What the Exam Requirements are for STNA’s in Ohio
There’s usually more than one way to accomplish big goals, especially if you want to become an STNA in the state of Ohio. You’ll need to take a closer look at your personal situation and determine which of these paths feels like the one that is the best fit for you.
The Direct Route to Becoming an STNA
The path that you might want to take if you don’t want to waste any time is to find an STNA training program that is accredited by the Ohio Department of Health. This approval from the Department of Health ensures that the training program is going to meet your requirements for training time, clinicals, and everything else as well. Most of these programs are 75 hours of classroom and clinical training.
Recent Experience Can Count
But there are other ways you can become an STNA, too. If you’ve recently worked as a nursing aide or as an orderly at a hospital for at least 12 months, you can get permission to take the STNA exam. You’re already doing a lot of the things that STNA’s do, and you may well be able to pass the exam with your experience. You’ll need to contact the Department of Health to find out how to submit your request along with all of the proper documentation.
Nursing Students Can Take the Test
Nursing students, even if you’re a nursing student in another state, can also apply to take the STNA exam. The nursing program must be one that meets the requirements of the Ohio Board of Nursing or the agency that handles licensing in that state, if you’re attending a program in another state. You will also need to contact the Department of Health to submit your request to take the exam.
Letting Licensing Lapse Means Retaking the Test
Something that’s important to remember is that once you take your STNA exam and pass it, you’re licensed. But you need to pay close attention to the requirements to maintain your license. If you allow it to lapse because you’re not working as an STNA, you’ll need to take your training over again and you’ll also need to take the exam again. It’s much easier to maintain your license than to have to go through all of the training and exam process one more time.
No matter which path you take, there are options that can help you to become a knowledgeable and experienced STNA in less time than you expect.
