Frequently Asked Questions

ARE CLASSES FREE?

No, classes are not free.  STNA classes cost $400. The STNA payment plan is a $250 down payment with a balance due the 1st day of class; or $400 paid in full.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO PROCESS MY APPLICATION?

Applications are processed on a rolling basis and must be completed at least 24-48 hours prior to the beginning of class. You need $25 to register and must attend an orientation the first day of class.  You will need to get a physical and two part PPD in order to qualify for the State Board Exam. Please note the physical and PPD is an extra out of pocket expense you should be prepared to pay PRIOR to starting training.

WHAT IS A HOME HEALTH AIDE?

A home health aide, also known as an HHA, provides basic personal care and companionship to patients.  It is their responsibility to assist patients with their daily needs, both physically and emotionally.  The elderly have more difficulty getting around, injure more easily, and have a harder time in general than a young person.  HHAs assist patients in the necessary daily tasks of life, helping them to maintain their dignity and quality of living. They ensure the patient is bathed, dressed, and the home is clean and easy to move around.  They escort them on errands, help with food shopping, food prep, and feeding.  They assist patients in properly caring for themselves.

I HEARD TRAINING AS A STNA CAN PREPARE YOU FOR OTHER MEDICAL JOBS? HOW DOES THAT WORK?

Becoming an STNA or HHA is a manageable, affordable way to get your foot in the door with a medical career before committing to the years of  school needed to become an LPN, RN, NP, MD, or more. It is segue that enables you to gain experience, skills, and insight into the medical field while working.  It allows you to get your feet wet in the industry and have a desirable career while deciding if you will pursue additional education.

HOW DO I REGISTER FOR A CLASS?

Registrations can be made online, in person or by phone. Registration requires an initial payment and in-office paperwork completion. We ask that you come in at least 24-48 hours to complete all paperworkYou are not registered until you make a PAYMENTWhen making a payment online, you must complete the online payment form. PLEASE NOTE: After making a payment, you are still required to come into the office to complete the application process mentioned above.

CAN I TAKE THE STATE TEST AT THE NURSING INSTITUTE?

No. State testing is not held at The Nursing Institute, however, Information regarding testing centers will be provided to you.

WHAT IS THE ATTENDANCE POLICY?

You cannot miss any CLASSES or CLINICAL. You will automatically be dismissed without refund for any absences. We will only offer make-up days with the exceptions of death in the immediately family, hospitalization, or court. Make-up days will cost additional fees. Please inquire within the training facility.

Documentation is REQUIRED by faculty prior to re-admittance.

IS THE TEXTBOOK INCLUDED?

Yes. Textbooks are included, however, all textbooks are expected to be returned prior to completing the program. If textbooks are damaged or lost, you are required to pay $25 for each textbook replacement.

DOES YOUR PROGRAM CONDUCT CLINICAL ROTATIONS? IF SO, WHERE?

Yes. Due to Covid-19 pandemic, clinical will be conducted in the Skills Lab located at The Nursing Institute’s Training Center. However, when clinical is required to be conducted within a Nursing Facility, clinical will be conducted on the weekends (Saturday and Sunday) from 7am – 3pm, and located at:

  • Landerbrook Transitional Care
  • Embassy Healthcare
  • Candlewood Healthcare & Rehabilitation
WHAT JOBS CAN I GET BY BEING CERTIFIED AS AN STNA?

You can work in a variety of settings, including but not limited to: Hospitals, Nursing Homes, Private Residences, and Physicians’ Offices.

ARE YOU ACCREDITED?

Yes. We are licensed through the Ohio Department of Health. License No. 3654332.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BE CERTIFIED?

STNA class sessions run for 2-3 weeks (depending on day or evening training), 5 days a week. Upon successful completion of our program, you will receive a Certificate of Training and will be prepared to take the State Exam.  Additionally, we offer free job placement assistance to graduating students.

WHEN IS PAYMENT DUE?

Full payment must be made at least 24-48 hours prior to your first class.  We accept cash, cashier’s checks, PayPal, visa and master cards. We can work with you to set up a payment plan, however we do not offer class discounts. Please look on our Trainings/Make Payment/FAQs page to view the payment plan schedule.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN STNA AND HHA?

There are a few key differences between STNAs and HHAs.  Both provide basic personal care to patients such as bathing, dressing, meal prep, feeding, light cleaning, and laundry.  They often assist their clients with errands and attending doctors appointments, and work in in adult day care centers or perform home visits. Both are responsible for keeping an eye on the patients physical, emotional, and developmental well being and providing them companionship.  They receive the same training in regards to a patients personal care, however the STNA program requires more hours in school and students undergo supervised clinical experience with actual patients. STNAs receive additional medical training that legally enable them to help elderly patients in and out of bed and wheelchairs, check vital signs, discuss health concerns, and record patients symptoms and overall health to later discuss with a doctor.  STNAs have a higher starting pay rate than HHAs and are more prepared (educationally) to seek higher education in the medical field. Additionally, a STNA is qualified to work in a more diverse range of settings than an HHA.

