Student Guide to Ohio LPN to BSN Programs Online

As an LPN in Ohio, your skills are already in demand, but earning your BSN and becoming a registered nurse can boost your job prospects to an entirely new level.

“According to the state Office of Workforce Transformation, there are nearly 9,000 open positions for registered nurses,” Dr. Suzanne Smith, dean of nursing for Arizona College of Nursing’s Cleveland Campus, recently shared in an interview about Ohio’s shortage of RNs.

So how can you take the skills you already have as a practical nurse and quickly level them up to make yourself eligible for jobs with higher salaries and more meaningful contributions to patients? You can consider one of Ohio’s LPN to BSN programs that become a registered nurse and earn your bachelor’s degree at the same time.

Best LPN to BSN Programs in Ohio

You have options when it comes to choosing from among the quality LPN to BSN programs in Ohio, and those options come with abundant time devoted to research. We’ve made this step easier for you by identifying a few of the top accredited LPN to BSN programs in Ohio. These schools offer a solid mix of affordability, challenging academics, flexibility, and the student support you need to advance your nursing career. Use this list as a starting point for your search.

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FAQs About LPN to BSN Programs in Ohio

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, graduates of Kettering College focus on academic-based learning outcomes and practical skills. Students learn to synthesize knowledge from the arts and sciences along with nursing theory and practice to provide the very best care for patients. They do this while also performing technical nursing skills such as physical assessments and safe transport of patients. Students at 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 opens professional doors.

How long does it take to complete an LPN to BSN program in Ohio?

The length of most LPN to BSN programs is two to three years, but that varies depending on if you enroll part-time or full-time, if you’ve completed any prerequisites, and what cohort you’re in. For example, once students complete the necessary prerequisites at The University of Akron the program can be completed in three years. At Kent State, the LPN to BSN program is divided into two segments. The first section takes about a year and the second, nursing-focused section takes 15-18 months, depending on if you’re in a daytime or evening/weekend cohort.

How much do LPN to BSN programs in Ohio cost?

The cost for an LPN to BSN program varies a bit depending on the type of school and your background. If you already have some undergraduate classes under your belt, you may be able to transfer those credits and save some money. In general, it’s also usually less expensive to enroll in classes full-time. Part-time students often end up paying more in fees throughout their education. Finally, consider programs offering online courses. If you can take some prerequisites remotely, you may be able to save some money as well as wear and tear on your car.

Below are three real-life examples of the costs associated with LPN to BSN programs in Ohio.

What are the admission requirements for LPN to BSN programs in Ohio?

Successfully graduating from an LPN program is the most universal requirement for admission into a BSN bridge program. Schools vary in how selective their admissions processes are, but most require a GPA of at least 2.75, especially in previous science courses. Kent State requires applicants have a 3.0 high school GPA or a minimum 2.7 GPA and at least a 1,100 SAT or 22 ACT score. Depending on the program, students may be required to earn a certain grade in certain courses (e.g., a C in Biology and Chemistry) to stay enrolled.

Common admission requirements:

• Graduation from an LPN program
• Unrestricted LPN license
• Clean background check
• A 2.75-3.00 GPA or above (high school)
• Completed admissions application

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, ensure 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 CCNE or ACEN and that demonstrates a high NCLEX-RN pass rate. It’s also a good sign when a school is institutionally or regionally accredited.

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

Choosing an accredited school is important because it’s the only way to become eligible for federal and state grants and loans. 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, for LPN to BSN students.

For more general information on financial aid and for tips on starting the process, don’t miss our nursing scholarship guide and our main financial aid guide.

A Look at Online and Hybrid LPN to BSN Programs in Ohio

Perhaps you’re thinking that an LPN to BSN bridge program is right for you, but you’re concerned about balancing your job or home life with your education. If so, consider finding an online LPN to BSN program in Ohio that features core classes and prerequisites that can be taken remotely. Some programs offer these courses asynchronously where you complete coursework on your schedule or synchronously where you must attend virtual classes at specific times. Online courses offer a lot of flexibility, especially for busy working professionals or students with other demands on their time. However, it’s important to note that all LPN to BSN programs require in-person learning for clinical hours, typically later in the program. If you’re interested in online courses, research specifics like if you’ll join a cohort or if learning takes place on your timeline and be prepared for in-person clinical hours before graduation.

For more information on what to expect with remote learning, our main online LPN to BSN program page provides a helpful overview.

Common Questions About Online LPN to BSN Programs in Ohio

Going from LPN to a BSN Nurse in Ohio: Step-By-Step

The Ohio nursing board website is the best source for LPN to BSN students planning for licensure. Upon successful completion of an LPN to BSN program, graduates can begin the process of applying for an RN license in Ohio. Below are the steps potential RNs need to follow:

• Complete the Ohio nursing board application and pay a $75 fee
• Register online to take the NCLEX-RN and pay any necessary fees
• Schedule, take, and pass the NCLEX-RN
• Send your LPN to BSN program completion letter or your transcript if you graduated from an out-of-state school to the Ohio nursing board
• Pass a criminal records check

LPN to BSN Salary and Employment Trends in Ohio

Those who choose to earn their registered nursing license in Ohio can expect some job growth from 2022 to 2032, but not nearly as much as the national average. RNs in Ohio will see growth of 3.4%, which is lower than the national average growth of 5.6%. This means it’s a fantastic idea for registered nurses to specialize in an area of medicine that truly matters to them so they can stand out from the crowd, or even consider pursuing further education to work as advanced practice registered nurses.

Transitioning from an LPN to an RN does afford significantly more pay in Ohio. Registered nurses make a median annual wage of $79,940, compared to $58,130 for licensed practical nurses. The gap in pay widens even more as nurses approach the 90th percentile, with RNs making $105,380 and LPNs making $70,420. Take a look at the numbers below to learn more about what to expect from working as an RN in Ohio.