate employment in nursing homes or hospitals.
- 76-hour program completed in three weeks.
- Classes Monday through Wednesday, 9am-3:30pm.
- Total cost $810 with exam fee included.
- Clinical experience included in schedule.
- Accredited by Ohio Department of Health.
- Covers patient care and infection control.
- Prepares for state CNA exam.
- No prior healthcare experience required.
North Central State College
#8Mansfield, OH · $5,000/yr (net price)
North Central State College's STNA certificate is a 6-credit-hour program that partners with regional career centers for clinical training. It includes first aid and CPR certifications and serves as a stepping stone to the college's Health Services Technology associate degree.
- 6 credit hour certificate program.
- Flexible scheduling with career center partners.
- Includes first aid and CPR certification.
- Prepares for Ohio Board of Health STNA exam.
- Clinical skills lab and hands-on training.
- Pathway to Health Services Technology degree.
- No entrance exam required.
- Designed for quick entry into healthcare.
Cuyahoga Community College District
#9Cleveland, OH · $4,000/yr (net price)
Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) offers a non-credit workplace-friendly CNA program at its Metro and Westshore campuses in Cleveland. The Ohio Department of Health-approved curriculum includes clinical training, and workforce scholarships may be available to eligible students.
- Ohio Department of Health approved program.
- Classes at Metro and Westshore campuses.
- Non-credit workforce training format.
- Hands-on clinical experience included.
- Requires social security card and government ID.
- COVID-19 vaccination and background check needed.
- Workforce scholarships may be available.
- Prepares for roles in various healthcare settings.
Sinclair Community College
#10Dayton, OH · $4,000 – $9,000/yr
Sinclair Community College's Nurse Aide short-term certificate requires just 4 credit hours and 75 clock hours of training. The campus-based program aligns with Ohio STNA standards and leverages local Dayton-area healthcare employer partnerships for job placement.
- 4 credit hour short-term certificate.
- 75-hour campus-based training.
- Meets Ohio STNA certification requirements.
- Includes clinical training experience.
- Covers personal care, documentation, and observation.
- Partnerships with Dayton-area employers.
- Effective since Fall 2018.
- Pathway to patient care technician roles.
Frequently Asked Questions About CNA Training and Careers in Newark
Getting started as a CNA in Newark, Ohio, raises many questions. Below are clear answers to common inquiries about training, costs, exams, and career outlook. Whether you're deciding between programs or planning next steps, these FAQs will help you move forward with confidence.
You must complete an STNA (State Tested Nurse Aide) training program, which requires at least 75 hours, including 16 clinical hours. Then pass the state competency evaluation administered by D&S Diversified Technologies/Headmaster. Your name is added to the Ohio Nurse Aide Registry, typically within 10 working days after passing.4
CNA/STNA classes in Newark typically cost between $500 and $1,500 for the entire program. Costs vary by school and may include textbooks, supplies, and exam fees. Some programs offer financial assistance or payment plans. Always confirm what's included in the price before enrolling.
Yes, some employers and healthcare facilities in Newark and Licking County offer free or employer-sponsored CNA training. Often, you agree to work for them for a set period after certification. Check local nursing homes, hospitals, and long-term care facilities for current opportunities and any work commitments required.
In Ohio, the official term for a nursing assistant is STNA (State Tested Nurse Aide), which is equivalent to the more common CNA (Certified Nurse Assistant) designation.1 Completing an Ohio-approved training and passing the exam makes you an STNA, which meets CNA requirements across state lines if you relocate.
Full-time CNA training in Newark can be completed in as little as 2 weeks; most students finish in 4 to 8 weeks. Part-time options may take up to 4 months. Ohio requires a minimum of 75 hours, including clinical practice, so all programs meet that standard.2
The state CNA exam is administered by D&S Diversified Technologies/Headmaster. Testing sites are available in Newark and central Ohio. The exam includes a written/oral knowledge test and a hands-on skills demonstration. Your training program will usually help you schedule the exam once you complete the course.2
Most Newark CNA programs require a high school diploma or GED. Some may accept students without a diploma if they demonstrate basic reading and math skills through an entrance exam. Check with individual programs for their specific admissions requirements before applying.
During training, you will learn essential nursing assistant skills such as taking vital signs, assisting with personal care, infection control, safety procedures, communication techniques, and understanding patient rights. The clinical portion provides hands-on practice in a real healthcare setting under supervision.
Job prospects for CNAs in Newark are strong: the Columbus metro area, which includes Newark, projects growth in nurse aide positions, and demand is rising with an aging population. The median hourly wage for Ohio nurse aides is $19.30 in 2026,3 and many employers offer sign-on bonuses and flexible schedules.