CNA Classes & Programs in Athens, Ohio
Get Information from CNA Programs in Athens and Nearby
Athens is home to 2 CNA programs aimed at preparing future nursing assistants with essential skills needed for Ohio state certification. Known as a college town due to Ohio University’s presence, Athens offers accessible pathways into healthcare careers through its locally available training options tailored to meet both educational requirements and community needs.
CNA students benefit from hands-on instruction focused on practical caregiving techniques and job readiness skills essential for direct patient care roles. Athens features two nursing homes, two hospitals—including acute care and behavioral health facilities—and one home health agency where newly certified nursing assistants may find employment opportunities after completing their coursework or clinical hours.
Statewide in Ohio, CNAs earn around $38,030 annually according to recent BLS OEWS data; city-specific salary figures are not available so this serves as the best reference point for Athens-area candidates considering this career path.
Quick Facts About Athens
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Population22,698Residents
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CNA Programs2State-approved Programs
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Median Income$34,493Median Annual Income
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CNA Hourly Rate$18.28Median Hourly Rate
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CNA Yearly Salary$38,030Median Annual Salary
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Facilities5CMS Healthcare Facilities2 Nursing Homes • 2 Hospitals • 1 Home Health Agencies
Get Information from CNA Programs in Athens and Nearby
Schools in Athens and nearby are actively seeking qualified students. Fill out one quick form below to receive information directly from multiple accredited CNA programs.
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- Tuition costs & financial aid options
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- Program details & requirements
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Browse CNA Classes in Athens
Students in Athens can choose from 2 CNA programs that prepare participants for state registry placement while focusing on developing key caregiving abilities required by Ohio state certification standards. Free program options are available, offering thorough training for healthcare employment where local demand exists across multiple facility types throughout Athens and surrounding areas seeking qualified nursing assistants ready to deliver compassionate care.
Types of Classes Available
Free programs: available in Athens through various funding sources including employer sponsorship and grants.
Accelerated programs: not available in Athens but are offered in other cities throughout Ohio.
Online programs not available in Athens but are offered in other cities throughout Ohio.
The Laurels Of Athens
Program Details
Kimes Nursing And Rehabilitation Center
Program Details
CNA Employment Opportunities in Athens
CNA Salary Information
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Annual Salary$38,030Median Yearly Pay
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Hourly Rate$18.28Median Per Hour
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Available Jobs61,410CNA Positions
CNA jobs in Athens reflect regional trends seen across similar mid-sized communities with varied healthcare settings, including acute hospitals and skilled nursing facilities. While precise city-level figures are not available due to statewide aggregation of data sources, demand persists as local employers seek qualified staff members able to deliver high-quality patient support throughout Athens and its neighboring communities.
CNA salary in Athens cannot be reported specifically at the city level; instead, statewide figures provide guidance: CNAs in Ohio earn around $38,030 per year (roughly $18.28 hourly), according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). City-specific salary data is not available, so statewide figures provide the best reference when evaluating earning potential as a new graduate or experienced aide here.
Athens offers several notable CMS-certified facilities where CNAs may seek employment after completing their training: Laurels Of Athens (111 beds), Kimes Nursing & Rehab Center (61 beds), OhioHealth O'Bleness Hospital (acute care), Appalachian Behavioral Health Care (psychiatric hospital), and OhioHealth Home Health With Compassus—a home health agency rated at 3.5 stars—each serving distinct segments of local patient needs across inpatient and outpatient environments.
Sources
- Salary Data: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
- Healthcare Facilities: CMS (July 2025)
Working in Nearby Cities
Looking beyond Athens? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Marietta, Jackson, Wellston, Gallipolis, and Middleport, or browse the Ohio CNA programs page for more options.
Working in Other States
Planning to move or gain experience working in other states? Use our reciprocity guide to transfer your existing CNA license across states.
Working Through Agencies or as a Travel CNA
If you're already certified and would like to work through an agency or work as a travel CNA, browse here our directory of CNA agencies or simply fill out this short form to get matched with 3 personalized CNA agencies that can help you land your next job.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Athens (2 facilities)
2 nursing homes in Athens providing CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
Facility Details
Facility Details
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Athens (2 facilities)
2 hospitals in Athens offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
Facility Details
Facility Details
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Athens (1 facilities)
1 home health agency in Athens providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
Ohiohealth Home Health With Compassus
Facility Details
Requirements to Work as a CNA in Athens, OH
To work as a State Tested Nurse Aide (STNA) in Athens, Ohio's designation for Certified Nursing Assistants, you must meet the statewide STNA requirements set by Ohio. These include completing an Ohio Department of Health (ODH)–approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP), passing the competency exam administered by D&SDT-Headmaster, and being listed on the Ohio Nurse Aide Registry.
- At least 75 total hours of training combining classroom instruction and supervised clinical practice in a licensed long-term care facility
- Completion of the first 16 hours of classroom instruction before any direct resident contact
- Passing both the knowledge test (79 questions, 90 minutes, 70% to pass) and the skills evaluation (5 tasks, 35 minutes, 80% on each task)
- Up to three attempts per exam section within two years of training completion before retraining is required
- Criminal background check per Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) Chapter 3701-13
- Placement on the Ohio Nurse Aide Registry after passing both exam components
Once certified, you may work in nursing homes, hospitals, home health agencies, assisted living facilities, and rehabilitation centers throughout Athens and across Ohio. Ohio facilities may employ nurse aide trainees for up to four months while completing training and testing requirements.
Already certified in another state? Ohio offers reciprocity for out-of-state CNAs who are active and in good standing. Applicants do not need to retake the exam if their home state's training met federal OBRA requirements. Learn more in our CNA License Reciprocity in Ohio guide.
For complete details on training, testing, renewal, and maintaining certification, see our full CNA License & Registration in Ohio guide.
Career Growth & Advancement
Many CNAs use their experience as a stepping stone toward advanced healthcare careers:
- Specialized certifications (e.g., dementia care, medication aide)
- Promotion into shift supervisor or training coordinator roles
- Bridge programs to become an LPN or RN
- Opportunities in healthcare administration or education
Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Athens
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Athens?
Most CNA programs in Athens can be completed in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether you choose a traditional, accelerated, or weekend schedule.
How much does CNA training cost in Athens?
Tuition typically ranges from $800–$1,500, though may be higher depending on the program. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Athens?
Some hospitals, nursing homes, and workforce programs may offer free CNA training in exchange for a work commitment.
Are there online CNA training options available in Athens?
Several schools offer hybrid options with online coursework and in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities.
Are there any 4-weeks CNA classes in Athens?
Yes, some schools in Athens or nearby areas may offer accelerated CNA programs that can be completed in as little as 4 weeks, depending on class schedules and clinical requirements.
Which nearby cities are there for CNA classes and job opportunities?
Near Athens there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Marietta, Jackson, Wellston, Gallipolis, and Middleport. You can also look at the Ohio state page to find more.
How do I get listed on the Ohio CNA registry?
To work as a CNA in Ohio, you must be added to the official state registry. See our Ohio CNA registry guide for step-by-step instructions.
Where do CNAs work in Athens?
CNAs in Athens are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. Many also use their CNA experience as a stepping stone to LPN or RN careers.
Information Accuracy: Requirements, salary data, and other information are carefully compiled and based on the latest available sources, but may change. Please verify with official sources before making decisions. If you spot a mistake, let us know.