Ohio Nurse Aide Registry
Ohio Department of Health/Nurse Aides
246 N. High Street, Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: (614) 752-9500 or (614) 752-8285
In Ohio, Certified Nurse Aides (CNAs) are called State Tested Nurse Aides. The approval and management of the NATCEP is the responsibility of The Ohio Department of Health (ODH). Headmaster/ D&S Diversified Technologies is responsible for administering The Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP).
How to obtain initial certification as a nurse aide in Ohio
Individuals who want to work as nurse aides in a long-term care facility in the state of Ohio must first enroll and complete a state-approved nurse aide program and earn a listing on the Ohio STNA registry. Next, they must take and obtain minim pass rates for both the clinical and knowledge examinations of the NATCEP exam. They have three attempts to pass the NATCEP. Upon passing the NATCEP exam, candidates will be listed in the Ohio CNA Registry and, subsequently become eligible to work as nurse aides in the state of Ohio.
- Checking registry status online
- Headmaster Candidate Login
- Candidate handbook
- Headmaster website and forms
Other nurse aide certification routes in Ohio
Individuals who do not meet requirements for the initial certification route may be eligible for certification as state-tested nurse aides if they fall under one of the following categories:
- Nursing Students
- Foreign-Trained Nurses or Nurse Aides
- Hospital orderlies or aides
- Other occupations in direct patient care
Headmaster information on certification routes
Certification Renewal for Ohio Nurse Aides
The Ohio Department of Health requires nurse aides to renew their certificate every 24 months. ODH will mail a renewal form to each nurse aide listed in the registry that the respective nurse aide must fill out and mail back before the expiration date on their certificate. To remain listed in the registry and, therefore, eligible to work as a CAN in Ohio, you must have completed a minimum of 8 hours of nursing related or nursing services within a 48-hour period or a minimum of 7.5 consecutive hours in the 24 months following to latest date of verified work and the date of registry placement.
Headmaster information on certification routes
Reinstatement of a Lapsed Nurse Aide Certificate
If nurse aides fail to meet the eligibility criteria for certification renewal, they must retake and pass the competency evaluation. Passing both parts of the examination will automatically replace candidates on the registry.
Headmaster information on certification routes
Out-of-state CNA Certification Transfer
An out of state CNA can become certified in the state of Ohio and listed in the STNA registry in Ohio by following the nurse aide reciprocity procedure. They must request and application for reciprocity from the ODH by phone. They will be granted certification by reciprocity of they meet the eligibility criteria, including having an active and in good standing certificate in the out-of-state registry.
Certification by reciprocity procedure
Online CNA License Lookup & Verification
CNA license verification and a license lookup can both be done on the Ohio Department of Health’s website.