Online LPN to BSN Programs in Ohio: Compare Top Schools
If you’re a licensed practical nurse looking to move up the career ladder to become an RN, you’ll want to consider getting the education and training you need through an LPN to BSN program. This guide offers a detailed look at online LPN to BSN programs available in Ohio, with info on curriculums, admission requirements, program lengths and costs, job prospects for graduates, and much more.
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Inside Online LPN to BSN Programs in Ohio
Online LPN to BSN programs are specifically designed to provide practical nurses a convenient and cost-saving option to qualifying for the NCLEX-RN leading to state registered nurse licensure. These hybrid-formatted programs consist of:
- Pre-licensure online didactic coursework, campus-based skills labs, and in-person clinical practice experiences
- Bachelor’s level coursework in leadership and nursing practice, often times delivered entirely online
As a result of advance placement given to LPNs in these programs, LPN to BSN students are typically able to earn their nursing bachelor’s in two to four years of full-time study or four to six years of part-time study.
To give you an idea of how these programs operate in practical terms, here are spotlights of three current LPN to BSN programs in Ohio with online components.
Kent State University
Study convenience and flexibility is key to Kent State University’s LPN & Allied Health to RN program. The program features a number of student-focused elements, including:
- Program starts available in the fall, spring, and summer
- The option of attending classes during the day (fall cohorts) or evenings and weekends (spring and summer cohorts)
- Hands-on clinicals that can be attended at any of several program-approved healthcare facilities throughout the state. Examples include Cleveland Clinic, Summa Health, and University Hospitals.
Duration: Four semesters (daytime track); Five semesters (evening and weekend track). Not including prerequisite coursework.
Mode: Primarily in-person with some online components
Cost: $13,445.20/year (Ohio residents); $23,590.40/year (out-of-state residents). Tuition only.
Admissions Requirements:
- Completion of an accredited LPN program
- Current unencumbered LPN license
- High school level biology, chemistry, and mathematics coursework
Curriculum:
- General Microbiology
- Human Genetics
- Pharmacology and Alterations in Physiological Functioning
- Parent and Newborn Nursing
- Health Care of Children
- Nursing of Adults Across the Lifespan
- Basic Nursing Informatics
- Health Care Policy
- International Health Care Policies
- Nursing of the Critically Ill
- Community Health Nursing
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing
- Science of Human Nutrition
The University of Akron
The University of Akron’s LPN to RN program builds on the student’s prior nursing knowledge and experience to prepare for taking the NCLEX-RN and state RN licensure. The program is open to current LPNs who have completed a practical nurse curriculum as well as LPNs with a previously-earned bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing major.
The program is designed to be completed in three years of full-time study following completion of all prerequisite coursework. A part-time option is also offered.
Following admission into the School of Nursing, program advisors provide guidance as to the prerequisite courses needed and develop a plan of study that best meet’s the individual student’s needs. Additional support services include:
- Career counseling and connection with potential employers
- Assistance with resume writing and interviewing skills
Duration: Three years full-time. Part-time option available.
Mode: Primarily on campus with online prerequisite course options
Cost: $13,740/year (Ohio residents); $21,650/year (out-of-state residents)
Admissions Requirements:
- Completed accredited LPN program
- Unencumbered LPN license
- Minimum C grade on prerequisite courses
Curriculum:
- Science of Nutrition
- Foundations of Nursing Practice
- Transition to Baccalaureate Nursing
- Pathophysiology for Nurses
- Health Assessment
- Nursing Pharmacology
- Professional Role Development
- Nursing of the Childbearing Family
- Nursing Care of Adults
- Nursing Care of Older Adults
- Mental Health Nursing
- RN Transition
- Nursing of Families with Children
- Nursing in Complex & Critical Situations
- Evidence Based Practice in Nursing
- Nursing of Communities
- Senior Practicum and Nursing Leadership
Kettering College
Kettering College’s LPN to BSN program uses evidence-based nursing principles and theory to teach students how to provide care to individuals and families from diverse backgrounds.
