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CNA Classes in Ohio

41 state-approved Certified Nurse Aide training programs across 8 cities in Ohio. Ohio requires 75 hours of training, with the competency exam administered by Prometric.

Training Hours

75 hours

Federal minimum: 75h

Exam Vendor

Prometric

Approximately $100–$120 total for both portions

Time to Certify

5–10 weeks (training 4–6 weeks, exam and registry 2–4 weeks)

Minimum Age

16

Cost: $0 (employer-sponsored) to $1,500 (private program)

What makes Ohio different: Ohio sticks with the federal 75-hour minimum and processes a relatively high volume of training-to-registry applications, with the Ohio Nurse Aide Registry one of the most actively searched in the country

CNA Classes by City in Ohio

Cincinnati (7)Columbus (7)Toledo (7)Akron (6)Cleveland (6)Dayton (6)Kirtland (1)North Canton (1)

Becoming a CNA in Ohio

Becoming a CNA in Ohio is a straightforward, federal-minimum pathway — the state requires 75 hours of training rather than the higher state-specific totals seen in California, Virginia, or Illinois. Most full-time programs can be completed in 4 to 6 weeks. Ohio's community college system runs the largest network of low-cost training options, with Sinclair, Columbus State, Cuyahoga Community College, and Lakeland Community College all operating substantial healthcare-pathway programs. Many community colleges offer financial aid for Ohio residents pursuing the CNA credential, and the cost is often $400 to $1,000 before any aid.

Several Ohio long-term care operators in Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Akron, and Toledo will sponsor CNA training in exchange for a 3 to 12 month post-certification work commitment. These employer-sponsored pathways are particularly common in markets facing acute nursing assistant shortages and can make the path effectively free for committed candidates. The Ohio Department of Health charges a $25 application fee that applies to both in-state and reciprocity applicants, and the Prometric competency exam runs approximately $100 to $120 for both portions.

The background screening process requires both an Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) state check and a federal FBI fingerprint clearance. Schedule your fingerprint appointment as early in training as possible so processing happens in parallel with coursework. Disqualifying offenses include violent felonies, theft, fraud, sexual offenses, drug trafficking, and vulnerable-adult abuse — pending charges can delay your application. The minimum age for CNA training in Ohio is 16, and there is no formal high school diploma requirement from the state, though most training programs require basic English literacy.

Full Ohio Requirements Ohio License Lookup

How to Become a CNA in Ohio

  1. 1

    Confirm you meet the prerequisites

    You must be at least 16, free of disqualifying convictions under Ohio Department of Health rules, and able to read and write English. There is no formal high school diploma requirement from the state, though most training programs require basic English literacy and some set their own minimum at 18.

  2. 2

    Find an ODH-approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP)

    Look for a 75-hour state-approved program. Approved programs are run by Ohio's community college system (especially Sinclair, Columbus State, Cuyahoga, Lakeland), the American Red Cross, the state's large network of skilled nursing facility chains, and private career schools. Many Ohio LTC operators in Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Toledo sponsor training in exchange for a 3 to 12 month work commitment.

  3. 3

    Complete the 75-hour training program

    Pass all 75 hours, including at least 16 hours of supervised clinical experience in a long-term care facility. Your program issues a completion certificate that allows you to register for the Prometric competency exam.

  4. 4

    Complete Ohio BCI and FBI background checks

    Submit fingerprints for both the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) state check and the federal FBI fingerprint clearance. Processing usually takes 1 to 3 weeks. Disqualifying offenses include violent felonies, theft, fraud, sexual offenses, drug trafficking, and vulnerable-adult abuse.

  5. 5

    Pay the $25 ODH application fee and schedule your exam

    Submit your $25 application fee to the Ohio Department of Health, then schedule both portions of the Prometric exam through nurseaide.ohio.gov. The total exam cost is approximately $100 to $120. You must complete testing within 24 months of program completion.

  6. 6

    Get listed on the Ohio Nurse Aide Registry

    Once you pass both exam portions and your background check clears, Prometric transmits your results to ODH and you are added to the Ohio Nurse Aide Registry. You can verify your status at nurseaide.ohio.gov. From that point you are authorized to work as a CNA in any Ohio Department of Health-licensed facility.

Free CNA Programs in Ohio

3 programs offer no-cost training (employer-paid, federally funded, or scholarship-based).

Accelerated CNA Programs (≤4 weeks)

8 fast-track options for students who want to start working quickly.

All CNA Programs in Ohio (41)

Frequently Asked Questions: CNA Training in Ohio

What are the minimum requirements to become a CNA in Ohio?

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You must be at least 16, complete an Ohio Department of Health-approved 75-hour Nurse Aide Training Program (with at least 16 clinical hours), pass an Ohio BCI state and federal FBI fingerprint background check, pay the $25 ODH application fee, and pass both portions of the Prometric competency exam. A high school diploma is not required by the state.

How long does it take to become a CNA in Ohio?

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Most full-time programs run 4 to 6 weeks. Part-time programs may run 8 to 12 weeks. After training, allow 2 to 4 weeks for the Prometric exam and registry listing, plus 1 to 3 weeks for background check processing (often done in parallel with training). Total time from program start to working as a CNA is typically 5 to 10 weeks.

How much does it cost to become a CNA in Ohio?

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Ohio community college programs typically cost $400 to $1,000 for residents. Private programs may run higher. Many Ohio LTC operators sponsor training in exchange for a work commitment. The Prometric exam costs approximately $100 to $120, plus a $25 ODH application fee and fingerprinting costs (around $50 to $75 combined for BCI and FBI). Total out-of-pocket cost ranges from $0 (employer-sponsored) to about $1,500.

Do I need a high school diploma to become a CNA in Ohio?

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Not from the state — the Ohio Department of Health does not require a high school diploma or GED for CNA certification. However, many individual training programs do require a diploma, GED, or current high school enrollment. Several Ohio school districts and career-tech centers offer CNA training as part of their healthcare career pathway starting at age 16.

What is the $25 Ohio Department of Health application fee for?

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Ohio charges a $25 non-refundable application fee that applies to both in-state initial applicants and out-of-state CNAs applying for reciprocity. The fee is paid to the Ohio Department of Health and covers the cost of registry processing and background check coordination. It is separate from the Prometric exam fees, which are paid directly to Prometric.

Can I work as a CNA in Ohio before I pass the Prometric exam?

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Yes, under federal OBRA rules. Once you have completed an approved 75-hour training program, you may work as a nurse aide in a nursing home for up to four months while you complete the competency evaluation. Most Ohio employers will hire trainees with a clear pathway to becoming registered, but you must pass the Prometric exam and appear on the Ohio Nurse Aide Registry within those four months to continue working.

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