Best LPN Programs in Ohio: Online & Campus Training
Looking for a quick way to a rewarding nursing career? Learn about state-approved LPN programs in Ohio that can train you to become licensed in about a year.
As with most states, the need for nurses in Ohio continues to grow, including licensed practical nurses. Not only does earning your credential from one of the many quality LPN programs in Ohio provide a quick route into the healthcare profession, it also leaves the door open for further advancement down the road. In most cases, students can complete an Ohio LPN program in about one year. For added convenience, many programs now offer part of their curriculums online.
If becoming an LPN in Ohio sounds like the right path for you, this guide has everything you need to get started. You’ll find a list of top, state-approved programs and other key information about what you’ll learn, the job market for LPNs in Ohio, and how to get your license after you graduate.
James A. Rhodes State College
Lima, Ohio
Public
FAQs About LPN Programs in Ohio
What skills do you learn in LPN programs in Ohio?
Most skills taught in LPN programs in Ohio focus on two sets of learning. The classroom portion incorporates foundational nursing and scientific concepts. Ohio Medical Career College, for example, covers anatomy, physiology, and nutrition. The clinical part of the curriculum lets students apply their classroom skills to the real-world setting. Students also complete on-campus labs where they’re taught through a combination of lectures and hands-on exercises.
Most LPN programs in Ohio also focus on soft skills. At Columbus State Community College, for instance, courses integrate instruction in ethics, communication skills, critical thinking, and principles of professionalism necessary for the nursing profession into nursing lab and classroom instruction.
How much do LPN programs cost in Ohio?
Many on-campus and online LPN programs in Ohio are offered by community colleges, which usually have affordable tuition rates. Since tuition at community colleges is typically determined by the number of credits, and LPN programs usually last about a year, predicting the cost of an LPN degree is typically not difficult. The tuition rates below give you a solid idea of what LPN programs in Ohio cost.
Columbus State Community College
Total Credits: 39
$167.93/credit (in-state); $343.47/credit (out-of-state)
Stark State College
Total Credits: 36
$184.60/credit (in-state); $313.60/credit (out-of-state)
Northwest State Community College
Total Credits: 42
$182.33/credit (in-state); $358.66/credit (out-of-state)
Can I get financial aid to help pay for my LPN program in Ohio?
Even though most LPN programs in Ohio last about a year and are offered at community colleges, the cost is still a barrier for many students. Grants, scholarships, and student loans can help make tuition costs manageable.
Grants and scholarships are often available from corporations, nonprofit organizations like the Ohio Nurses Foundation, and schools themselves. Student loans are typically available from the federal government and private lenders. Another source of financial aid is Ohio’s Department of Higher Education through its Nurse Education Assistance Loan Program (NEALP). This loan for nursing students is eligible for cancellation after serving as a full-time nurse in Ohio for five years.
To see what else is available in terms of financial aid, check out our LPN scholarships guide and main financial aid guide.
How long do LPN programs in Ohio take to finish?
Many Ohio LPN programs are for full-time students, last about one year, consist of 36-42 credits, and require three semesters of study. Central Ohio Technical College is a typical example of LPN programs in Ohio. Some programs are slightly shorter, though, including the LPN program at Stark State College, which takes two semesters. Part-time LPN programs aren’t common. Instead, some programs, like Ohio Medical Career College, hold classes during the evenings to better accommodate working students.
Inside Look at Online Learning for LPN Students
Nursing is a hands-on career, so there aren’t any 100% online LPN programs in Ohio. However, some schools, like Fortis Institute in Cuyahoga Falls, do offer hybrid LPN programs that still require in-person labs and clinicals but replace some classroom lectures with online classes. These online courses are typically limited to general education or foundational science classes. Even though remote learning is limited, it does give some flexibility.
LPN Licensing Information and Requirements in Ohio
Getting your practical nursing license in Ohio is like that of most other states, and Ohio’s exact process is detailed by the Ohio Board of Nursing. Its convenient checklist helps you review the requirements as soon as you decide to become an LPN, which is important since part of the licensing process begins during enrollment. The following section gives you an idea of what to expect during the LPN licensing process in Ohio.
