Online LPN to BSN Programs in Ohio: Compare Top Schools

Inside Online LPN to BSN Programs in Ohio

If you’re currently a licensed LPN, then a nursing bridge program is tailored to your needs—both educational and professional. One way these schools do this is by offering classes online so you can continue working as you earn your bachelor’s degree. LPN to BSN programs, however, may provide online coursework in different ways. For example, if you enroll in an asynchronous program, you have the most flexibility because you don’t have to commit to attending courses at specific times. This allows you to learn course content when it’s the most convenient for you.

Despite this flexibility, it’s important to know that you’ll be required to do some work on campus. The amount of campus work will differ depending on the program. Some schools require participating in labs and simulations on campus regularly. Some programs may require one practicum course that is delivered in person. Also, you can expect to participate in clinicals at a healthcare facility for intensive hands-on training.

Ohio LPN to BSN FAQs

Do you still have questions about how LPN to BSN programs can help you reach your goals? If so, that’s understandable. Earning a bachelor’s degree should not be taken lightly, so it’s not surprising that there is still information you need to know. Continue reading for answers to some of the questions prospective LPN to BSN students often have.

What additional nursing skills and knowledge will I gain in an LPN to BSN program in Ohio?

In an LPN to BSN program, you can build on the skills you already have and deepen your knowledge of the nursing profession. For example, Kettering College focuses on academic-based learning outcomes and practical skills. As a result, students learn to synthesize knowledge from the arts and sciences with nursing theory and practice to provide the very best care for patients. They do this while also performing technical nursing duties, such as conducting physical assessments and safely transporting patients. Students in Kent State’s program are paired with an experienced nurse for a preceptorship to gain exposure to research and evidence-based practices. Whether you want to specialize in a specific area of nursing or move into a leadership role, a BSN provides the vital skills that open professional doors.

What should I look for in an LPN to BSN program in Ohio?

If you’re going to invest time and money into a nursing degree, you want to know you’ll graduate with a quality education. The best way to do that is to choose an LPN to BSN program that is approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). While accreditation is the most important criteria you should consider when choosing a program, it’s not the only criteria.

As you research, another important quality to look for is schools that have a high NCLEX-RN pass rate. This will help you enroll in an LPN to BSN program with confidence that you’ll have the knowledge and skills necessary to earn your license. In Ohio, the first-time NCLEX pass rate average was 86.73 percent in 2023, so be sure to choose a school that has at least this rate.

Similarly, you should take a look at the type of clinical placements the school has to offer. Since hands-on experience will be crucial in your RN training, find out where clinicals are conducted to ensure you’re getting access to the best facilities and professionals the field has to offer.

Can I get financial aid to help pay for my LPN to BSN program in Ohio?

Another reason that choosing an accredited school is important is because it’s the only way to become eligible for federal and state nursing school financial aid options. LPN to BSN students have several ways to pay for their degrees, including loans (which you need to pay back), and grants and scholarships (which you do not need to pay back). There are also state-specific scholarships, like the ones available through the Ohio Nurses Foundation.

Additionally, some schools may offer scholarships for RN programs. For example, the nursing schools at Ohio University and Kent State University offer funding to their nursing students.

Will earning my LPN to BSN degree online or through a hybrid program impact my ability to get licensed?

No. As long as the school you attend has been approved by the Ohio Nursing Board, it doesn’t matter what type of classes you take. Instead, receiving your RN license is dependent on following the procedures set forth by the state. To earn your RN license in Ohio, you should complete a degree program from an accredited school that has been approved by the state and pass the NCLEX-RN exam.

When you apply for a license, you will need to pay a $75 fee. Also, you must submit your fingerprints to participate in a background check conducted by both the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Will employers care if I took some of my LPN to BSN classes online?

Probably not. Although organizations have their own employment standards, they are generally not concerned about how the coursework you did was delivered. As long as you meet the hiring standards a company is looking for, you should be successful.

Employers want to see that you completed an accredited LPN to BSN program, passed the NCLEX-RN exam, and have a clean criminal background check. Also, your degree will look the same whether you took classes on campus or online. As a result, employers won’t likely know if you graduated from an online LPN to BSN program unless you inform them.

Earnings & Career Outlook: LPN vs. BSN

When you complete a bachelor’s degree and earn an RN credential, you open doors to bigger and better career opportunities. In Ohio, LPNs earned $57,660 per year in 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Registered nurses earned $84,430. If you decide you want to take your nursing practice to another state, the BLS also reports national median salaries, which were $59,730 per year for LPNs and $86,070 for RNs in 2023.

In addition to salary, the occupational forecast for nurses in Ohio shows that the future is bright. Between 2022 and 2032, the BLS estimates a 3.4 percent increase in job openings for RNs. LPNs can expect to see about a 1.7 percent increase in job opportunities. This means that every year, 2,930 new positions will be created.