Finding affordable STNA (State Tested Nursing Assistant) classes in the Columbus area can be a game-changer for those looking to enter the healthcare field free of academic debt.
This page outlines a variety of STNA training options, including programs offered by non-profit organizations that provide need-based assistance, as well as opportunities where training is provided as part of an employment agreement.
Affordable STNA Programs in Columbus
Whether you’re seeking no-cost training from charitable organizations or willing to commit to working for an employer in exchange for paid training, this list will guide you toward the best path for your future. Let’s take a look at Columbus’s most budget-friendly STNA program options.
My Tees Healthcare
My Tees Healthcare offers a 75-hour State Tested Nurse Aide (STNA) program approved by the Ohio Department of Health. The training includes 59 hours of classroom instruction and 16 hours of clinical experience in a long-term care setting. With experienced instructors and a hands-on learning approach, students gain the essential skills needed to provide quality patient care.
Flexible Scheduling Options
Students can choose between a 12-day day class or a 17-day evening class to fit their schedules. Small class sizes allow for personalized instruction, increasing the chances of success in both training and the certification exam.
- Affordable tuition starting at $359 with payment plans available
- Additional certifications offered, including HHA training and CPR/First Aid courses
Career-Focused Training
With over 20 years of experience in healthcare education, My Tees Healthcare ensures students are prepared not only to pass the STNA exam but also to succeed in the workforce. Graduates have high job placement potential, with many moving on to careers in nursing homes, hospitals, and home healthcare.
Frontier Health Care Services
Frontier Health Care Services offers a 75-hour State Tested Nurse Aide (STNA) training program approved by the state of Ohio. The program consists of 59 hours of classroom instruction and 16 hours of hands-on clinical experience in a long-term care facility. Students gain practical skills such as patient hygiene, infection control, vital sign monitoring, and assisting licensed staff with patient care. Upon successful completion, students are eligible to take the state certification exam and be placed on the Ohio Nurse Aide Registry.
Flexible Scheduling and Payment Options
Students can choose between morning and evening classes to accommodate their schedules. Morning classes cost $445, while evening classes are $500, with payment plans available. Financial assistance may be available through the Ohio Workforce Investment Act (WIA) for eligible students.
- Small class sizes with one-on-one skills training and unlimited practice before the state test
- High 98% pass rate on the written and skills exam
Supportive Learning Environment
Frontier Health Care Services prioritizes student success by offering personalized instruction in a professional and well-equipped classroom setting. Experienced instructors provide structured training, ensuring students feel confident in their ability to pass the certification exam and transition into the workforce.
Premier Choice Health Services
Premier Choice Health Services offers a 75-hour State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) training program designed to prepare students for certification and employment in long-term care, hospitals, assisted living, and home health settings. The course includes 59 hours of classroom instruction and 16 hours of clinical experience at a long-term care facility.
Flexible Scheduling and Affordable Tuition
The STNA program runs for two and a half weeks, with morning and evening class options available. Tuition is $549, with a $200 down payment required and the remaining balance due on the first day of class. Payment plans are available, though any balance carried beyond the first day will include a $50 payment plan fee.
- No hidden fees; tuition includes books, lab materials, and unlimited practice reviews
- High 99% pass rate and 95% job placement success rate
Career Support and On-Site Testing
Premier Choice Health Services provides resume assistance, interview coaching, and employment opportunities for graduates. The program is approved by the Ohio Department of Health and offers on-site state testing for added convenience.
Goodwill Columbus STNA Program
Goodwill Columbus offers a sponsored, tuition-free State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) program, allowing students to complete their training without tuition costs, making it an affordable alternative to traditional STNA schools. This program removes financial barriers, providing accessible healthcare education to those who may not otherwise afford it.
The classes are held in-person at The Reeb Avenue Center on the south side of Columbus, offering hands-on training in a real-world setting. The course is designed to be completed in five weeks, making it a relatively quick path to entering the healthcare field. Students learn essential skills to prepare for the certification exam and begin their careers as nursing assistants.
By covering the full cost of tuition, Goodwill Columbus ensures that participants can focus on their education without financial stress. This no-cost program is an excellent opportunity for individuals seeking to gain an industry-recognized credential and secure employment in healthcare.
| Program Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Duration | 5 weeks |
| Class Schedules | In-person |
| Website | Goodwill Columbus STNA Program |
| Location | The Reeb Avenue Center, Columbus, OH |
| Phone | (614) 966-9283 |
| Online Classes | No |
Make More Than an STNA
Do You Get What You Pay For?
When students look for low-cost or even free training, is it worth the extra effort? In our experience, free programs in particular have very limited enrollment slots and highly competitive admission processes, often with long waitlists that can delay your career plans significantly.
Since they’re usually sponsored by specific healthcare facilities, students are generally required to work for the sponsoring facility for a set period after certification, which limits job flexibility and potential earning power. The rigid, predetermined class schedules of local programs can make it difficult to maintain current employment or handle family responsibilities, unlike self-paced online options.
These budget programs also may offer fewer supplementary resources like exam prep materials, one-on-one tutoring, or career placement services that are commonly included in paid online programs. The quality of instruction can also vary widely in free programs since they’re often taught by facility staff rather than dedicated CNA/STNA educators, and the curriculum may focus primarily on skills needed at that specific facility rather than providing comprehensive training for diverse healthcare settings.