Akron-area students can earn an LPN diploma in as little as 10 months, but program costs and format vary sharply. Fortis College-Cuyahoga Falls, the only program within the immediate metro, charges $14,596 for its 16-month hybrid track, while Southern State Community College’s three-semester certificate comes in at $5,912 for in-district students, though it’s a 150-mile drive away. Other ranked programs in Maumee, Cincinnati, and Dayton offer hybrid and campus-based options, with tuition spanning $14,250 to $18,048. Median annual LPN wages in the Akron metro reach $61,710, yet new graduates often take on debt that can consume a significant portion of that income. Prioritizing NCLEX pass rates and employment outcomes, not just proximity, positions you for long-term stability.
Best LPN Programs in the Akron, OH Area
Seven LPN programs within reasonable driving distance of Akron are ranked based on cost, format flexibility, student outcomes, and state approvals. One school sits directly in the Akron metro, while others are spread across Ohio. Each institution summary includes tuition, net price, graduate earnings, and program highlights to help you compare.
- Program length and format
- Clinical training hours
- NCLEX-PN preparation
- Graduate earnings and debt
- Institution graduation rates
- Internal program database
- Independent program research
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Professional Skills Institute | Maumee, OH | $21,000/yr | Career changers needing hybrid flexibility | |
Professional Skills Institute in Maumee offers a 48-week hybrid practical nursing diploma with full Ohio Board of Nursing approval through 2030. The program includes 270 clinical hours, qualifies graduates for both Ohio and Michigan licensure, and features an internal LPN-to-RN bridge. Tuition runs $15,884, with a net price around $20,721; median graduate earnings reach $47,765. The institution-wide graduation rate is about 44%, not specific to nursing.
| |||||
| #2 | Fortis College-Cuyahoga Falls | Cuyahoga Falls, OH | $23,000/yr | Akron residents seeking local clinical placements | |
Fortis College-Cuyahoga Falls is the only program located in the immediate Akron metro area, offering a campus-based practical nursing diploma that can be finished in 16 months. It blends classroom theory with clinical training in local healthcare settings. Tuition is $14,596 and net price about $23,374; median earnings are $34,509. The institution-wide graduation rate is 47% and retention is 45%, reflecting the broader student body.
| |||||
| #3 | ATA College-Cincinnati | Cincinnati, OH | $25,000 – $30,000/yr | Candidates wanting fast track with no prerequisites | |
ATA College-Cincinnati provides a 15-month hybrid practical nursing program with no prerequisites and no waiting list, holding provisional Ohio Board of Nursing approval. Online coursework is paired with on-campus labs and clinical experiences. Tuition and fees total $14,250, but the net price is $27,055; median graduate earnings are $34,577. The school-wide graduation rate is 63%, though this is not program-specific.
| |||||
| #4 | Galen College of Nursing-Cincinnati | Cincinnati, OH | $29,000/yr | ||
Galen College of Nursing-Cincinnati delivers a practical nursing program that can be completed full-time in 12 months or part-time in 21 months, with four annual start dates. The campus-based curriculum requires a TEAS entrance exam and includes clinical practice. Tuition is $17,048 (plus $200 fee), net price $28,785, and median graduate earnings are strong at $61,480. The institution-wide graduation rate is 57%.
| |||||
| #5 | Ohio Medical Career College | Dayton, OH | $15,000 – $20,000/yr | ||
Ohio Medical Career College in Dayton offers a 40-week campus-based practical nursing diploma with day and evening class options. Admission requires CNA or MA certification plus CPR. The program has provisional Ohio Board of Nursing approval. Net price is $16,456; detailed earnings data are not available. The school-wide graduation rate is 79%, though this figure is not nursing-specific.
| |||||
| #6 | Fortis College-Columbus | Westerville, OH | $28,000/yr | ||
Fortis College-Columbus provides a hybrid practical nursing program designed for aspiring LPNs, with transfer credit opportunities for STNAs. The curriculum blends online learning with on-campus labs and clinicals. Tuition is $14,935, net price $27,708, and median graduate earnings are $36,368. The institution-wide graduation rate is 40%, and retention is 48%.
