Thinking about becoming a caregiver in Ohio? Whether you’re drawn to hands-on medical support as a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA), or you’re more interested in helping people at home as a Home Health Aide (HHA), you’re stepping into one of the most rewarding (and in-demand) fields in the state.
Ohio’s aging population means caregiving jobs are growing fast—and thankfully, there are plenty of training options across public colleges, private schools, and career-focused programs. This guide breaks it all down, with real data and school examples to help you start your caregiving journey.
Where to Get Caregiver Training in Ohio
In Ohio, you’ve got two main paths for caregiver training:
- Public & Private Colleges – Often through nursing departments or continuing education programs.
- Vocational & Career Schools – Specialized training centers focused on quick, job-ready certification.
Let’s take a closer look at both.
Public & Private Colleges in Ohio
Many community colleges and private institutions across Ohio offer CNA or HHA training—either as part of a broader nursing assistant program or in partnership with local healthcare facilities. These schools may offer more flexible formats like evening classes or online modules (especially for HHA).
You’ll typically find these programs in cities like Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati, but even smaller towns have local options through community colleges.
Public & Private Colleges with CNA/HHA Programs
Vocational & Career Schools in Ohio
If you want to get certified quickly and start working right away, vocational training centers can be a great option. Many are state-approved STNA (State Tested Nurse Aide) programs—which is Ohio’s equivalent of CNA—and some offer HHA training too.
These programs tend to be short (2 to 6 weeks), and you’ll often find them in career-focused institutions across urban and suburban areas.
Vocational & Career Schools with Caregiver Training
CNA vs. HHA: What’s the Difference in Ohio?
In Ohio, the most common entry-level caregiver license is called STNA (State Tested Nurse Aide)—basically the same as a CNA in other states.
STNA (CNA Equivalent) in Ohio:
- Requires 75 hours of training (59 classroom + 16 clinical)
- Must pass a state exam (written + skills)
- Registered through the Ohio Nurse Aide Registry
- Usually work in nursing homes, hospitals, or long-term care
HHA (Home Health Aide) in Ohio:
- Requires 60+ hours of training (can be higher for Medicare-certified agencies)
- Often trained by the same schools that offer STNA
- No statewide registry, but agencies track credentials
- Focus on home-based care like meal prep, grooming, and companionship
Many STNA-certified aides also get cross-trained as HHAs, making them more versatile on the job market.
Wait, What’s an STNA? (Ohio’s Special CNA Title)
If you’ve been researching caregiver careers in other states, you’ve probably seen the term CNA—Certified Nursing Assistant—used everywhere. But here in Ohio, things are a little different.
Ohio uses the term STNA, which stands for State Tested Nurse Aide. It’s Ohio’s version of a CNA, and it means you’ve completed:
- A state-approved nurse aide training program
- AND passed the state certification test (both written and skills)
Even though it’s called something different, an STNA does the exact same work as a CNA—helping patients in nursing homes, hospitals, and long-term care facilities with daily care like bathing, dressing, and mobility.
So if you’re in Ohio, don’t get confused by the label. When someone says CNA, just know that here, we say STNA—same job, just with an Ohio twist!
Job Market for CNAs and HHAs in Ohio (as of July 2025)
Caregiving is booming in Ohio. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and local projections:
- CNAs (STNAs) in Ohio earn an average of $32,000 to $39,000/year
- HHAs typically earn $29,000 to $35,000/year
- Demand is projected to grow by 17% over the next 8 years
- Rural counties are seeing the fastest growth in home care needs
Top hiring locations include:
- Columbus
- Cleveland
- Cincinnati
- Dayton
- Akron/Canton
Many caregivers also work through staffing agencies or with Medicaid-waiver programs that pay directly for in-home services.
Certification & Licensing Steps for Ohio Caregivers
Here’s how to get certified in Ohio, depending on your role:
For STNA (CNA Equivalent)
- Choose a state-approved training provider (must offer at least 75 hours of training).
- Complete the training, including hands-on clinical practice.
- Pass the Ohio Nurse Aide Exam through D&S Diversified Technologies.
- Get listed on the Ohio Nurse Aide Registry (automatically done after passing the exam).
- Maintain your certification by working at least 8 hours every 24 months in a qualifying facility.
For HHA (Home Health Aide)
- Complete 60+ hours of training from a Medicare-approved agency or school.
- No statewide exam, but many agencies require a final skills check or internal test.
- Apply to work with an agency—they’ll typically onboard and track your qualifications.
- Maintain annual training updates as required by your employer or Medicaid.
Tip: If you’re an STNA, you may be able to get fast-tracked HHA credentials through your employer.
Ready to Start? Pick a School and Go for It
Whether you’re just out of high school or making a mid-life career change, caregiver training in Ohio can get you into a solid job in under two months. Pick a format that works for your life—quick and focused or more flexible through a college. Either way, you’re stepping into a role that genuinely makes a difference every day.
Small Reminder Before You Enroll
While we’ve done our best to make this guide accurate as of July 2025, training costs, program details, and certification rules can change. Always check with your chosen school and the Ohio Department of Health before committing.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Program costs, durations, and licensing requirements may change. Always verify details with your chosen training provider and the official Ohio Department of Health or Nurse Aide Registry before enrolling.
Sources
- Ohio Department of Health Nurse Aide Training: odh.ohio.gov
- Ohio Nurse Aide Registry: nurseaideregistry.dandsdiversifiedtech.com
- STNA Schools List (Ohio Board of Nursing): nursing.ohio.gov
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Occupational Outlook: bls.gov
- Salary data: salary.com and ziprecruiter.com
- Individual school websites listed in the tables above