The curriculum is rooted in the school’s Christian principles with the intent of preparing nurses who approach nursing care through lens of Christian ethical standards helping to deepen their compassion for the people they serve.
In-person clinical experiences are attended at hospitals in the Kettering Health system and play an integral role throughout the entire course of study beginning with the first nursing course.
Duration: Three years full-time or five years part-time (includes prerequisites)
Mode: Primarily on campus with some online course components
Cost: $700/credit
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma or its equivalent
- Minimum 2.8 GPA in college coursework
- Minimum C average in prerequisite science classes
- Criminal background check
- Up-to-date vaccinations
Curriculum:
- LPN-to-BSN Transition
- Introduction to Human Communication
- Medical Surgical Nursing
- Population Health Concepts
- Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing Concepts
- Family Nursing Concepts
- Nursing Research
- Spirituality in Healing and Health Care
- Essentials of Nursing Leadership, Management, and Informatics
- NCLEX-RN Success Strategies
Ohio LPN to BSN FAQs
Still have questions about how LPN to BSN programs work? That’s understandable. To help you out, here are the answers to five frequently-asked questions by prospective Ohio LPN to BSN students.
What additional nursing skills and knowledge will I gain in an LPN to BSN program in Ohio?
In the most basic sense, LPN to BSN programs provide students with the knowledge and skills required to sit for the NCLEX-RN and state RN license eligibility. In practical terms, that means program content that expands and deepens the student’s nursing practice and leadership skills beyond those possessed by LPNs and developed in nursing associate degree programs.
Specific content areas covered include:
- Advanced clinical assessment and treatment
- Collaboration and communication
- Critical thinking and problem-solving
- Cultural diversity and inclusiveness
- Evidence-based practice
- Nursing leadership and management
What should I look for in an LPN to BSN program in Ohio?
There are a number of factors to look for when exploring your Ohio online LPN to BSN program options. Start by considering only those programs that are:
- Approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing
- Accredited by either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Beyond that, look to the following elements:
- Online content delivery methods: Pay attention to how online content is delivered. For example, online content may be synchronous (requiring students to log on and participate in classes and other activities in real time via live stream) or asynchronous (allowing access and completion at any time.)
- Program length: Does a program offer both full-time and part-time study options?
- NCLEX-RN pass rates: A program’s pass rate acts as an indicator of academic quality and effectiveness.
- Access to student support services: Including financial aid advisement, academic and career counseling, and assistance with clinical placements.
Can I get financial aid to help pay for my LPN to BSN program in Ohio?
Most likely, yes. You’ll still need to meet the eligibility requirements of the specific funding opportunity and, of course, land the award. But pursuing your degree through an LPN to BSN program, online or otherwise, does not preclude you from obtaining financial aid.
Common financial aid types you may qualify for include:
- Scholarships and grants
- Student loans
- Employer tuition reimbursement
- Work-study
- VA benefits (for veterans and some active military personnel)
- Tuition discounts, and deferment and installment plans
Always make contacting the financial aid offices at each of the schools you’re considering a part of your online LPN to BSN program search. It’s there you’ll find detailed and up-to-date information on a wide range of funding opportunities, including those offered by the school itself.
For example Kent State University offers internal scholarships exclusively to its College of Nursing students. You’ll also want to explore external funding sources like the scholarships offered by the Ohio Nurses Foundation.
Will earning my LPN to BSN degree in a hybrid-formatted program impact my ability to get licensed?
Absolutely not. As long is your LPN to BSN program is state-approved and properly-accredited, you will be academically eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN and, once you pass your exam and meet all other OBON requirements, qualify for your Ohio RN license.
Will employers care if some some of my LPN to BSN classes were taken online?
It’s highly unlikely. In this day and age, the vast majority of employers out there understand that online classes offered by reputable nursing programs are of equal quality to their on-campus counterparts.