Complete Education and Clinical Training
LPN training must be from a program in Ohio that’s approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing. Ideally, the program is also accredited by an organization like ACEN or NLN CNEA. Completing a board-approved LPN program allows you to sit for the NCLEX-PN and apply for licensure as a practical nurse in Ohio.
Pass Professional Nursing Examination
Besides graduating from a board-approved LPN program in Ohio, individuals must also pass the NCLEX-PN. Administered by Pearson VUE, this exam ensures LPN applicants possess sufficient knowledge to work as practical nurses. You’ll want to register for the NCLEX-PN toward the second half of your LPN program.
Apply for an LPN License with the Ohio Board of Nursing
After you finish an approved LPN program in Ohio and pass the NCLEX-PN, you can then apply for your practical nursing license from the Ohio Board of Nursing. The application process usually begins while a student is still in school and must be completed online through the Ohio eLicense 3.0 System. In addition to completing this application and paying the $75 application fee, students must also arrange for their LPN program completion letters to be emailed to the Ohio Board of Nursing.
Pass a Criminal Background Check
During the LPN licensing application process, applicants must also complete two criminal history checks, the first with the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the second with the FBI. Background checks require in-state applicants to submit fingerprints electronically through the Webcheck program. Out-of-state applicants need to make arrangements with the law enforcement agency in their areas to have their fingerprints taken.
Meet Continuing Education Requirements and Renew License
Ohio requires its LPNs to renew their licenses every two years in even-numbered years. Renewing an LPN license requires completing the process online through the Ohio eLicense 3.0 System and paying a renewal fee of $65 if renewing between July 1 and September 15 and $115 if renewing between September 16 and October 31.
LPNs must also meet continuing education requirements of at least 24 contact hours every two years. At least one of those contact hours must relate to the laws and rules of the Ohio Nurse Practice Act (Category A).
Salary and Job Outlook for LPNs in Ohio
Now that you know what it takes to become an LPN in Ohio, let’s take a look at what to expect after graduation. It’s important for aspiring LPNs in Ohio to do what they can during their education to stand out, including volunteer work and internships. That’s because while the national growth rate for LPNs from 2022 to 2032 is 5.3%, the growth rate in Ohio is stalled at 1.7% during that same period. This lack of growth means that only 640 new jobs are created; however, there are 2,930 annual openings, thanks to many LPNs retiring from the profession or moving up to work as registered nurses.
Salary expectations in Ohio seem to be on par with the rest of the nation, with the median annual wage at $58,130. The 10th percentile of workers will make $46,310, and the 90th percentile will see $70,420. As usual, the highest wages can be found in the most populated areas, such as the median of $59,820 in Cincinnati and $59,790 in Cleveland. Read on to learn more about the salary and job outlook for LPNs in Ohio.
Job Outlook for Licensed Practical Nurses in Ohio
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 655,000 | 689,900 | 34,900 | 5.30% | 54,400 |
| Ohio | 37,590 | 38,230 | 640 | 1.70% | 2,930 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Annual Earnings for Licensed Practical Nurses in Ohio
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio | $46,310 | $58,130 | $70,420 |
| Akron, OH | $45,950 | $57,600 | $63,870 |
| Canton-Massillon, OH | $44,340 | $57,280 | $64,580 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $47,200 | $59,820 | $69,970 |
| Cleveland-Elyria, OH | $48,730 | $59,790 | $68,800 |
| Columbus, OH | $47,680 | $59,270 | $71,960 |
| Dayton, OH | $46,790 | $58,310 | $64,630 |
| Lima, OH | $43,220 | $52,050 | $65,340 |
| Mansfield, OH | $40,540 | $50,730 | $62,700 |
| Springfield, OH | $48,970 | $59,600 | $80,470 |
| Toledo, OH | $46,370 | $56,940 | $63,450 |
| Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, OH-PA | $40,360 | $52,050 | $60,870 |
Source: Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Ohio LPN Student and Professional Resources
Licensed Practical Nurse Association of Ohio, Inc.
