Compare costs, outcomes, and program details for accredited practical nursing schools near Independence.
A 12-month certificate from Central School of Practical Nursing or an associate-degree track from a community college: LPN candidates in Independence face a timeline choice that shapes both tuition costs and clinical experiences. Cleveland’s healthcare market, anchored by the Cleveland Clinic and Metrohealth, sustains high demand for licensed practical nurses, and the metro’s median wage tops state benchmarks. Program costs, NCLEX-PN pass rates, and postgraduation earnings vary considerably across the region’s dozen or so training options. For those exploring LPN programs in Ohio, selecting a program involves more than location; it means weighing accreditation, clinical placement quality, and employer connections against time and money.
To identify LPN training options close to Independence, we looked at accredited programs within a 75-mile radius, expanding as needed to include at least seven schools. Each program is evaluated on net price, institution-wide graduation rates, delivery format, and clinical opportunities to help you find the right fit.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Professional Skills Institute | Maumee, OH | $21,000/yr | Aspiring LPNs seeking hybrid flexibility | |
Professional Skills Institute offers a 48-week Practical Nurse diploma with both daytime and evening hybrid classes, blending online coursework with hands-on campus labs. The program includes 270 hours of clinical training and is approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing. With an institution-wide graduation rate of 44% and a net price of about $20,700, it provides a structured path for students who benefit from flexible scheduling and financial aid options.
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| #2 | ATA College-Cincinnati | Cincinnati, OH | $25,000 – $30,000/yr | Career changers needing no prerequisites | |
ATA College-Cincinnati features a 15-month Practical Nursing diploma with no prerequisites or waiting lists, making it an accessible accelerated option. The hybrid format combines online classes with hands-on labs and clinicals. The institution reports a 63% graduation rate, though the net price is higher at around $27,055, with 88% of students receiving Pell Grants.
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| #3 | Galen College of Nursing-Cincinnati | Cincinnati, OH | $29,000/yr | Part-time learners with flexible start dates | |
Galen College of Nursing in Cincinnati offers a Practical Nursing program that can be completed in as little as 12 months full-time or 21 months part-time, with four start dates per year. The on-campus program emphasizes hands-on clinical training and has an institution-wide graduation rate of 57%. The net price is approximately $28,785, and 66% of undergraduates receive Pell Grants.
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| #4 | Ohio Medical Career College | Dayton, OH | $15,000 – $20,000/yr | ||
Ohio Medical Career College in Dayton provides a 40-week campus-based Practical Nursing program with both day and evening classes to accommodate different schedules. The program requires prior CNA or Medical Assistant certification and CPR training, and it reports a high institutional graduation rate of 79%. At a net price of $16,456, it is one of the more affordable options.
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| #5 | Fortis College-Columbus | Westerville, OH | $28,000/yr | ||
Fortis College-Columbus offers a hybrid Practical Nursing program that combines online learning with on-campus labs, preparing students for the NCLEX-PN. The institution has a graduation rate of 40% and a lower retention rate of 48%, so prospective students should consider support services. The net price is $27,708, with over 90% of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants.
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| #6 | Southern State Community College | Hillsboro, OH | $5,000 – $10,000/yr | ||
Southern State Community College offers a three-semester Practical Nursing certificate with day classes on two campuses, hands-on clinical experiences, and a reported 100% job placement rate. The institution-wide graduation rate is 37%, but the net price is notably low at $9,674, making it a budget-friendly public option. Students should note the minimum 'C' grade requirement to progress.
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| #7 | Fortis College-Cuyahoga Falls | Cuyahoga Falls, OH | $23,000/yr | ||
Fortis College-Cuyahoga Falls provides a 16-month Practical Nursing program in a hybrid format that blends classroom and clinical training. With a graduation rate of 47% and a retention rate of 45%, the school serves many Pell-eligible students (85%). The net price is about $23,374, and the student-faculty ratio is 31:1.
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Nursing education in Ohio continues to adapt with flexible scheduling and accelerated pathways to meet growing demand.
Most LPN programs in Ohio, including the Central School of Practical Nursing (CSPN) in Independence, follow a schedule lasting 12 to 14 months. CSPN's full-time track spans 46 weeks of blended day instruction with clinical rotations beginning at 6:45 a.m. The program runs Monday through Friday, and students can start in April or October of 2026. Columbus City Schools Practical Nursing Program offers a similarly structured 12-month day program with clinical start times at 7:00 a.m. and multiple annual start dates (May, September, January). Both programs carry approval from the Ohio Board of Nursing and maintain accreditation from recognized bodies.
