LPN to RN Online Programs in OH: Your Guide to Top Schools
If you’re an Ohio LPN, there’s never been a better time to earn your RN license. The state adds thousands of RN positions annually and many are left unfilled due to the nursing shortage, creating high demand and job security for Ohio nurses. Use this EduMed guide to learn key details about finding the right online LPN to RN program, getting your license, and becoming an RN in Ohio.
The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:
HealthcareNursingMental Health EditorialSenior CareDementia CareWhy Trust EduMed? We partner with 150+ nursing & allied health professionals to bring you the most in-depth data & insights on higher education & careers in healthcare. Meet our team and review our editorial values.
Jump To Section
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Achieve Test Prep
PROGRAM: LPN to RN/BSN
We help thousands of LPNs/LVNs work towards achieving their Associate Degree in Nursing or RN. The Test-Out Bridge Program makes achieving your RN faster and affordable, and previous college credits will count toward your advanced degree.
Inside Different Types of LPN to RN Degrees in Ohio
LPN to RN bridge programs give practical nurses an opportunity to gain more skills and experience while preparing to meet the RN licensure requirements for their state. The best bridge programs have accreditation, flexibility, and in-state tuition discounts. They should also be approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing.
It’s challenging to find fully online programs, and it’s important to note that there aren’t any in the state of Ohio. Hybrid programs offer many courses online while clinicals and labs still require in-person attendance, but even these are hard to find. However, there are universities, such as Kent State, that allow you to schedule classes in the evenings or on weekends so that students can enjoy some flexibility in their education options. Other programs allow you to take any general education courses online while the core nursing classes are taken on-campus.
To help you in your search for a flexible LPN to RN program in Ohio, take a look at some popular options below.
Herzing University
Herzing University offers an LPN to AASN Bridge Program in Akron, Ohio. This program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and approved by the State of Ohio Board of Nursing. In this program, you can take any necessary general education classes online while taking your core classes in person at the Akron campus.
This university also has an online LPN to RN Option that isn’t based in Ohio. This program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Higher Learning Commission. In their online program, all core lectures are delivered online.
Duration: 16 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $725/credit hour
Admissions Requirements:
- Completion of high school diploma or GED
- A GPA of 3.50-4.0; a GPA of 3.0-3.49, with 3.0 GPA in college science; or a GPA of 2.50 or higher with composite Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) score of 58
- Current LPN license
Curriculum:
- Pharmacology
- Transition to Professional Nursing
- Mental Health Nursing
- Family Nursing
- Medical-Surgical Nursing II & III
- ASN Practicum
- Review of Nursing Concepts
Kent State University
Kent State University offers one of the best LPN to RN Programs in Ohio at four of their campuses, preparing future RNs to become BSN-prepared. This bridge program is designed for working LPNs and other allied health professionals.
The curriculum consists of labs, nursing courses, and clinical hours. The LPN or Allied Health program is broken up into two segments, allowing students to complete their introductory nursing courses before diving into their sequence courses. While any prerequisite courses can be taken online, all nursing courses and clinical hours must be completed in-person. However, they do offer classes on the weekend and in the evening.
Duration: 12-16 months
Mode: In-person
Cost: $298/credit hour
Admissions Requirements:
- Minimum 3.20 GPA in all college level coursework
- Minimum 2.75 GPA for required science courses
- Minimum grade of “C” in prerequisite courses
- Good academic standing at previous academic institution
Curriculum:
- Introduction to Professional Nursing Practice
- Accelerated Clinical Calculations
- Fundamentals of Nursing
- Professional Nursing Development
- Introduction to Evidence Based Practice
- NCLEX Review Preparation
All You Need to Know: LPN to RN Student FAQs
Before applying for an LPN to RN program, you likely have a lot of questions about costs, admissions requirements, durations, and more. We’ve answered some of the most commonly asked questions so you can prepare to apply for a bridge program in Ohio.
How long does it take to finish an LPN to RN bridge program in Ohio?
Because you’re already a licensed nurse, LPN to RN bridge programs in Ohio are designed to be completed in just one to two years, though this can vary from program to program. To give you a better idea of how long it might take, here’s the average time it takes to complete four of the most popular programs in the state:
- Kent State University: 12-16 months, once accepted into Technical Study Sequence
- Central Ohio Technical College: Four semesters
- Ohio University: Three semesters
- Knox Technical Center: 12 months
What are the admissions requirements for LPN to RN bridge programs in Ohio?