HOW DO I PAY FOR THE CLASSES?

You can make a payment on the payment page, in the office or by phone. You can make the FULL payment of $400 or use our convenient payment plan to be paid in full at least 24-48 prior to the first day of class.  We accept all major credit cards, MC, Visa, certified check, and Paypal. ALL PAYMENTS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE! NO MONEY ORDERS or CHECKS!

HOW MANY HOURS ARE REQUIRED FOR STNA TRAINING?

The State of Ohio requires all students to have a total of 75 hours total. 59 hours of classroom training and 16 hours of clinical training.

HOW MANY STUDENTS ARE IN A CLASS?

It depends, we can average 10 students a class.

DO I NEED TO HAVE A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA OR GED TO TAKE THIS CLASS?

No. Most employers may require a H.S. Diploma or GED.

DO YOU ASSIST WITH THE STATE TESTING APPLICATION?

Yes. We will guide you through the steps for signing up for the test. We will offer reviews for both the written and skills portion of the state test during classroom hours. This can increase your chances of passing.

ON AVERAGE, WHAT WILL STNAs GET PAID?

STNAs are paid between $12 to $15 per hour on average. Your experience, type of facility, and history of work ethics can determine your pay rate.

WHAT JOBS DOES THIS PROGRAM PREPARE ME FOR?

Our program prepares you to work in a variety of medical settings including nursing homes, assisted living facilities, adult day care centers, hospitals, group homes, the department of developmental disabilities, and personal homes.  You learn the necessary academics and receive hands-on-training from licensed nurses to prepare you to care for people of all ages.  You’ll be responsible for gathering crucial information about the patients health, checking vital signs, and assist with their basic quality of life needs.  Bathing, dressing, cooking, feeding, general home tidiness, monitoring blood pressure and general health, and assisting with range of motion exercises are all included in the responsibilities of a STNA.

WHAT IS A STATE TESTED NURSING ASSISTANT (STNA)?

A state tested nursing assistant, also known as a STNA, provides basic personal and medical care to patients. They assist in a patients personal care in the same manner as an HHA.  They ensure the high standard of living for the patient is maintained in their daily life.  This includes food, cleanliness, exercise, health, as well as their physical, cognitive, and emotional well being.   Additionally, STNAs can perform standard medical tasks (blood pressure monitoring, vitals, change bandages, etc.) as well as monitor the patients health and progress to later discuss with a doctor.

IS THERE ANY WAY TO GET MY TUITION REIMBURSED?

ALL Ohio State subsidized nursing homes are required to reimburse your nurse aide training cost once you have worked as an STNA at the facility within 12 months after training program completion.  So yes! Keep track of your payment receipts to get reimbursement down the road. Entry Level STNAs requires at least some tuition two weeks prior to the first class and full payment prior to taking final exam and beginning clinical. Lastly, check with Job and Family Services as well as all County, and Local offices providing assistance to individuals looking to advance in a career.

ARE THE STATE TEST FEES INCLUDED IN THE TUITION?

No, the test fees are not included in the tuition. The cost of the test is $104 total. $76 for the skills portion and $28 for the written portion. This money is paid to the Ohio Department of Health through a third party: D&S Diversified

HOW LONG ARE CLASSES?

The day classes are two weeks and evening classes are three weeks. PLEASE NOTE: Class schedules are subjected to change at the Directors’ discretion.

DO I NEED A UNIFORM FOR CLASS?

Yes, a uniform is mandatory for class and clinical.

Burgundy (Wine) scrubs, and all solid colors are mandatory. NO printed scrubs are permitted. Additionally, soft bottom closed-toe shoes for clinical. NO CROCS or open-toed shoes permitted during clinical.

DO I NEED TO HAVE A BACKGROUND CHECK BEFORE TAKING THIS CLASS?

Yes. There is a county background check required to attend clinical. This can be obtained in downtown Cleveland located at: Justice Center, 1200 Ontario St., 3rd Floor, Cleveland, Ohio. Cost: $10.00

DO YOU OFFER FINANCIAL AID?

No. We do not offer financial aid. You can inquire about financial aid through Job and Family Services, and all County and Local offices that provides assistance to individuals looking to obtain a career and/or advance in a career.

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY STNA LICENSE EXPIRE?

You are required by the Ohio Department of Health to retake the training and State test again in order to be placed back on the Nurse Aide Registry.