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.
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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, in-state tuition discounts, and Ohio-Board-of-Nursing-approval.
No LPN to RN program is fully online, but many programs are partially online. Termed hybrid, these programs offer many courses online while clinicals and labs are held in-person.
Because hybrid LPN to RN programs are hard to find in Ohio, some schools offer other benefits so you enjoy some flexibility in your education options. These include:
- Flexible class times: Some programs, like the one at Kent State, allow you to schedule classes in the evenings or on weekends.
- Online non-nursing courses: Other programs allow you to take 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 particular program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Higher Learning Commission. In its 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 or
- 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.
Other considerations include:
- Approval by the Ohio Board of Nursing
- 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.
Expert Insight
When searching for an LPN to RN program, consider that a public college may not have nursing classes through the summer. As a nursing student, this worked for me because I used the summer breaks to pick up work hours. But this can also cause a break in your study momentum. It all depends on your needs.
Are There 6 Month LPN to RN Programs in Ohio?
No. 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
| Area | Occupation | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio | LPNs/LVNs | $50,030 | $61,950 | $74,120 |
| RNs | $66,980 | $82,510 | $105,290 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
| Area | Occupation | Curr.Jobs | Proj.Jobs | NewJobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann.Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | RNs | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| LPNs/LVNs | 655,000 | 689,900 | 34,900 | 5.30% | 54,400 | |
| Ohio | RNs | 131,390 | 135,860 | 4,470 | 3.40% | 7,630 |
| LPNs/LVNs | 37,590 | 38,230 | 640 | 1.70% | 2,930 |
Source: Projections Central
