Last Updated/Verified: November 15th, 2024

There are plenty of opportunities ahead in the healthcare and nursing field.

If you would like to break into the industry as quickly as possible, consider training to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN).

Job growth for LPNs in Ohio continues to rise, making this an ideal time to enter the industry. You can get can complete an accredited program in as little as 12 months, choosing from a wide selection of schools.

In Ohio, the cities of Cleveland, Cincinnati, Akron, Dayton, Columbus, and Toledo will have the highest number of potential educational institutions and job opportunities for an LPN.

LPN’s in Ohio Quick Facts

• LPN schools typically take 12 to 18 months to complete when attending full-time
• The future of LPNS jobs is bright, as employment growth is expected to rise by 11% through 2028
• The average salary for an LPN in Ohio is $45,414
• The LPN field is expected to grow by 20% between 2014 and 2024
• LPNs account for more than seven of every 1,000 jobs in the state of Ohio

Overview of LPN Schools in Ohio

There are over 60 LPN schools in Ohio, allowing you to select the program that best suits your needs based on location, available courses, fees, and your professional goals.

LPN Accreditation

When comparing schools, it’s important to select a program that is properly accredited. There are many national and regional accrediting bodies, including the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). In Ohio, also stay mindful of the Ohio Board of Nursing when choosing a school.

LPN Admissions Requirements

Each school will have its own unique set of admission requirements. It is best to inquire about each school’s admission process. However, most schools across Ohio will at least require the following:

• Have your high school diploma, GED, or equivalent
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0
• Complete all prerequisite courses
• Complete the ATI TEAS exam, achieving satisfactory scores
• Provide a completed application

For example, Lorain County Community College clearly lists all admission requirements for Practical Nursing.

LPN Tuition & Costs

The cost of the program you seek will be a major deciding factor. Fortunately, LPN programs across Ohio are often affordable, some of which are more costly than others. It is recommended that you shop around to find the best tuition rates and associated fees. Cost-of-living is also something to consider if you are moving closer to your school. In most cases, you will need to cover the cost of your tuition, any related school fees, and supplies.

Each school will provide a breakdown of what the costs are for the year. For example, at North Central State College in Mansfield, in-state tuition is $9,331, out-of-state tuition is $14,881, and supplies cost an additional $1,197. In comparison, at the Academia Medical Institute in Columbus, OH, the total cost of the LPN program is $10,403 — the tuition is $8,400.

Knowing the costs associated with the program you wish to enter will help you plan accordingly. For those who require financial aid, many schools offer support to those in need.

LPN Licensing Requirements in Ohio

The first step in getting your nursing license is to complete an approved program. On average, this takes 12 to 18 months in Ohio.

Once you graduate from the Ohio-based LPN program of your choosing, your education will need to be approved by one of the national boards of nursing, such as the Ohio Board of Nursing. You must then book and pass your NCLEX-PN. exam and submit a criminal background check.

In Ohio, LPN licenses must be renewed every 2 years. To renew for the next licensure period, which runs from September 1 of an even-numbered year to August 31 of the next even-numbered year, you must complete 24 hours of continued education.

Checklist to Become an Ohio LPN

To become an LPN in Ohio, you will need to:

• Earn your LPN degree/certificate. This will take anywhere between 12 to 10 months on average
• Take and pass the NCLEX-PN licensing exam
• Apply for your licensure with the Ohio Board of Nursing

NCLEX-PN Exam

On average, 82% of students pass the NCLEX-PN exam after completing any of the LPN courses offered in Ohio. The national average is 83%. This is something to consider when choosing a school, as high pass rates ensure a high quality of education.

LPN Reciprocity

Unlike other states across the nation, Ohio does not participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). This means that if you are an out-of-state nurse who would like to practice in Ohio, you will need to get additional licensure. You will need to be licensed by endorsement. However, you can apply for a temporary, non-renewable permit for a 180-day period. In this case, you’ll need to submit an application fee, license verification, official transcripts, etc.

LPN Salaries in Ohio

According to the Bureau of Statistics, the national average salary for LPNs is $48,820 per year. Although this falls below the national average of $54,099, where you work can significantly affect your salary.

As of May 27, 2021, the average LPN salary in Ohio is $45,414. However, the range falls between $44,000 and $65,000. The biggest variables include your level of education, certifications, number of years in the industry, the city you work in, and any additional skills you have.

The field you work in can also influence your pay. For example, LPNs who work in a hospital will typically earn more than those who work in a physicians’ office. Your experience and work schedule will also result in higher pay. Working nights and weekends typically increases your overall pay.

The top cities based on average earnings include:

• Cincinnati — Average salary is $59,843 per year ($28.77/hour)
• Cleveland — Average salary is $57,692 per year ($27.74/hour)
• Akron — Average salary is $55,446 per year ($26.66/hour)
• Lakewood— Average salary is $64,743 per year ($31.13/hour)
• Columbus — Average salary is $60,125 per year ($28.91/hour)

Source: https://www.bls.gov/

Job Outlook for LPNs in Ohio

LPNs in Ohio are in high demand, and this is expected to remain true for years to come. Significant growth is expected, which will create thousands of LPN jobs.

