Ever found yourself staring at job listings wondering if an STNA is the same as a CNA? You’re not alone. This confusion trips up countless aspiring nursing assistants every year. Understanding the difference–or lack thereof–between a State-Tested Nursing Assistant and a Certified Nursing Assistant matters for your job applications, career planning, and especially if you’re considering moving between states. Let’s clear up the confusion once and for all.
What Does CNA Stand For?
A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is the most widely recognized title for nursing assistants across the United States. When you earn your CNA certification, you’re completing a federally-approved training program that meets CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) requirements.
Your CNA training typically includes:
- 75-120 hours of classroom instruction
- Hands-on clinical skills practice
- A state competency evaluation (written and skills test)
Once certified, you’ll provide direct patient care under the supervision of licensed nurses. Think bathing, feeding, taking vital signs, and assisting with mobility. These are the fundamental skills that form the backbone of patient care in long-term facilities, hospitals, and home health settings.
Pro Tip: When applying for jobs out of state, always emphasize your CNA certification on your resume, even if your state calls you an STNA. Employers recognize CNA as the universal standard.
What Does STNA Stand For?
A State-Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) is essentially the same role with a different name–one primarily used in Ohio. The “State-Tested” portion refers to having passed Ohio’s specific competency evaluation, but the training requirements mirror national CNA standards.
If you’re training in Ohio, you’ll see “STNA” everywhere:
- Training programs advertise as STNA courses
- Job postings seek STNAs
- The Ohio Board of Nursing maintains an STNA registry
But here’s the thing: your STNA training covers exactly the same skills as CNA programs elsewhere. You’ll learn patient care protocols, infection control, communication techniques, and emergency procedures that CNAs learn in every other state.
Clinical Pearl: Ohio facilities might prefer STNAs because they’re familiar with the state’s specific testing format, but they legally must accept CNAs from other states who meet reciprocity requirements.
STNA vs CNA: The Core Differences Explained
When you break it down, the differences between STNA and CNA are minimal–and almost purely geographical. But let’s compare them side by side so you can see exactly what we’re talking about.
| Feature | STNA | CNA |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Usage | Ohio (primarily) | 49 other states + federally recognized |
| Training Hours | 75+ hours (state minimum) | 75+ hours (federal minimum) |
| Testing | State-specific exam | State-specific exam (different names) |
| Recognition | Regional | Universal |
| Scope of Practice | Identical to CNA | Identical to STNA |
| Reciprocity | Transfer to CNA in other states | Transfer to STNA in Ohio |
| Winner/Best For | Working specifically in Ohio | Nationwide career mobility |
The real difference? It’s primarily paperwork and terminology. Both credentials allow you to perform the same patient care tasks. Both require you to meet identical federal training standards. Both lead to similar career opportunities.
Common Mistake: Assuming the STNA is a “lesser” or “different” certification. This myth can cost you job opportunities when moving between states. An STNA certification from Ohio holds the same weight as a CNA certification elsewhere.
The State-by-State Reality: Why Location Matters
Here’s where the rubber meets the road. Your title depends almost entirely on where you live and work. Let’s be honest–this regional variation creates unnecessary confusion for nursing assistants who want geographic flexibility.
Ohio: You’ll be an STNA. Period. The state’s training programs, testing centers, and job boards use this terminology exclusively.
Everywhere else: You’re a CNA. Whether you’re in California, Florida, or New York, the industry standard is CNA.
Long-term care facilities often accept both titles because they understand the equivalence. But your state registry will only recognize one designation based on where you were certified.
State Licensure Checklist
Before deciding on a training program, run through this quick checklist:
- ☐ Where do I plan to work for the next 2-3 years?
- ☐ Will I need state reciprocity if I relocate?
- ☐ Does the program meet CMS federal requirements (75+ hours)?
- ☐ Does the facility where I want to work require specific state registry enrollment?
- ☐ Does my state have additional requirements beyond federal minimums?
Key Takeaway: The difference between STNA and CNA certification is like soda vs. pop. Same thing, different regional language. Focus on meeting federal standards rather than getting caught up in terminology.
Career & Job Outlook: Does the Title Affect Pay?
Now for the million-dollar question: Does being an STNA vs. CNA impact your earning potential? The short answer: No, not really.
Salary depends on factors like:
- Your location (cost of living varies wildly)
- Years of experience
- Facility type (hospital vs. nursing home)
- Shift differentials (nights/weekends pay more)
- Additional certifications you pursue
An STNA in Cleveland earns essentially what a CNA with similar experience earns in Toledo. The title on your badge doesn’t determine your paycheck–the market rate for nursing assistants in your area does.
Job mobility matters more than terminology. If you’re considering relocating outside Ohio, having CNA-equivalent training makes transitions smoother. HR departments nationwide recognize “CNA” instantly, while “STNA” might require a brief explanation about reciprocity.
Pro Tip: If you’re an STNA planning to move out of Ohio, contact your destination state’s nursing board 30-60 days before your move. Most states offer straightforward reciprocity processes for transferring your credentials.
FAQ: Your STNA vs CNA Questions Answered
Q: Can I work as a CNA in another state with my STNA certification? A: Yes, through reciprocity. You’ll need to apply to the new state’s nursing board, pay a fee, and prove your Ohio training meets their requirements.
Q: Will hospitals recognize my STNA outside Ohio? A: Most understand the equivalence. However, some may ask you to register as a CNA in their state through their credential verification process.
Q: Should I get CNA certification even if I live in Ohio? A: Not necessary unless you plan immediate relocation. Your STNA serves the same function within Ohio’s borders.
Q: Do STNAs and CNAs take different licensing exams? A: The content is nearly identical, reflecting the same federal standards. The difference is simply which state administers the test.
Conclusion & Key Takeaways
The STNA vs CNA debate has a simple answer: they’re the same role with different regional names. Your training, skills, and patient care responsibilities remain identical regardless of title. Focus instead on gaining quality clinical experience and understanding your specific state’s requirements for maintaining active certification status.
Whether you’re called an STNA in Ohio or a CNA elsewhere, you’re providing essential care to vulnerable patients. That’s what truly matters in your nursing assistant career.
Are you an STNA or CNA? Share your title and state in the comments below–let’s help others understand regional variations!
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Found this explanation helpful? Share it with your CNA or STNA classmates who might be wondering about the same thing!