The main requirement for most LPN to RN programs is a current LPN license. However, these programs can be competitive, so many universities have other requirements. These can include:
- A high school diploma
- Passing a fit-for-work health exam
- Providing a work history or a list of nursing skills an applicant already has
- An application fee
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
Most schools also have certain prerequisite courses you’ll have to take before applying. This isn’t the case for all programs, though, since there are some LPN to RN online programs without prerequisites. If there’s a specific program you’re interested in, be sure to check the requirements before applying.
How much do LPN to RN bridge programs in Ohio cost?
The cost of an LPN to RN program in Ohio can range from $15,000 to $25,000. Getting any higher education degree can be costly, but it doesn’t have to be if you choose a program that offers in-state tuition. If cost is a top consideration for you, there are many nursing programs with financial aid opportunities. Additionally, there are scholarships offered by state organizations, like the Ohio Nurses Foundation.
What should I look for in an LPN to RN program in Ohio?
Any program you apply to should be properly accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Accreditation is important because you won’t become a licensed nurse upon graduating if a program is not accredited. The program you choose should also be approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing.
Beyond accreditations, the best LPN to RN programs will also have high NCLEX-RN pass rates. Passing this exam is a requirement for you to gain your license, so it’s important that the program you choose adequately prepares students for success. Check out our beginner’s guide to the NCLEX, essential study skills guide for healthcare students, and test-taking strategies guide for extra preparation resources.
Are There 6 Month LPN to RN Programs in Ohio?
Although 6-month LPN to RN programs may sound like a good option for you, none of these programs are available in Ohio. However, the good news is you can still advance your career by enrolling in one of the many LPN to RN completion programs in the state.
Ohio LPN vs. RN Salary & Career Comparison
As you consider transitioning from LPN to RN, it's important to evaluate your return on investment, and Ohio offers notable advantages. The median RN salary in Ohio is $79,940, compared to $58,130 for LPNs, representing a 38% increase, not to mention the higher long-term earning potential. Entry-level RNs earn $64,480, which surpasses even the median salary for LPNs. Meanwhile, experienced RNs in the 90th percentile earn $105,380, nearly $35,000 more than top-earning LPNs.
While Ohio's projected RN growth rate of 3.4% is below the national average of 5.6%, it still exceeds the LPN growth rate of 1.7%, indicating a stronger overall demand for RNs. Ohio anticipates 7,630 annual RN openings compared to 2,930 for LPNs. This higher demand and financial gain make the RN path a sound choice. Browse through the information below to see the potential your new career as an RN holds.
| 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.
Top Online LPN to RN Bridge 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 RN Bridge program offers low regional campus tuition rates and multiple campus options, making the pathway to becoming an RN more affordable and accessible.
- The program’s flexible scheduling and hybrid course formats allow students to continue working as an LPN while completing their degree, minimizing disruption to their careers.
- Kent State provides individualized professional advising and nearly 100% job placement post-graduation, supporting students’ successful transition into RN roles.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $7,394 Avg. Aid Amount
- 66% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 21/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Ohio University-Zanesville Campus
Zanesville, OHProgram Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $2,659 Avg. Aid Amount
- 35% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Ohio University-Zanesville Campus
- The Ohio University LPN to RN Bridge program offers a supportive infrastructure funded by a $4 million federal grant to help LPNs from rural and underserved populations successfully transition to a BSN degree.
- Students benefit from an accelerated pathway that recognizes prior LPN education and experience, allowing faster progression and focus on advanced nursing courses.
- The program emphasizes expanding career opportunities by directly addressing barriers to academic achievement, thereby enhancing job prospects in underserved communities and healthcare settings.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $2,659 Avg. Aid Amount
- 35% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Bowling Green State University-Main Campus
Bowling Green, OHProgram Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $6,789 Avg. Aid Amount
- 62% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Bowling Green State University-Main Campus
- The EHOVE LPN to RN Bridge program guarantees clinical rotations upon acceptance, ensuring hands-on practical experience in diverse healthcare settings.
- Students receive individual financial support through a $4 million grant covering course materials and childcare, contingent on a commitment to work two years in designated counties after graduation.