What employers in Ohio do care about is that their RN hires have:
- Graduated from a state-approved and programmatically-accredited nursing program
- Passed the NCLEX-RN
- Possess an Ohio RN license
It should also be noted here that neither your BSN diploma nor your program transcripts will indicate that you attended classes online, so potential employers may very well never know. That is, unless you tell them.
Earnings & Career Outlook: LPN vs. BSN
When you complete a bachelor’s degree in nursing and obtain your RN license, you open doors to bigger and better career opportunities. The U.S. Department of Labor forecasts a 3.4 percent increase in job openings for RNs in Ohio between 2022 and 2032. Ohio LPNs can expect to see about a 1.7 percent increase in job opportunities during the same period.
For the most recent salary figures for LPNs and RNs in Ohio, review the table below.
| Occupation ↕ | Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | Ohio | $46,310 | $58,130 | $70,420 |
| Registered Nurses | Ohio | $64,480 | $79,940 | $105,380 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Occupation ↕ | Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | United States | 655,000 | 689,900 | 34,900 | 5.30% | 54,400 |
| Registered Nurses | Ohio | 131,390 | 135,860 | 4,470 | 3.40% | 7,630 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | Ohio | 37,590 | 38,230 | 640 | 1.70% | 2,930 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Best Online LPN to BSN Programs in Ohio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $7,394 Avg. Aid Amount
- 66% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 21/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Kent State University at Kent
- Kent State’s LPN to BSN Bridge program offers flexible cohort options including evening and weekend schedules to accommodate working licensed practical nurses and allied health professionals.
- The program boasts a 95% NCLEX-RN pass rate and nearly 100% job placement within six months of graduation, demonstrating high clinical and employment success.
- Students benefit from state-of-the-art simulation labs and comprehensive clinical training at prominent Northeast Ohio healthcare facilities, enhancing practical skills and real-world experience.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $7,394 Avg. Aid Amount
- 66% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 21/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $4,088 Avg. Aid Amount
- 43% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Wright State University
- The LPN to BSN Bridge program offers an accelerated pathway allowing students to complete their BSN in as little as 20 months through five consecutive semesters.
- The program includes collaboration between Wright State and MVCTC, providing students with strong advising support and resources from faculty and advisors at both institutions.
- Graduates benefit from a cost-effective education pathway that helps manage expenses while allowing students to work and balance family commitments during their studies.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $4,088 Avg. Aid Amount
- 43% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Mount Carmel College of Nursing
Columbus, OHProgram Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $5,140 Avg. Aid Amount
- 82% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 9/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Mount Carmel College of Nursing
- The MCCN LPN to BSN Bridge program offers tuition discounts or scholarships specifically designed to reduce financial burden for bridge students, making the program more affordable.
- This program provides accelerated completion options that allow LPNs to leverage their prior education and clinical experience to finish their BSN degree faster than the traditional route.
- MCCN has strong employer partnerships and high clinical placement rates, ensuring students gain hands-on experience in reputable healthcare settings and improve job readiness.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $5,140 Avg. Aid Amount
- 82% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 9/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Kent State University at Stark
North Canton, OHProgram Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,582 Avg. Aid Amount
- 35% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 21/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Kent State University at Stark
- Kent State’s LPN to BSN Bridge program offers flexible cohort options with evening and weekend classes designed specifically for working licensed practical nurses and allied health professionals.
- The program boasts nearly a 95% NCLEX-RN pass rate and almost 100% employment for graduates within six months, demonstrating strong success in licensure and job placement.
- Students benefit from state-of-the-art simulation labs and comprehensive clinical experiences in Northeast Ohio, providing advanced hands-on training for career readiness.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,582 Avg. Aid Amount
- 35% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 21/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online Undergraduate Bridge Program Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves:
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic and career counseling on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted*.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time.
- Avg. Aid Amount – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Students w/ Aid – Percent of full-time, first-time students undergraduates awarded institutional aid.
- Online Enrollment – Percent of undergraduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time receiving an award in 6 years.
*Metrics #1-2 and #3-5 were equally weighted.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2025
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