Visit the Ohio Department of Health website to obtain a list of state-approved STNA training programs. There are more than 440 nurse aide training programs in Ohio, and each year, 20,000 new nurse aides are tested for certification.
Review the list to find contact information for the training programs. Your goal is to find a program that holds classes in the evening and accepts students under the age of 18. Several STNA programs, such as Gateway Educational Opportunities and Nursing Resources meet those requirements.
Meet the qualifications for entrance into the STNA program. Many courses require you to be in good physical shape and able to lift as much as 50 lbs. You must also submit a medical exam, which includes a chest x-ray and a signed note from a physician.
Enroll in the STNA program. State law requires these programs to provide a minimum of 75 combined hours of classroom and clinical training. You will be trained in a variety of skills that will be on the certification exam, such as patient rights, infection control, personal hygiene, bodily functions and basic nurse aide skills. You will also have real-life interaction with patients at various care centers and health facilities in the community.
Prepare for the STNA certification exam administered by D&S Diversified Technologies LLP. Vist the organization's website to obtain a free candidate handbook, which details the test format. You can purchase complete practice tests from D&S Diversified Technologies to help you study for the exam. The company also offers a list of vocabulary words to study at the end of each practice exam. Allot enough time to study for the certification test, keeping in mind that you still have to keep up with your normal high school curriculum.
Review the exam format, which consists of two sections: a written test and a skill test. The written test consists of 79 multiple-choice questions that you must complete in 90 minutes. The 12 test subject areas are: safety, infection control, personal care, mental health, care impaired, resident rights, communication, data collection, basic nursing skills, role and responsibility, disease process and older adult growth. An 80 percent score is required to pass this section of the exam.
The skill test evaluates your practical skills. You must know 25 skill subject areas, but only four, including hand washing, will be selected for your exam. Skill test areas include abdominal thrust on conscious resident, ambulation using a gait belt and ambulation with walker. An 80 percent score is required to pass this section of the exam.
Sit for the STNA certification exam. After you pass both sections of the exam, you are placed on the Ohio nurse aide registry and will receive a certification notice.