Top LPN Programs in Ohio

Ohio LPN Schools, License Requirements, Salary, and Job Outlook

Practical nursing is one of the most admired job profiles in the society. Apart from decent salary, lucrative growth opportunities and job satisfaction are some of the highlights that attract many aspirants towards this profession. The typical job role of practical nurses include tasks like measuring the vital signs, administering the medicines, helping the patients in their daily activities, etc.

With the reforms in the health care sector and an increase in the population of baby boomer, the demand for practical nurses is likely to soar in the upcoming years. In May 2015, there were 40,160 practical/vocational nurses in the state of Ohio, which is further projected to grow 16% by 2024.

If you are looking to start your career as a Practical Nurse, there are a few things you should know before making any concrete decision. As the job of an LPN is considered very intense and carries huge responsibilities, only persons of age 18 and above are allowed to pursue the practical nursing course. Also, you need to acquire LPN license by clearing the NCLEX-PN exam. In return for your dedication and efforts, this profession promises you a bright future. To know about the crucial things related to this field of nursing, read further-

LPN Schools in Ohio
OUR METHODOLOGY +

A nursing school ranks on the top according to the following criteria-

  • Higher Passing Rate of Alumni in NCLEX
  • Financial Aid that a school provides
  • Higher number of students

The nursing schools were then included in the ranking on the basis of following factors-

  • Well-developed Architecture
  • Better Infrastructure
  • Superior Technology
  • Ranking in US News and World Report
  • Teachings offered by world-class faculty
  • Inclusion of world-class facilities
  • World-class Opportunities

We hope that the list will help you to opt the best college as per your preferences in the state. The programs available in these colleges will give you an opportunity to begin your journey as a successful nurse.

Here is the list of best nursing schools that offer LPN programs in Ohio –

1
Rank

Southern State Community College

Type of Course:Certificate Program

Southern State Community College was established in 1975 with the name Southern State General and Technical College. It was renamed to the present name in 1977. It started offering practical nursing program in 1981, and since then, it is one of the top nursing schools in Ohio. Equipped with an impressive infrastructure, the college besides awarding a host of classroom certifications and associate degrees also offers numerous online programs and career training to help students achieve their full potential. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    100.00 %
  • Address:

    100 Hobart Drive, Hillsboro, OH 45133
  • Contact Number:

    937.393.3431
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate Program
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
2
Rank

Owens Community College

Type of Course:Certificate

Located in Findlay, this college is proud to offer some of the best in-class infrastructure to ensure a practical hands-on experience to the students. Equipped with expert faculties and strong support staff, the college has a variety of degrees, diplomas, and certificate programs in fields like Engineering Technology, Liberal Arts, Nursing, etc, to offer along with a strong financial aid program for economically weaker students. The college has a decent LPN program that offers seamless practical training as well.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    100.00 %
  • Address:

    3200 Bright Road, Findlay, OH 45840
  • Contact Number:

    567.429.3500
  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
3
Rank

North Central State College

Type of Course:Certificate

Located in Mansfield, the college since its inception in 1961, this college strives to offer accessible, affordable, and quality education with the aim to convert their students’ potential into achievements. Accredited to award certificates, and associate degrees, this two-year college also has out-reach centers to help those left out due to geographical reasons. Along with offering various courses from Agriculture Management to Surgical Technology, the LPN programs at the college have gained much popularity in the region.

4
Rank

Washington State Community College

Type of Course:Certificate Program

With over 50 degree programs and many more certificate courses, the Washington State Community College welcomes all those seeking knowledge in the area of their interest. The 2-year public college since its first batch in 1973, has helped numerous students achieve their dreams and hence played its crucial role in community progress.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    97.57 %
  • Address:

    710 Colegate Drive, Marietta, OH 45750
  • Contact Number:

    740.374.8716
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate Program
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
5
Rank

Ashtabula County Technical and Career Center

Type of Course:Certificate Program

This college in Jefferson is a 2-year public college that aims to create a safe learning environment that encourages custom training and critical thinking to help enhance the quality of individual students and by extension, the entire community. Offering a range of programs to both high schoolers and adults, with an option to choose from full-time, short-term, or online courses, the college also facilitates financial aid to ensure maximum outreach.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    96.40 %
  • Address:

    1565 State Route 167, Jefferson, OH 44047
  • Contact Number:

    440.576.6015
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate Program
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
6
Rank

Northwest State Community College

Type of Course:Certificate

Accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, this 2-year public college offers certificate and degree programs in numerous fields including nursing. With the mission to provide excellent yet affordable education, the college trains and aid local community students to bring prosperity to them and entire community by large.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    95.64 %
  • Address:

    22600 State Route 34, Archbold, OH 43502
  • Contact Number:

    855.267.5511
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
7
Rank

Professional Skills Institute

Type of Course:Diploma Program

This 2-year private college in Maumee specializes in medical training through a variety of courses it is accredited to offer. Established in 1984, Professional Skills Institute’s campus in Holland Road houses ample infrastructure and qualified faculties to teach students the clinical and technical skills required to succeed in the industry. Also, the viable financial aid programs at the college ensure that the quality education is affordable to all.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    95.05 %
  • Address:

    1505 Holland Road, Maumee, OH 43537
  • Contact Number:

    419.720.6670
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Diploma Program
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
8
Rank

Collins Career Center

Type of Course:Certificate Program

Collins career center, located in Chesapeake, is a 2-year public college that offers certifications ranging between less than a year to two years. Offering both short-term and long-term courses in the fields of health-care, cosmetology, Trade & Industry, etc, the college also has robust placement and employment services for students who complete the program.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    93.10 %
  • Address:

    11627 State Route 243, Chesapeake, OH 45619
  • Contact Number:

    740.867.6641
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate Program
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
9
Rank

EHOVE Career Center

Type of Course:Certificate Program

Established in 1968, EHOVE still has one of the finest of all campuses in the region. The 2-year public college awards certificates and associate degree in various programs. Some of the popular programs at the college feature Practical Nursing, Electrical Technician, Surgical Technologist, etc that offer a fine mix of theoretical knowledge and practical experience.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    92.83 %
  • Address:

    316 West Mason Road, Milan, OH 44846
  • Contact Number:

    419.499.4663
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate Program
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
10
Rank

Knox County Career Center

Type of Course:Certificate Program

Located in Mount Vernon, this campus is a facility for adult education that aims to cater the community-training needs through its industry-centered vocational courses. Along with offering a host of Industrial, services and Healthcare career programs, the college also offers many online courses and evening classes to bypass timing constraints. Working on its official mission to provide cutting-edge programs to help prepare adults with career and life-long learning skills, the college claims a staggering 100% job placement record for LPN program.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    92.20 %
  • Address:

    308 Martinsburg Road, Mount Vernon, OH 43050
  • Contact Number:

    740.393.2933
  • Type of Course:

    Certificate Program
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
11
Rank

Tri-Rivers Center-Adult

Type of Course:Certificate

Dedicated to provide perfect launchpad to the students, the college also takes its role towards local community very seriously. Comprising of high quality infrastructure, qualified faculties, and a host of diverse courses, the college works as an incubator to nurture local talents and impart practical skills to help aspirants make their mark in any desired field. The college also has a strong health-care career department that offers accredited LPN programs for the aspirants of practical nursing.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    91.70 %
  • Address:

    2222 Marion-Mt. Gilead Road, Marion, OH 43302
  • Contact Number:

    740.389.4682
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
12
Rank

ETI Technical College- Niles

Type of Course:Diploma Program

Located in Niles, this campus of ETI Technical College is one of the best accredited nursing schools in Ohio. It was established in 1989 as an extension of the Cleveland branch (which was set up in 1929). In 2009, the college was accredited by the Ohio Nursing Board to award Diploma in Practical Nursing, after which, it quickly gained the reputation of being one of the top nursing schools in the state.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    90.70 %
  • Address:

    2076 Youngstown-Warren Road, Niles, OH 44446
  • Contact Number:

    330.652.9919
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Diploma Program
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
13
Rank