| |||||
| #7 | Southern State Community College | Hillsboro, OH | $5,000 – $10,000/yr | ||
Southern State Community College is a public option offering a three-semester practical nursing certificate at a low net price of $9,674. The campus-based program reports a 92% licensure pass rate and 100% job placement, with no entrance exam required. In-state tuition is $5,912; median graduate earnings are $35,463. The institution-wide graduation rate is 37%, not specific to the nursing program.
| |||||
Akron LPN Program Costs Compared
Net price reflects the average total cost of attendance (tuition, fees, books, living expenses) after grants and scholarships are deducted. While Southern State Community College offers the lowest tuition and net price among area programs, the widest difference between sticker tuition and actual net price appears at ATA College-Cincinnati, where the net price is $12,805 above listed tuition.
How to Choose the Right LPN Program in Akron
Median student debt for Ohio LPN graduates ranges from about $11,000 at community colleges to over $24,000 at private institutions.
Look Beyond the Sticker Price
Total cost includes tuition, fees, books, and supplies. Compare published tuition, but focus on the net price after grants and scholarships, the amount you’ll actually pay. Public programs often net under $10,000, while private options can climb past $25,000. Always ask for a financial aid estimate tied to your income.
Evaluate Scheduling and Clinical Logistics
Akron-area programs offer varied formats: full-time day cohorts, evening or weekend hybrids, and some fully campus-based models. If you need to work while studying, confirm schedule flexibility and clinical placement locations. Proximity to Akron, Canton, or Cuyahoga Falls hospitals can reduce commute time and build local professional connections.
Measure ROI: Debt Versus Early Earnings
A practical return-on-investment check is to compare median debt with median earnings one year after graduation. Aim for an earnings-to-debt ratio above 2.0. For example, one public Ohio LPN program shows median debt of $11,457 and median earnings of $35,463, a ratio of 3.1, signaling strong early-career value. Ask admissions for their latest graduate outcomes.
Confirm Accreditation and Bridge Pathways
Ohio Board of Nursing approval is essential; without it, you cannot sit for the NCLEX-PN. Every ranked program on this page holds current board approval, but verify directly on the Board’s website. Also inquire about LPN-to-RN bridge agreements, many local employers encourage the RN pathway, and a seamless transfer saves time and tuition dollars later. Finally, NCLEX-PN pass rates above the state average provide a reliable quality signal.
Admission Requirements for Akron-Area LPN Schools
Nursing program admissions in the Akron area have coalesced around a few standard requirements, though entrance exam policies still differ from one school to another.
Common Application Requirements
- High school diploma or GED: All programs require proof of completion.
- Background check and drug screening: Mandatory for clinical placements.
- CPR certification: Typically BLS for Healthcare Providers.
- Immunization records: Up-to-date vaccinations, including hepatitis B and TB testing.
Entrance Exams: TEAS, HESI, or None
Stark State College and Herzing University-Akron both use the TEAS exam. Herzing requires a minimum score of 48 points, while Stark State does not publish a cutoff. Fortis College (Cuyahoga Falls) and Valley College (Fairlawn) do not list an entrance exam among their admission criteria, focusing instead on high school transcripts. As of May 2026, no Akron-area LPN program requires the HESI.
GPA and Prerequisite Coursework
GPA requirements are modest. Herzing University-Akron expects a cumulative 2.0 GPA in prior coursework. Stark State and others review overall academic performance but do not state a fixed minimum. Prerequisite courses vary; prospective students should confirm whether schools require anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, or a math credential before applying.
How Long Does It Take to Become an LPN in Akron?
Becoming a licensed practical nurse in Akron typically takes between 10 and 16 months, depending on the program format. Full-time day programs can be completed in as few as 9-10 months, while part-time or hybrid evening/weekend tracks may extend to 16 months.
