CareStart
Free Ohio STNA study

Walk into your STNA program already confident.

Free, friendly, self-paced study that teaches you the knowledge behind nurse-aide care — so when you start the official program, you're ready to nail it. Built on the same competency areas the real exam tests.

100% free No sign-up to start Built on OBRA-87 domains
We'll always be straight with you: this gets you ready — it isn't the official program. Ohio still requires hands-on training in person.
The honest deal

Exactly what CareStart is — and isn't.

No hype, no false promises. Here's the real division of labor, so you know precisely how this helps.

What it is

  • Free knowledge & written-exam prep for the Ohio State Tested Nurse Aide path.
  • The thinking behind every skill — the steps in order, what to watch for, and the safety reason why.
  • Aligned to the real domains the official exams are built on (OBRA-87 / nurse-aide competencies).
  • A confidence builder — so you start your paid program already knowing the material.

What it is not

  • Not a state-approved program. Ohio requires an approved course with 75+ hours and in-person clinical training.
  • Not a certification or license. Finishing CareStart grants no credential by itself.
  • Not your hands-on hours. The physical skills are learned and tested in person, in your program.
  • Not medical or legal advice — and it's AI-assisted, so always verify with the Ohio Department of Health.
Your path

Nine units, in the order that builds.

Each unit ends with a quick mastery check — pass it and move on. Everything happens right on your screen.

WEEK1

The Role of the Nurse Aide

What an STNA does, the care team, and the all-important scope of practice — what an aide may and may not do.

Ends with a mastery check
WEEK2

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

Talking with residents, families, and the team — and being the eyes and ears who reports changes to the nurse.

Ends with a mastery check
WEEK3

Residents' Rights, Legal & Ethical Care

The rights every resident holds, dignity and privacy, and recognizing and reporting abuse and neglect.

Ends with a mastery check
WEEK4

Infection Prevention & Control

The chain of infection, hand hygiene done right, standard precautions, and PPE in the correct order.

Ends with a mastery check
WEEK5

Safety & Emergency Procedures

Fall prevention, safe body mechanics, fire safety, and knowing the right first action in an emergency.

Ends with a mastery check
WEEK6

Basic Nursing Skills & Vital Signs

Temperature, pulse, respirations, and blood pressure — the normal ranges and what's important to report.

Ends with a mastery check
WEEK7

Personal Care & Daily Living

Bathing, grooming, dressing, nutrition and hydration, and protecting skin — all while preserving dignity.

Ends with a mastery check
WEEK8

Restorative & Rehabilitative Care

Helping residents keep their independence — mobility, range of motion, transfers, and positioning.

Ends with a mastery check
WEEK9

Mental Health, Social Needs & Dementia Care

Emotional and social needs, comfort care, and caring for residents with dementia — with patience and dignity.

★ Course final — your readiness check
How it works

Simple, on your screen, at your pace.

1

Read & learn

Clear, plain-language lessons — no textbook overwhelm. Read it right on the screen.

2

Practice

Tap, match, and sort through real care situations. You learn by doing, not memorizing.

3

Get it checked

Every answer is checked instantly with helpful feedback. No essays, no waiting.

4

Pass & advance

Clear each unit's mastery check and move forward — building toward the final.

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Please read this — it matters

CareStart is a free study aid, not a nurse-aide training program. To become an Ohio STNA you must complete a state-approved program of at least 75 hours, including supervised in-person clinical training, and pass the state competency exam. You cannot become an STNA online, and this course does not make you eligible for the exam on its own.

This content is AI-assisted educational material. It is not accreditation, certification, medical, legal, or employment advice, and it is not a substitute for your approved program, your facility's policies, or a nurse's direction. Requirements and exam details change — always verify with the official source.

Not accredited Not a state-approved program Clinical hours are in person No credential granted Verify with the Ohio Dept. of Health

Your first shift starts with your first lesson.

It's free, it's friendly, and you can begin right now. You've got this.

Start Unit 1 — free →