Compare tuition, NCLEX pass rates, program length, and outcomes for accredited Columbus-area LPN schools
Practical nursing training in the Columbus area now runs the gamut from 11-month fast tracks to 20-month part-time sequences, a split that forces students to prioritize speed or schedule flexibility before they ever set foot in a clinical site. Across seven accredited programs within reach of the metro, tuition net price varies enough to make the cheapest option cost less than half of the most expensive, and NCLEX-PN first-time pass rates swing from the mid-70s to above 90 percent. Ohio’s healthcare employers are actively hiring LPNs for long-term care and outpatient roles, but the license itself depends on passing that exam on the first try, a gate that turns a program’s pass rate into a hard credential constraint, not just a number.
This ranking brings together the top LPN program options accessible to Columbus, Ohio students. Most programs fall within a 75‑mile radius, but one sits squarely inside the Columbus metro in Westerville. Graduation rates are institution‑wide, not program‑specific, and all programs prepare you for Ohio licensure.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Fortis College-Columbus | Westerville, OH | $28,000/yr | Columbus-area students seeking local clinical placements | |
Fortis College‑Columbus is the only school physically located in the Columbus metro, in Westerville. Its hybrid Practical Nursing program blends online coursework with campus labs and local clinical rotations, connecting students to central Ohio healthcare employers. The program is especially welcoming to State Tested Nursing Assistants seeking career advancement through transfer credits.
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| #2 | Southern State Community College | Hillsboro, OH | $5,000 – $10,000/yr | Budget‑minded learners in rural central Ohio | |
Southern State Community College offers a low‑cost public option from its Hillsboro campus, about an hour from Columbus. The three‑semester Practical Nursing certificate emphasizes holistic, culturally sensitive care through extensive lab and clinical work. A dedicated Health Sciences Navigator and e‑book savings add student‑friendly touches.
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| #3 | Ohio Medical Career College | Dayton, OH | $15,000 – $20,000/yr | Career changers with CNA or MA background | |
Ohio Medical Career College in Dayton runs a campus‑based Practical Nursing diploma that can be completed in 40 weeks with day or evening classes. Students must hold a CNA or MA certification and CPR training to enroll, and the curriculum weaves in holistic care, pharmacology, and supervised clinical practice. Provisional approval from the Ohio Board of Nursing underscores its commitment to quality.
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| #4 | Professional Skills Institute | Maumee, OH | $21,000/yr | ||
Professional Skills Institute in Maumee delivers a 48‑week Practical Nurse diploma with hybrid day or evening classes. The program combines online learning with 270 hours of clinical training and is approved for licensure in Ohio and Michigan. Strong completion metrics and high Pell Grant enrollment highlight its supportive environment.
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| #5 | ATA College-Cincinnati | Cincinnati, OH | $25,000 – $30,000/yr | ||
ATA College‑Cincinnati offers a 15‑month Practical Nursing diploma with no prerequisites or waiting list. The hybrid program features online theory, on‑campus labs, and clinicals, aiming to build critical thinking for diverse care settings. Experienced faculty and career placement assistance support students from enrollment to job search.
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| #6 | Galen College of Nursing-Cincinnati | Cincinnati, OH | $29,000/yr | ||
Galen College of Nursing‑Cincinnati provides a Practical/Vocational Nursing program that can be taken full‑time in 12 months or part‑time in 21 months, with four annual start dates. On‑campus courses emphasize practice‑based training and clinical coursework, preparing students thoroughly for the NCLEX‑PN. Financial aid and scholarships are available, and an academic advisor is assigned to each student.
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| #7 | Fortis College-Cuyahoga Falls | Cuyahoga Falls, OH | $23,000/yr | ||
Fortis College‑Cuyahoga Falls offers a 16‑month hybrid Practical Nursing program that blends classroom and clinical training. Focused on diverse patient care scenarios, it readies students for the NCLEX‑PN exam. Financial aid can help qualifying students, and the curriculum is designed for those starting a nursing career without a prior healthcare background.
