Jake Flannigan, NP
June 4, 2025
The healthcare workforce of Ohio depends heavily on Licensed Practical Nurses who serve as LPNs. Through direct patient care services LPNs help registered nurses and physicians in multiple healthcare settings. LPNs in Ohio provide vital medical support throughout various healthcare settings by giving medications and assisting with patient needs and health monitoring. The healthcare system of Ohio needs LPNs most in rural and underserved communities where medical professional access is restricted. The practical abilities together with caring service of LPNs deliver significant advantages to Ohio’s healthcare system.
Maumee, OH - Private 4-year - proskills.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Professional Skills Institute's 48-week diploma program in Practical Nursing prepares students for licensure through the NCLEX-PN. It features hybrid classes with online flexibility and hands-on campus labs, plus 270 hours of clinical training in medical facilities. Approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing, it meets educational requirements for Ohio and Michigan, with financial aid available for qualified students. The program emphasizes real-world experience and is taught by instructors with field expertise.
Cincinnati, OH - Private 4-year - ata.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
ATA College-Cincinnati's Practical Nursing Program is a 15-month hybrid diploma that blends online coursework with hands-on lab and clinical training, requiring no prerequisites or waiting list. This accelerated track emphasizes critical thinking and comprehensive nursing skills, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-PN exam and diverse healthcare roles, with career placement support and experienced faculty.
Cincinnati, OH - Private 4-year - galencollege.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Galen College of Nursing in Cincinnati provides a Practical/Vocational Nursing program that can be completed in as little as 12 months full-time or 21 months part-time, with four annual start dates for flexibility. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on clinical coursework and practice-based training, thoroughly preparing students for the NCLEX-PN exam. Admission requires a high school diploma or GED, and financial aid is available. This program is ideal for individuals new to nursing, offering a fast track to an in-demand career without a specified concentration or entrance exam requirements.
Dayton, OH - Private 2-year - omcc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Ohio Medical Career College's Practical Nursing program in Dayton offers a 40-week, campus-based diploma that prepares students for the NCLEX-PN exam and LPN licensure. Combining classroom instruction in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and holistic care with supervised clinical practice, it requires prerequisites of CNA or MA certification and CPR training. With flexible day and evening classes, this program is authorized by the Ohio State Board and has provisional approval from the Ohio Board of Nursing, addressing the high demand for LPNs in healthcare.
Westerville, OH - Private 2-year - fortis.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Fortis College-Columbus offers a hybrid Practical Nursing program, combining online coursework with on-campus labs and clinicals for flexibility. Students receive comprehensive training in nursing theory and hands-on patient care, preparing them for the NCLEX-PN exam. The program is ideal for State Tested Nursing Assistants (STNAs), with opportunities for transfer credits and financial aid for eligible candidates, enhancing career advancement in diverse healthcare settings.
LPN programs in Ohio operate mostly in traditional classroom settings because students need direct clinical training. Students cannot enroll in completely online programs because state regulations require them to demonstrate clinical competencies in actual healthcare facilities. Some educational institutions provide students with hybrid learning opportunities. Students in these programs can take general education courses and theory-based subjects through online learning but must participate in nursing-specific classes, clinicals, and lab work in person. All LPN students in Ohio need to attend in-person classes because state licensing requirements and clinical training necessitate this format although online elements provide convenient learning opportunities.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Medical Career College |
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| Galen College of Nursing-Cincinnati |
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| ATA College-Cincinnati |
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| Certifying Board | Ohio Board of Nursing, Department of State |
|---|---|
| Certification | NCLEX-PN via Pearson VUE |
| Educational Prerequisite | Graduation from an Ohio Board-approved practical nursing program with official transcript or Program Completion Letter |
| Application & Fees | Apply online via Ohio eLicense, $75 licensure-by-exam fee, $200 NCLEX exam fee, $47.25 fingerprint background check fee |
| Application Processing Time | 4–6 weeks for initial licensure after submission of all requirements |
| License Renewal Period | Biennial renewal in even-numbered years between July 1 and October 31, $65 renewal fee (late renewals $115) plus $3.50 transaction fee |
| Continuing Education | 24 contact hours per renewal cycle (one Category A hour required, 12 hours if licensed by reciprocity <1 year before first renewal, first renewal exempt) |
| Licensure by Endorsement | $75 reciprocity application fee, verification of current unrestricted LPN license, fingerprint background check, proof of education and recent practice or board-approved |
The career of Ohio LPNs provides stability along with competitive salaries while showing growing job market demand. The average yearly compensation for LPNs in Ohio amounts to $60,000 yet actual salaries differ based on location and work experience and employer. Entry-level nurses typically make around $45,000 yet nurses with extensive experience and specialized certifications can reach earnings above $60,000. LPNs working in Ohio experience fulfilling positions that offer promising career development alongside strong job stability.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Ohio | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual LVN Salary | $55,924 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $27.00 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$62,500 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $55,924 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$50,413 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | 3% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~6,910 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Stark State College |
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| Washington State Community College |
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| Central Ohio Technical College |
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Ohio provides LPNs with an excellent starting point that leads to nursing career progression. The majority of LPNs follow LPN-to-RN bridge programs to advance their education because they can apply their previous coursework and experience to these programs. The programs enable LPNs to complete associate or bachelor’s degree programs in nursing before becoming registered nurses. Registered nurses possess expanded clinical responsibilities together with greater autonomy and higher compensation levels. LPNs who want to improve their skills can choose from specialized certifications that include intravenous therapy, geriatrics, and wound care to gain more job prospects. An experienced nurse can become qualified for leadership positions that include charge nurse or unit coordinator after additional training. Teaching roles in nurse aide training programs become accessible to LPNs who want to instruct students. The nursing profession leads to advanced practice roles such as nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist for LPNs who pursue further education. The profession provides different career paths for those dedicated to continuous learning.
Additional Nursing Programs in Ohio
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