Cuyahoga Community College

Type of Course:12 months Licensed Practical Nursing program

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    90.47 %
  • Address:

    2900 Community College Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115
  • Contact Number:

    800.954.8742
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate Program
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
14
Rank

Hannah E Mullins School

Type of Course:Certificate Program

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    90.27 %
  • Address:

    230 North Lincoln Avenue, Suite 3, Salem, OH 44460
  • Contact Number:

    330.332.8940
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate Program
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
15
Rank

Butler Tech

Type of Course:Certificate Program

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    89.96 %
  • Address:

    3603 Hamilton-Middletown Road, Hamilton, OH 45011
  • Contact Number:

    513.645.8200
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate Program
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
16
Rank

Eastern Gateway Community College

Type of Course:Certification Program

Jefferson county campus of Eastern Gateway Community College is a 2 year community college in Steubenville. Along With many fields including practical nursing, the college also has a career counseling service to help students pick the best course suited for them. Also, playing its part in overall community development, the college has different non-credit community-education programs available both on campus and online.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    89.62 %
  • Address:

    4000 Sunset Boulevard, Steubenville, OH 43952
  • Contact Number:

    740.264.5591
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certification Program
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
17
Rank

Hocking College

Type of Course:Diploma Program

Located in Nelsonville, this is the main campus of Hocking College that also has two other facilities in Logan and Perry. Established in 1968 with just 234 students enrolled in a dozen different programs, the college since then has come a long way, now clocking as much as 10X enrollments and offers over 50 associate degree programs. Boasting of quality infrastructure and qualified faculty, the college aims to impart practical skills and hands-on experience to help its students gain an edge in the professional world.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    89.59 %
  • Address:

    3301 Hocking Parkway, Nelsonville, OH 45764
  • Contact Number:

    740.753.3591
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Diploma Program
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
18
Rank

Choffin Career and Technical Center

Type of Course:Certificate Program

19
Rank

Sandusky Career Center

Type of Course:Certificate Program

Built with the aim to provide a diverse educational experience and help students attain their goals, the college is also committed to the overall progress of the local community. Offering a range of courses in diverse fields like Business, Health, Advanced Cosmetology, etc., all accredited by concerned boards, the college also has a strong financial aid program to mitigate the monetary burden of students.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    87.79 %
  • Address:

    407 Decatur Street, Sandusky, OH 44870
  • Contact Number:

    419.626.6940
  • Type of Course:

    Certificate Program
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
20
Rank

Ohio Institute of Allied Health

Type of Course:Diploma Program

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    86.78 %
  • Address:

    6245 Old Troy Pike, Huber Heights, OH 45424
  • Contact Number:

    937.237.1010
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Diploma Program
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
21
Rank

Buckeye Hills Career Center

Type of Course:Certification Program

With the sole purpose of creating successful lives, this 2-year public college in Rio Grande offers many traditional and non-traditional courses to help students choose their future career as per their interests and aptitude. With a variety of courses this college creates a fine blend of classroom teaching, practical hands-on, and cooperative experience, the college ensures that the students are well imparted with skills that will turn them into successful professionals.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    86.60 %
  • Address:

    351 Buckeye Hills Road, Rio Grande, Ohio 45674
  • Contact Number:

    740.245.5334
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certification Program
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
22
Rank

Scioto County Career Technical Center

Type of Course:Certificate Program

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    86.49 %
  • Address:

    951 Vern Riffe Drive, Lucasville, OH 45648
  • Contact Number:

    740.259.5526
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate Program
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
23
Rank

Lorain County Community College

Type of Course:Technical Certificate Program

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    86.17 %
  • Address:

    1005 North Abbe Road, Elyria, OH 44035
  • Contact Number:

    440.365.5222
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Technical Certificate Program
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
24
Rank