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Net price reflects the institution-wide average cost after grants and scholarships, not program-specific charges, so actual out-of-pocket costs for LPN students may differ. Financial aid, including Pell Grants and employer tuition reimbursement, can substantially lower the amount you pay.
| School | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Net Price After Aid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern State Community College | $5,912 | $10,818 | $9,674 |
| Ohio Medical Career College | N/A | N/A | $16,456 |
| Professional Skills Institute | $15,884 | $15,884 | $20,721 |
| Fortis College-Cuyahoga Falls | $14,596 | $14,596 | $23,374 |
| ATA College-Cincinnati | $14,250 | $14,250 | $27,055 |
| Fortis College-Columbus | $14,935 | $14,935 | $27,708 |
| Galen College of Nursing-Cincinnati | $17,048 | $17,048 | $28,785 |
NCLEX-PN pass rates measure the percentage of graduates from a practical nursing program who pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses on their first attempt. This exam is the final hurdle to earning an LPN license, so a school’s pass rate offers a direct window into how well its training prepares students for real-world practice.
A consistently high pass rate signals that a program’s curriculum, faculty, and clinical experiences align well with the test’s demands. Low or declining rates, on the other hand, may point to gaps in preparation that could delay your entry into the workforce. When comparing schools, look beyond a single year; multi-year trends give a more reliable picture of program quality.
The most recent full-year data from the Ohio Board of Nursing (2025) shows that LPN programs in Ohio as a group maintained a first-time pass rate between 85% and 87%.1 Nationally, the first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate for all test-takers stood at 86.6% the same year.2 These numbers set a useful baseline: a Columbus program that consistently outperforms these averages is doing something right.
Program-level pass rates are published annually by the Ohio Board of Nursing.1 At the time of writing, detailed school-by-school breakdowns for the most recent reporting period were not yet available for every Columbus practical nursing program. Columbus State Community College’s PN program appears in the board’s Q1 2026 NCLEX-PN report, but a specific first-time pass rate for its latest cohort has not been released publicly.1 For the most accurate and current figures, visit the Ohio Board of Nursing website directly, as pass rates can shift from year to year, and prospective students should always verify the latest data before making a decision.
Deciding on a practical nursing program means weighing how quickly you can earn your license against the schedule demands you’ll manage during training. Columbus-area LPN programs range from rapid 11-month tracks to extended 20-month sequences, with schedules that include daytime, evening, and hybrid formats. Importantly, none of the programs listed currently offer a part-time option, so you’ll need full-time availability regardless of the school you choose.
Columbus metro-specific wage data is not published separately, but Ohio statewide figures offer a close comparison since Columbus is one of the state's largest metropolitan areas. Additionally, national employment numbers highlight the overall demand for LPNs.
Picking a practical nursing program involves comparing factors that shape your education and career path. Focus on accreditation, exam performance, affordability, and future educational opportunities.
In Ohio, the Ohio Board of Nursing (OBN) approval is what permits you to take the NCLEX-PN. Every Columbus program on this list holds current OBN approval as of 2026. National accreditation from agencies like COE or ABHES can add extra credibility and may ease credit transfer later, but it is not required for licensure. For instance, the Columbus School of Practical Nursing holds COE accreditation, while the American Institute of Alternative Medicine and Academia Medical Institute are ABHES-accredited. Confirm any school's status directly through the Ohio Board of Nursing.
A program's pass rates indicate how well it prepares students. Although annual figures shift, consistently high rates suggest strong instruction. Review the most recent pass data for Columbus programs as part of your evaluation.
Tuition, fees, and supplies vary widely. Ask each school about total cost and available financial aid, including grants, loans, and scholarships.
If you plan to advance to registered nursing, a program with an LPN-to-RN bridge saves time. Academia Medical Institute and American Institute of Alternative Medicine offer bridge options, while Columbus State Community College and the Columbus School of Practical Nursing do not. For a wider view of state options, you can browse LPN programs across Ohio.
Most Columbus programs require a high school diploma or GED, a background check, and drug screening. Entrance exams are common: the HESI A2 at Columbus State and the Columbus School of Practical Nursing, and the TEAS at American Institute of Alternative Medicine. Columbus State also sets a minimum 2.6 GPA. Having these items ready speeds your application.
Finally, remember that LPN and LVN refer to the same job. Ohio uses LPN; states like Texas and California use LVN.
Prospective LPN students in Columbus often have similar questions about program quality, cost, and logistics. The following answers are based on the research and comparisons provided throughout this article. For more in-depth details, refer to the specific sections above.
