STNA Certificate

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Becoming an STNA can be a stepping stone to a career in nursing

A career as a state tested nurse aide (STNA) can be very fulfilling and provide a lot of personal satisfaction.  A STNA should possess these attributes or desired qualities for employment in a healthcare setting- commitment, flexibility, time management, effective interpersonal communication skills, sensitivity, empathy, integrity, compassion, resiliency, enjoy working with others, and physical strength to perform manual skill tasks.

In 2016 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were an estimated 1.4 million persons employed as certified nursing assistants. Although a STNA may work in an inpatient hospital setting, the majority are frequently employed in long-term residential care facilities, rehabilitation centers, and adult day care centers. Nursing care facilities employed the most nursing assistive personnel at 37% opposed to only 4% working in home health care.

Depending on the needs of the employer, nursing assistive personnel can negotiate to work a variety of schedules. Some STNAs work a set schedule of straight shifts whereas others may opt to work a variety of shifts throughout the course of a week. Scheduling needs of the employer may require that the STNA be willing to work evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. Persons paid on an hourly basis may be able to earn overtime pay. An individual’s earning potential is self-limiting.

Public Disclosure of Licensure

Hocking College offers courses, associate degree and certificate programs that may lead to professional licensure and/or certification. Successful completion of the programs listed below may potentially lead to professional licensure, registration or certification. Licensure, registration or certification may be global, national, or state-specific. The following programs meet requirements for the State of Ohio. Requirements for other states may vary. If you currently live in a state other than Ohio or intend to move to a state other than Ohio and use the education completed at Hocking College to sit for such an exam, be aware there may be additional requirements. Please contact the appropriate administering body and/or the college contact for the program to discuss your intentions.

Prospective students are required to complete pre-admission requirements prior to enrollment in the STNA Program including:

• Submitting their current, signed, government-issued photo ID;
• Original, signed Social Security card;
• Official high school transcript or GED;
• BCI and FBI criminal background check results;
• Urine drug screen results; physical examination within previous 12 months;
• and attestation that the individual has health insurance.

In addition, the applicant will need to provide evidence of having completed a 2-step tuberculosis skin test within the previous 12 months; that all specified immunizations for healthcare personnel are up to date, and that they have a current, non-lapsed certificate for BLS for the Professional Rescuer prior to the third week of the course in order to be able to participate in scheduled clinical experiences at a long-term care facility.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) are statements of what a student will be able to do when they have completed a program. They represent the knowledge and skills a program has determined are most important for students to gain from that program and include both the Success Skills (Institutional Outcomes) and Program Outcomes. SLOs are specific and measurable so the program can accurately assess the extent to which degree students have achieved each outcome, and they align with college and institution mission and values. Data on the achievement of SLOs is used to make improvements in the program and increase student success. 

Success Skills

• CE - Communicates Effectively
• PA - Maintains Professional Skills & Attitudes
• CT - Demonstrates Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Skills
• ET - Maintains Code of Ethics
• HR - Relations Practices Human Resource Skills
• MS - Demonstrates Math Skills
• GA - Maintains Community, Cultural, and Global Awareness
• IT - Implements Career-Appropriate Technology

Program Outcomes

The STNA Certificate program is a new program starting in Spring 2020. Program outcome data will be available in Fall 2020.

Following successful completion of the nurse aide training and competency evaluation program (NATCEP), the graduate will be able to:

• Form appropriate relationships using therapeutic communication to interact competently as a member of the health care team to assist residents of a long-term care facility in achieving identified resident care objectives.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the residents’ physical, emotional, social and mental health needs through appropriate use of interpersonal communication.
• Assist assigned residents to attain and maintain functional independence in the long-term care setting.
• Exhibit appropriate behavior which recognizes and supports the promotion of residents’ rights.
• Demonstrate observation and documentation skills required in support of residents’ health, physical condition, and well-being in a long-term care facility.

How do I apply for the STNA Program?

Apply online at apply.shorinji-kempo.net .

I have applied to Hocking and received the general acceptance letter in the mail. What is my next step?

Submit your official high school transcript, GED, or Expected Graduation Form. Applicants must be at least 15 ½ years of age to enroll in the STNA Program as a condition to be eligible to participate in clinical experience at a long-term care facility in the State of Ohio.

What do I need to do to ensure getting into the course session I want to attend?

Applications will be reviewed in the order received and confirmation of enrollment will be communicated to the applicant once all specified required items have been completed.

Are there any other considerations concerning admission and employment as a nurse aide? 

If an applicant has a previous offense which appears in their criminal background check, the applicant should refer to the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) Chapter 3701-13 Hiring of Direct Care Provider Employees -05 Disqualifying Offenses which preclude a person from being employed in a position that involves providing direct care to an older adult if the person has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to stipulated offenses contained in the Ohio Revised Code (ORC). 

In addition, the Ohio Department of Health Nurse Aide Registry may revoke a STNA’s certificate if there is a finding of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of property against an individual.

What if I am interested in furthering my education to become a licensed nurse in nursing? 

You may choose to pursue continuing your education at Hocking College's School of Nursing which offers an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing Degree, or a Diploma of Practical Nursing.