Program Length and Schedule Variations
Stark State College’s Practical Nursing certificate runs 9-12 months in a traditional daytime schedule.1 Herzing University-Akron offers an accredited diploma program that can be finished in 12 months, with some accelerated options and online general education courses to reduce on-campus time.2 Fortis College’s hybrid practical nursing program spans 16 months, blending online coursework with in-person clinicals, a structure that helps working students balance school and employment.3
Not every school provides evening or weekend tracks. Stark State is day-only, so if you need a flexible or hybrid arrangement, programs like Fortis or Herzing, both among LPN programs in Ohio, may be a better fit.
The Path to Licensure After Graduation
Once you finish your LPN program, you must apply for licensure through the Ohio Board of Nursing and schedule the NCLEX-PN. After submitting the application and receiving Authorization to Test (ATT), you can book the exam at a Pearson VUE testing center. With prompt scheduling and focused preparation, many graduates take the NCLEX within 4-8 weeks of completing their program. Planning for this post-graduation period adds a few extra weeks to your total timeline before you can practice as an LPN.
LPN Salary in the Akron Metro Area
Licensed practical nurses in the Akron metropolitan area earn a median annual wage of $61,710, according to the latest BLS data. The 25th percentile of earners makes $54,540, while the top quartile reaches $63,830, with a mean wage of $59,940. For context, wages in Akron are slightly below several larger Ohio metros: Cleveland ($63,100), Cincinnati ($62,530), and Columbus ($62,460). Employers such as nursing homes, hospitals, and home health agencies drive local demand for LPNs.
| Wage Metric | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| 25th Percentile | $54,540 |
| Median | $61,710 |
| 75th Percentile | $63,830 |
| Mean | $59,940 |
LPN-to-RN Pathways from Akron Programs
Choosing between a faster associate-degree bridge and a bachelor's-level track often comes down to weighing immediate job entry against long-term career mobility. Akron-area LPNs have several local options that align with either path.
Bridge Program Options at Local Schools
- Herzing University (Akron): A hybrid LPN-to-BSN track that awards 13 transfer credits and can be completed in as few as 16 months of full-time study.
- Stark State College: An in-person LPN-to-ADN bridge with day, evening, and weekend schedules at the Akron and North Canton campuses.
- University of Akron: An LPN-to-BSN program designed for working nurses, offering part-time pacing and credit-by-exam, with a typical timeline of 36 months.
- Kent State University: The LPN & Allied Health to BSN pathway is delivered in-person at the Kent campus and builds on the licensed practical nurse credential.
Time Investment and Career Impact
An LPN-to-ADN bridge through Stark State generally adds one to two semesters of coursework, while BSN completion routes at Herzing, Akron, and Kent State range from about 16 months to three years. The longer commitment brings a significant earnings lift: according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses earn substantially higher median wages than licensed practical nurses, a gap that widens further with a BSN and later specialization. For many Akron LPNs, the local bridge programs offer a clear, stepwise route to both a quick RN license and a bachelor's degree that expands opportunities in hospital and leadership roles.
FAQs About LPN Programs in Akron
Prospective nursing students often have common questions about LPN programs in the Akron area. Here are answers to the most frequent inquiries, based on available data and typical program structures.
- Which LPN school in Akron has the highest NCLEX pass rate?
- NCLEX-PN pass rates fluctuate annually. In recent reports, several Akron-area programs have achieved rates above the national average. For the most current information, check the Ohio Board of Nursing website or visit individual program pages, as rates are updated after each testing cycle.
- Are there evening or weekend LPN programs near Akron?
- Yes, some Akron-area schools offer evening and weekend options to accommodate working students. Availability varies by program, so contact admissions offices directly to confirm current schedules, part-time tracks, or hybrid learning formats that may suit your needs.
- Can I go from LPN to RN at a school in Akron?
- Yes, several nursing schools in the Akron region offer LPN-to-RN bridge programs. These programs allow licensed practical nurses to earn an associate degree in nursing (ADN) and prepare for the NCLEX-RN. Admission typically requires a current LPN license and may include work experience or prerequisite courses.
- How much do LPN programs cost in the Akron area?
- Total costs for LPN programs in the Akron area can range from $5,000 to $20,000, depending on the institution type, such as community college or private school, program length, and residency status for tuition. Many schools provide financial aid and scholarship opportunities to help reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
