If you’ve been searching for “STNA classes” in Ohio and noticed some confusion, you’re not alone. Ohio’s Department of Health (ODH) has officially replaced the STNA (State Tested Nursing Assistant) title with CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant).

Here’s everything you need to know about the change and what it means for your career.

What Actually Changed?

Ohio used to be one of the few states that called its nursing assistants “STNAs” instead of “CNAs.” The rest of the country has used “CNA” for years. In 2025, ODH aligned Ohio with the national standard by officially adopting the CNA title.

The key things to know:

The certification exam is now called the CNA Competency Evaluation instead of the STNA Competency Evaluation. The training requirements are the same — you still need to complete a state-approved training program with classroom instruction and clinical hours. If you already hold an active STNA certification in Ohio, your certification is still valid. You do not need to retake any exam. New graduates will receive a CNA certification instead of an STNA certification. Employers are updating their job postings from STNA to CNA, though many still use both terms during the transition.

Does This Affect My STNA Certification?

No. If you’re currently a certified STNA in Ohio, your certification remains valid. The ODH registry has been updated to reflect the new CNA title, but your credentials, your training, and your ability to work have not changed.

Is CNA Training Different from STNA Training?

No. The curriculum is the same. The clinical hours requirement is the same. The competency evaluation covers the same skills. The only difference is what they print on your certificate when you pass.

If a school is advertising “new CNA curriculum” as something dramatically different from STNA training, that’s marketing — not reality.

What Should You Search For Now?

When looking for training programs, search for both:

  • “CNA classes near me” — this is now the official term and what most national job boards use
  • “STNA classes near me” — many Ohio schools and searchers still use this term during the transition

Both searches should lead you to the same programs. Any school advertising STNA training in Ohio is offering CNA training — they just haven’t updated their terminology yet.

How to Get CNA Certified in Ohio

Step 1: Complete a state-approved CNA training program. These programs include both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training.

Step 2: Pass the CNA Competency Evaluation. This includes a written (or oral) knowledge test and a clinical skills demonstration.

Step 3: Get listed on the Ohio Nurse Aide Registry.

CNA Training at Med-Cert Training Center

Med-Cert offers state-approved CNA training at two Ohio locations:

Cleveland Campus (Maple Heights)

  • Day classes: 2 weeks, Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm — $500
  • Hybrid evening classes: 3 weeks, Mon-Fri 6-10pm — $540
  • Weekend classes: 5 weeks, Sat & Sun 9am-5:30pm — $500

Akron Campus

  • Day classes: 2-week hybrid — $540
  • Weekend classes: 5-week hybrid — $540

New classes start monthly at both locations. Payment plans are available.

Ready to get started? Visit mymedcert.com or call (440) 786-2378 to enroll.