Some Ohio schools market accelerated LPN options that compress the curriculum into roughly 9 to 11 months, though availability varies. The Columbus City Schools 12-month program is often cited as one of the quicker routes for students who can attend full-time during daytime hours. Students searching for a fast track should verify current accelerated offerings directly with schools and confirm Ohio Board of Nursing approval, as program lengths and schedules can change.
Program duration hinges on enrollment status and schedule choice. CSPN does not offer evening, weekend, or part-time tracks in 2026, meaning its 46-week timeline is fixed for all admitted students. Other Ohio LPN programs may provide part-time pathways or evening/weekend classes that extend the total time to 18 months or longer. Prospective students with work or family obligations should inquire early about schedule options, as not all schools accommodate nontraditional learners.
The average net price after financial aid varies considerably across programs. Southern State Community College is the most affordable option at $9,674 per year, while private institutions like Galen College of Nursing-Cincinnati top $28,000. Median graduate debt for LPN programs ranges from about $11,500 to over $24,000, with typical 10-year monthly payments scaling similarly. Most schools serve a high proportion of Pell Grant recipients, often above 80%, indicating strong support for students with financial need. Contact each school directly to confirm current tuition and explore institutional grants.
School specific NCLEX-PN pass rates for LPN programs near Independence are published by the Ohio Board of Nursing and on individual program websites, often under student outcomes or accreditation sections. The table below shows recent aggregate pass rates for context.
| Test Group | Pass Rate |
|---|---|
| Ohio Overall (All Test-Takers) | 78.22% |
| National Overall (All Test-Takers) | 82.89% |
| National First-Time Test-Takers (2025) | 86.6% |
Meeting the admission standards for LPN programs near Independence is manageable if you prepare ahead of time. Most Ohio practical nursing schools share a common baseline: a high school diploma or GED, a background check, and a drug screening. Beyond that, each school adds its own tests, deadlines, and health documentation, so verifying details with your target program is essential.
As the flagship Independence provider, CSPN publishes detailed requirements for its practical nursing track. Applicants should pay close attention to the following:
Like all clinical nursing programs, CSPN mandates several health and safety steps:
If English is not your first language, CSPN requires a TOEFL iBT with minimum scores of Listening 18, Reading 18, Speaking 26, and Writing 17.1 Your application will include an online form, official transcripts, short essays, the entrance exam, and an eligibility criteria form.1 Gather these materials early to avoid missing the June cutoff.
For other LPN programs in the area, admissions processes vary. Some use a rolling cycle, others set hard deadlines. Always visit the school's official admissions page to confirm current documents, dates, and any upcoming info sessions. Getting your application in order now puts you ahead of the curve for the next available cohort.
Demand for licensed practical nurses continues to shape compensation trends across Ohio, with the Cleveland metro area leading the state in pay.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, LPNs in the Cleveland-Elyria-Mentor metropolitan area earned a mean annual wage of $59,140 as of May 20231, the highest among all Ohio metro areas.4 For comparison, the statewide median annual wage for LPNs reached $60,990 in 2024, with the top 10% earning above $73,580.2 While exact median figures for the Cleveland metro are not separately published, the region’s mean wage signals strong earning potential that often outpaces other parts of the state.
LPN programs in the Independence area typically range from a few thousand dollars for a certificate to under $15,000 for a diploma. With starting wages in the metro often landing in the mid-$50,000s, graduates can recoup their educational investment within the first year of employment. When weighing program costs, consider the net price and typical debt levels reported by the school; many local programs have a median federal loan debt under $10,000, keeping monthly payments low relative to expected earnings.
Nationally, employment of LPNs is projected to grow 3% between 2024 and 2034, adding about 54,400 openings each year.3 Ohio’s aging population and expanding home healthcare needs are expected to sustain steady demand in the Cleveland metro, where over 6,000 LPNs were already employed in 2023.1 Hospitals, nursing care facilities, and assisted living centers remain key employers, while growth in outpatient settings may provide additional opportunities for new graduates.
Prospective LPN students often have similar questions about training length, costs, and outcomes. Here are answers to some of the most common inquiries to help you make an informed decision about your nursing education near Independence, Ohio.