Columbiana County Career and Technical Center

Type of Course:Certificate Program

25
Rank

Upper Valley Career Center

Type of Course:Vocational Nursing Certificate, Associate Degree Nursing Program

This institute is the adult education division of Upper Valley. This state-supported 2-year college offers a wide array of courses in numerous fields. Aimed to impart marketable skills to the students, the college is accredited to award diplomas, degrees, and certifications. Also, owing to its strong non-discrimination policy, the college attracts students from all ethnic backgrounds that help create a vibrant learning environment.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    84.96 %
  • Address:

    8811 Career Drive, Piqua, OH 45356
  • Contact Number:

    937.778.1980
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate Program
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
26
Rank

Columbus State Community College

Type of Course:Certificate Program

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    84.92 %
  • Address:

    550 East Spring Street, Columbus, OH 43215
  • Contact Number:

    614.287.5353
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate Program
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
27
Rank

Northcoast Medical Training Academy

Type of Course:Certificate Program

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    83.78 %
  • Address:

    1832 State Route 59, Kent, OH 44240
  • Contact Number:

    330.678.6600
  • Type of Course:

    Certificate Program
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
28
Rank

Mid-East Career and Technology Center (Adult)

Type of Course:Certificate Program

29
Rank

Great Oaks- Secondary

Type of Course:Certificate Program

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    83.39 %
  • Address:

    300 Scarlet Oaks Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45241
  • Contact Number:

    513.771.8810
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate Program
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
30
Rank

Columbus School

Type of Course:Certificate Program

This school for adult education is just one of the hundreds that operate under the domain of Columbus City Schools group, that dates back to 1845. Along with its such wide network, the college also houses excellent infrastructure and dedicated staff to help students make most of their potential. Along with Practical Nursing, the college offers many other popular programs for adult education.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    83.20 %
  • Address:

    270 East State Street, Columbus, OH 43215
  • Contact Number:

    614.365.5000
  • Type of Course:

    Certificate Program
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
31
Rank

Apollo Career Center

Type of Course:Certificate

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    82.61 %
  • Address:

    3325 Shawnee Road, Lima, OH 45806-1454
  • Contact Number:

    419.998.2824
  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
32
Rank

Willoughby- Eastlake (Secondary)

Type of Course:Certificate Program

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    82.59 %
  • Address:

    34050 Glen Drive, Suite 2, Eastlake, Ohio 44095
  • Contact Number:

    440.283.4300
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate Program
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
33
Rank

Willoughby- Eastlake (Adult)

Type of Course:Certificate Program

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    82.59 %
  • Address:

    25 Public Square, Willoughby, OH 44094
  • Contact Number:

    440.602.5094
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate Program
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
34
Rank

Pickaway Ross Joint Vocational School District

Type of Course:Certificate Program

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    82.01 %
  • Address:

    895 Crouse Chapel Road, Chillicothe, OH 45601
  • Contact Number:

    740.642.1200
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate Program
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
35
Rank

James A Rhodes State College

Type of Course:Certificate Program

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    81.78 %
  • Address:

    4240 Campus Drive, Lima, OH 45804
  • Contact Number:

    419.995.8320
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate Program
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
36
Rank

Stautzenberger College

Type of Course:Diploma Program

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    80.68 %
  • Address:

    1796 Indian Wood Circle, Maumee, OH 43537
  • Contact Number:

    888.859.8225
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Diploma Program
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
37
Rank

Hondros College

Type of Course:Diploma

Located in Westerville, this private college is accredited to award certifications, associate degree, and bachelor’s degree in the field of nursing. The college, owing to its sole offerings in nursing, has excellent infrastructure and faculties with much expertise. Also, the career counseling and placement services at the college are highly co-operative to match the students with the appropriate programs and later to kick start their career.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    80.50 %
  • Address:

    4140 Executive Parkway, Westerville, OH 43081
  • Contact Number:

    855.906.8773
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Diploma
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
38
Rank

Belmont College

Type of Course:Practical Nursing program

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    79.47 %
  • Address:

    68094 Hammond Road, Saint Clairsville, OH 43950
  • Contact Number:

    740.695.9500
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate Program
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
39
Rank

Cuyahoga Valley Career Center

Type of Course:Certificate Program

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    78.24 %
  • Address:

    8001 Brecksville Road, Brecksville, OH 44141
  • Contact Number:

    440.526.5200
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate Program
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
40
Rank

Clark State Community College

Type of Course:Certificate Program

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    77.77 %
  • Address:

    100 South Limestone Street, Springfield, OH 45502
  • Contact Number:

    937.325.0691
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate Program
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
41
Rank

Portage Lakes Career Center

Type of Course:Certification Program

Established in 1974, this 2-year public college offers quality education to both high school students and adults looking to start a career in their desired field. Along with practical nursing, Medical Assisting and Welding are some other full-time courses in which the college offers certifications. Also, the strong anti-discrimination policy of the college helps it attract students beyond ethnic and racial boundaries.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    77.66 %
  • Address:

    4401 Shriver Road, Uniontown, OH 44685
  • Contact Number:

    330.896.8200
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certification Program
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
42
Rank

Canton City School District

Type of Course:Certificate program

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    72.31 %
  • Address:

    305 McKinley Avenue, NorthWest Canton, OH 44702
  • Contact Number:

    330.438.2500
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate program
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
43
Rank

Athena Career Academy

Type of Course:Certificate Program

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    69.71 %
  • Address:

    5203 Airport Highway, Toledo, OH 43615
  • Contact Number:

    419.329.4075
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate Program
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
44
Rank

Central Ohio Technical College

Type of Course:Practical Nursing program

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    66.76 %
  • Address:

    1179 University Drive, Newark, OH 43055
  • Contact Number:

    740.366.9494
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate Program
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
45
Rank

Brown Mackie College- Findlay

Type of Course:Diploma Program

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    63.50 %
  • Address:

    1700 Fostoria Avenue, Suite 100, Findlay, OH 45840
  • Contact Number:

    419.423.2211
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Diploma Program
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
46
Rank

Auburn Career Center

Type of Course:Certificate Program

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    62.80 %
  • Address:

    8140 Auburn Road, Concord Township, OH, 44077
  • Contact Number:

    440.357.7542
  • Type of Course:

    Certificate Program
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
47
Rank

American Institute of Alternative Medicine

Type of Course:Diploma Program

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    59.13 %
  • Address:

    6685 Doubletree Avenue, Columbus, OH 43229
  • Contact Number:

    614.825.6255
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Diploma Program
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
48
Rank

Ohio Medical Career College

Type of Course:Certificate Program

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    55.68 %
  • Address:

    1133 South Edwin Circle Moses Boulevard, Suite 110, Dayton, OH 45417
  • Contact Number:

    937.567.8880
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate Program
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
49
Rank

Felbry College

Type of Course:Diploma Program

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    45.54 %
  • Address:

    6055 Cleveland Avenue, Columbus, OH 43231
  • Contact Number:

    614.781.1085
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Diploma Program
  • Financial Aid:

    yes

License Requirements for an LPN/LVN in Ohio

It is due to crucial responsibilities associated with the job profile of a practical nurse that the Ohio Nursing Board requires every aspirant to obtain an LPN license before they start practicing. The licensing process not only tests the mental ability and temperament through a rigorous exam, but a thorough criminal background check is also carried to check convicted felons from entering this profession. A detailed stepwise description of the entire licensing process is given below:

1. Complete your LPN Program

The first prerequisite to become a practical nurse is of course to undertake an LPN course. The choice of course among diploma, certificate, or associate degree is however entirely yours, as long as the college is accredited by the board. As mentioned above, most of the colleges have programs ranging from less than a year to two years, of which you can take your pick depending upon locality, finances, and long-term perspectives.