- Graduates can convert their diploma into up to 56 college credits through an affiliated 100% online BGSU program, facilitating further academic advancement.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $6,789 Avg. Aid Amount
- 62% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $4,310 Avg. Aid Amount
- 36% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Shawnee State University
- Shawnee State University offers a tuition discount through its Free Tuition Initiative for eligible LPNs from northern Kentucky or southern Ohio, making the program financially accessible.
- Applicants to the LPN to RN program may receive scholarships ranging from $1,500 up to full tuition upon acceptance, significantly reducing out-of-pocket costs.
- The program provides advanced placement into the second semester for LPNs who complete specific prerequisite courses, allowing them to graduate after only three semesters and accelerating degree completion.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $4,310 Avg. Aid Amount
- 36% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $2,978 Avg. Aid Amount
- 41% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Lorain County Community College
- Lorain County Community College's LPN to RN program grants advanced placement credit for prior nursing coursework, reducing course repetition and enabling students to graduate in just two semesters.
- The program features advanced simulation labs and diverse clinical affiliate sites, providing extensive hands-on patient care experience across multiple healthcare settings.
- LCCC has strengthened K–12 partnerships and offers equity-centered faculty development to support first-generation and BIPOC students in persisting and completing the nursing pathway.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $2,978 Avg. Aid Amount
- 41% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $2,287 Avg. Aid Amount
- 27% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Stark State College
- Stark State's LPN to RN Bridge program offers the lowest tuition rates in northeast Ohio, enabling students to earn their nursing credentials with minimal debt.
- The program provides flexible scheduling options, including day and evening/weekend classes, accommodating students with varied personal and professional commitments.
- Students benefit from small class sizes and hands-on clinical training in simulation labs and real-world healthcare settings, enhancing practical skills and readiness.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $2,287 Avg. Aid Amount
- 27% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Kent State University at Tuscarawas
New Philadelphia, OHProgram Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,796 Avg. Aid Amount
- 44% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 20/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Kent State University at Tuscarawas
- Kent State’s LPN to RN Bridge program offers flexible scheduling with multiple cohort options, including evening and weekend classes, enabling students to continue working while pursuing their degree.
- The program boasts nearly 100% job placement after graduation, combined with a high 95% NCLEX-RN pass rate, ensuring strong prospects for career advancement.
- Students benefit from low regional campus tuition rates and the ability to leverage prior LPN credits toward an accelerated path to their RN and beyond at multiple convenient campus locations.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,796 Avg. Aid Amount
- 44% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 20/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,684 Avg. Aid Amount
- 32% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Sinclair Community College
- The Sinclair LPN to RN Bridge program offers advanced placement with articulated credits and waived course requirements for qualified LPNs and military experience, significantly accelerating completion time.
- The program features a streamlined transition course that allows students to bypass several foundational nursing courses, reducing time and expense compared to traditional routes.
- Sinclair’s program provides strong support through limited enrollment to ensure quality clinical placements and focused faculty attention, enhancing student success in licensure and employment.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,684 Avg. Aid Amount
- 32% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,598 Avg. Aid Amount
- 30% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Hocking College
- Hocking College’s LPN to RN Bridge program limits admission to only 30 students, ensuring a more personalized and focused learning environment for participants.
- Students receive hands-on clinical training within a 75-mile radius, allowing practical experience in diverse healthcare settings such as hospitals, long-term care, and home health agencies.
- The program requires successful completion of a specialized LPN to RN transition course (NT-1400), guaranteeing foundational competency before advancing to the RN coursework.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,598 Avg. Aid Amount
- 30% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,508 Avg. Aid Amount
- 32% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Terra State Community College
- 1. Terra State's LPN to RN Bridge program offers an admissions point system to rank applicants, promoting a competitive and merit-based admission process focused on academic achievement and clinical readiness.
- 2. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), ensuring recognized quality and standards in nursing education that support successful licensure and employment.
- 3. Graduates are trained to deliver evidence-based, patient-centered care across diverse settings, emphasizing leadership, clinical judgment, and teamwork skills essential for high-quality nursing practice.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,508 Avg. Aid Amount
- 32% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College 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*.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- 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.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time receiving an award in 6 years.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
*Metrics #2-5 and #6-7 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