Top LPN Schools in Ohio

Owens Community College – Toledo

3200 Bright Rd., Findlay, OH 45840
(567) 661-7000

The LPN program at Owens Community College is fully approved through the Ohio Board of Nursing and is accredited through the ACEN. The program is broken up across three semesters and includes time in the skills lab and the patient care simulator labs. Some courses include anatomy and physiology, principles of ethics, immunology, and complex health concepts. Upon completing this program, you will be eligible to work in entry-level nursing positions. This school is known for its excellent infrastructure and skilled faculty.

North Central State College – Mansfield

2441 Kenwood Cir, Mansfield, OH 44906
(419) 755-4800

The Practical Nursing program at this college is two semesters, offering plenty of hands-on training. To graduate, you must complete 30 credits and achieve a 2.3 or better cumulative average in either your overall GPA or required courses. In 2019, 100& of students passed their licensure exams and in 2020, 91.67% of students passed. This showcases the quality of education. Some courses include nutrition, pharmacology, advanced concepts of practical nursing, and microbiology.

Lorain County Community College – Elyria

1005 Abbe Rd N, Elyria, OH 44035
(800) 995-5222

The LPN program at LCCC ranked in the top 10 best programs in Ohio, coming in at #6 in 2020. This was based on several factors, including how well programs support students towards licensure and their future beyond school. The program includes three semesters, focusing on the knowledge and techniques you need to care for the injured, sick, and disabled. Clinical experience is offered.

Collins Career Technical Center – Chesapeake

11627 OH-243, Chesapeake, OH 45619
(740) 867-6641

Committed to excellence in nursing education, Collins Career Technical Center offers five Practical Nursing programs, accommodating your scheduling needs. Courses require a certain amount of hours prior to completion. For example, “Nursing Principles I” requires 234 hours, compared to mental health, which requires just 36 hours. In total, the program is 1300 hours. The total cost of this program is $12,157 — $10,000 of which is tuition.

Knox County Career Center – Mount Vernon

306 Martinsburg Rd., Mt Vernon, OH 43050
(740) 397-5820

Ranked as the 9th best LPN program in Ohio, the Practical Nursing program at Knox Technical Center focuses on career preparation. Yielding a first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate of 92.20%, this school is committed to quality education. You will graduate in 18 months, after completing 1,340 hours. The total cost of this program is $18,195.44. However, financial aid is available to students who qualify.

Northwest State Community College

2600 OH-34, Archbold, OH 43502
(419) 267-5511

The practical nursing program is one year and will help prepare you with a career in a variety of healthcare settings. To graduate, you will need to complete three semesters of lectures, labs, and clinical experience. The total cost of the program is just over $11,800. This includes tuition, service fees, books, and lab fees. Other expenses are $1,025 and include your professional uniform, stethoscope, exam fees, background check, etc. In 2019, this program had an NCLEX pass rate of 100%.

Washington State Community College

710 Colegate Dr., Marietta, OH 45750
(740) 374-8716

The practical nursing program is proud to have a three-year licensure rate of 98.3% and a job placement rate of 100%. You can expect to learn basic nursing and medical care, and will also be placed in clinical experiences across various local hospitals. You can either complete this course in one year or in two years with the option to take evening classes.

ETI Technical College

2076 Youngstown Warren Rd., Niles, OH 44446
(330) 652-9919

The full-time practical nursing program is divided into three semesters across 45 weeks. If you wish to participate in the part-time program, it is divided into five semesters across a total of 75 weeks. Some of the courses you can expect to take include caring across the lifespan, pharmacological caring in nursing, and integrated human sciences. Tuition is over $18,600, in addition to books and supplies which are $2645.

Fortis College

4151 Executive Pkwy #120, Westerville, OH 43081
(614) 882-2551

The practical nursing program at Fortis includes lab, theory, and clinical experiences to prepare you for the NCLEX exam and an entry-level LPN position. Courses include pediatric nursing, emergency care, surgical nursing, pharmacology, and obstetric nursing. The clinical portion of the program includes hands-on experience within various settings, including hospitals. Financial aid is available to those who qualify.

Columbus State Community College

550 E Spring St, Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 287-5353

The practical nurse program at Columbus State Community College offers full-time day and evening certificate options. The program is structured to promote learning through lab, lecture, seminar, and clinical experiences. The full-time program is four semesters. Sample courses include mental health concepts, patient care skills, health promotion and restoration, child care, and human physiology.

Additional Resources

Additional resources for LPN and registered nurses:

• Ohio Board of Nursing — Actively safeguarding the public since 1915, the Ohio Board of Nursing is located at 17 S High St #660, Columbus, OH 43215. They handle the effective regulation of nursing care, offering a plethora of resources.
• Ohio Nurses Association (ONA) — ONA is “the voice of Ohio’s nurses” and is accredited by American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. Location: 3760 Ridge Mill Dr., Hilliard, OH.