2. Application

The second step toward gaining an LPN license is to apply for one. Since the process is a bit complicated, below is the complete 8-step process you need to undertake:

  • Create an account on the Ohio Board of Nursing and apply for a new LPN license.
  • Register at the Pearson VUE portal and pay the required fee of $200 by Internet, telephone or mail.
  • You will then receive a receipt acknowledgment for your registration.
  • You will also receive eligibility from the board of nursing.
  • After that, an ATT (Authorization-To-Test) will be issued with certain validity period within which you are required to appear for test. The board in this case provides no extension.
  • Access you account on Pearson VUE portal and schedule your test as per your convenience. The candidates can plan their examination appointment online. Also, the same can be done via telephone.
  • Appear for examination appointment with your ATT letter and a valid identification. The only acceptable identifications for test locations in U.S., American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands and U.S. Virgin Islands are- U.S. Driver's License, U.S. State Identification, U.S. Military Identification, and Passport. International test locations accept only passport as a valid identification proof.
  • Obtain your result form the nursing board about 4 weeks after your test.
  • Document Submission- While applying for a new license, you are also required to submit your related documents, the process of which largely depends on the location from where you have completed your LPN course.

1). In-State- For applicants who have completed their LPN program from any accredited nursing school in Ohio, the board requires program completion letter to be submitted electronically or directly by the program director. Names on both the completion letter and application form must match.

2). Out-of-State- The applicants graduated from a non-Ohio institution need to send a signed and sealed transcript of course completion through post only. The transcript must clearly mention the type of course and the date of completion, if not, the course custodian must attach a signed official letterhead providing both information.

3). International- The foreign applicants need to contact The Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) requesting the Credentials Evaluation Service (CES) Professional Report which they will send directly to the nursing board. Also, along with the CES report, the applicants (barring graduates from Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Barbados, or Canada (except Quebec unless the applicant has graduated from McGill University, Dawson College in Montreal, Vanier College in St. Laurent, John Abbot College in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue or Heritage college in Gatineau)) also need to submit a proof of proficiency in English (Minimum score of 83 in TOEFL iBT exam.)

  • Background Check- The board also requires every applicant to undergo a civilian as well as criminal background check. For the same purpose, the applicants are required to visit any of the Webcheck locations and submit their fingerprints. The background check reports from both BCI (civilian) and FBI (criminal) need to be sent directly to board, otherwise the application will not be processed.
  • Re-registration- If your status on the nursing board portal is indicated as ‘closed', it means you have not cleared the examination and the board allows you make subsequent attempts only after you again register and pay the required fee for the examination. Just login to your nursing board account and follow the same 8 steps which you had undergone the first time. However, the you are allowed to re-take the examination only after at least 45 days from the date of last attempt.

3. Clear NCLEX-PN Exam

This is probably the toughest step towards becoming a licensed practical nurse. NCLEX-PN is an exam that awards no scores but a simple pass/fail result. The computer based test is adaptive in nature, hence creating a unique experience for every candidate in terms of number of questions and toughness of exam. Once cleared, the board adds your name to the Ohio nurse aide registry and issues a license within 4 weeks for you to start practicing. However, if you fail the exam, you are required to file a fresh application for the license and are allowed to retake the exam only after 45 days.

Licensure by Endorsement

For persons who already posses a valid LPN license from a different state, there is a slightly different procedure to obtain one from Ohio Board of Nursing. A detailed stepwise description is given below:

  • Application- Apply for a new license-by-endorsement with valid credentials and pay the concerned fees of $75 in the form of money order or check.
  • Background Check- undertake a BCI and FBI background check- the procedure of which has been discussed above.
  • License Verification- The board requires to verify your existing license before issuing a new one. The process of this license verification can be done in two ways depending upon your state from where you are licensed.
    • Online- If you have an LPN license from any one of the Nursys participating states, then you can easily verify your license from the online portal.
    • Offline- If you posses an LPN license from any of these states- California, Kansas, Oklahoma, Alabama, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, or West Virginia, then you need to fill out a form, and get it attested from your previous state. The foreign applicants need to contact CGNFS for CES certificate and submit it along with the proof of proficiency in English.

Once all of the information you provided to the board checks out and you meet all the eligibility criteria in terms of contact hours, the board will then issue a fresh license for you to start practicing in the state of Ohio.

License Reinstatement

In case your nursing license has lapsed due to non-renewal or a previous retirement request, you can easily get it reinstated to start practicing again. All you need to do is first request a reinstatement form online by giving your valid credentials. Once the the form is submitted and you meet the continuing education requirements, the board, upon receiving and verification, will reinstate your LPN license.
For offline application form of license reinstatement, click here.

License Renewal

The license issued by the board is valid only for two years, after which it lapses-barring you from further practicing as a practical nurse. The process of license renewal is fairly easy and can be done online from the Ohio nursing license renewal portal. Simply login to your account using appropriate credentials, make the payment, and your license will be renewed.

Duplicate License

If you have lost/spoiled your nursing license, or haven't it received it all, you need to apply for a duplicate license. The board requires you to submit a duly filled application form and pay the required fees, only after which a fresh license will be issued.

Name and Address Change

For applicants who need to change the name or address in their nursing license, the board requires them to apply within 30 days of such change. The applicants first need to register at the eLicense portal of Ohio nursing board and then submit a duly filled application form along with valid original documents like marriage certificate/abstract, divorce, decree/dissolution, court record, etc that clearly indicates the name change. The board does not entertain photocopies or notarized documents.

Average Annual Salary of Licensed Practical Nurses in Ohio

Contrary to popular beliefs, Practical Nursing is not a sole job profile but rather an entire domain under which a variety of job profiles each with their unique opportunities and challenges, exist. Also, apart from specialty, there are several other factors including but not limited to work environment, experience, etc that highly influence the salary of these nurses. If data from Bureau of Labor Statistics is to be considered, the mean hourly and annual wages for practical/vocational nurses in the state of Ohio in May 2015 was $19.74 and $41,060 respectively. While another statistics by indeed.com from November 2016 puts this figure at $49,000. For a more closer analysis, a detailed salary breakup according to different job profiles and cities is given below:

LPN Job Titles and Respective Mean Annual Salary in Ohio

Job Titles Salary
LPN Cma Rma $29,000
LPN Ambulatory $32,000
LPN Long Term Care $31,000
Renal Dialysis Nurse $50,000
LPN LVN $39,000
Long Term Care LPN $26,000
Correctional Prison Facility LPN $22,000
Medical Assistant Family Practice $28,000
Nurse RN LPN $47,000
Psychiatric Nurse $55,000
CNA Medical Surgical $26,000
Nar Nursing Assistant Hope $24,000
Patient Care Technician Student $16,000
LPN Primary Care $45,000
Clinical Nurse LPN $36,000

Information Source: indeed.com

As the above table shows, there is a wide gap between salaries of practical nurses on the basis of their specialty with Psychiatric nurses making an average of $55,000 a year, while Patient Care Technician Students take home only $16,000 annually.

Average Annual Salary of LPNs in Different Cities of Ohio

Name of the City Salary
Toledo $43,062
Canton $43,188
Portsmouth $40,822
Cincinnati $43,258
Middletown $41,620
Columbus $43,331
Lorain $42,921
Dayton $42,863
Lakewood $43,602
Elyria $42,921
Euclid $43,360
Hamilton $42,062
Cuyahoga Falls $43,153
Lima $43,364
Cleveland $43,602
Mansfield $41,112
Chillicothe $41,139
Newark $41,522
Akron $43,153
Youngstown $42,826
Springfield $44,069

Information Source: salary.com

As per the above figures, salaries of LPN professionals are fairly distributed across every city of Ohio. Practical nurses in Springfield claim highest mean annual salary of $44,069, while practical nurses in Portsmouth were paid least at $40,822 annually.

Job Outlook for LPNs in Ohio

As evident from the above statistics on job titles, Practical nursing is a very diverse field with multiple job roles in various areas. The typical work environment of any practical nurse may vary from Hospitals and private clinics to Ambulance and Prison care facility. It is due to such ever expanding job profiles and a parallel growth in entire health-care industry, that the demand of these professionals is constantly on rise. Currently with over 40,000 practical/vocational nurses in state- which in itself reflects immense job opportunities, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the number of jobs in the sector to further grow 16% by 2024 nationally. So, keeping all the facts and figures in mind, the job prospects for a licensed practical nurse certainly seems bright which only expected to grow brighter over time.