Best LPN Programs in Ohio [2023 Guide]
With nearly 39,000 licensed practical nurses (LPNs) working in Ohio, this profession is a thriving subset of the state’s nursing industry. In fact, Ohio boasts the fifth largest employment of licensed practical nurses in the nation, with LPNs accounting for more than seven of every 1,000 jobs in the state. These professionals work in facilities like hospitals, nursing homes and doctors’ offices, where they provide the high quality patient care that is expected from the nursing community.
In this comprehensive guide, explore the top ranked LPN programs as well as potential educational and career paths of LPNs in Ohio, including licensure information and salary outlook.
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Top 15 Online LPN Programs in Ohio
Eastern Gateway Community College
Steubenville, OH- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,960
- Out-of-state$7,200
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate53%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled25,648
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment97%
- AccreditationYes
Belmont College
- St Clairsville, OH
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$2,658
- Out-of-state$5,136
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate49%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled856
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment26%
- AccreditationYes
Clark State Community College
- Springfield, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,176
- Out-of-state$6,352
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled5,669
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment44%
- AccreditationYes
Rhodes State College
- Lima, OH
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,085
- Out-of-state$8,169
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate65%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled3,628
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment30%
- AccreditationYes
North Central State College
- Mansfield, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,788
- Out-of-state$9,576
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate58%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled3,033
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment34%
- AccreditationYes
Washington State Community College
- Marietta, OH
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,576
- Out-of-state$3,600
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate50%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled1,904
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment39%
- AccreditationYes
Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
- Cincinnati, OH
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,933
- Out-of-state$7,866
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate46%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled7,890
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment43%
- AccreditationYes
Columbiana County Career and Technical Center
- Lisbon, OH
- Campus
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled147
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
Northwest State Community College
- Archbold, OH
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,136
- Out-of-state$8,128
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,857
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment6%
- AccreditationYes
Lorain County Community College
- Elyria, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,696
- Out-of-state$7,637
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled10,206
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment47%
- AccreditationYes
Hocking College
- Nelsonville, OH
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,696
- Out-of-state$7,392
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate44%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled3,509
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment23%
- AccreditationYes
Southern State Community College
- Hillsboro, OH
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,682
- Out-of-state$8,838
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate52%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,399
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment32%
- AccreditationYes
Central Ohio Technical College
- Newark, OH
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,656
- Out-of-state$7,416
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate48%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled3,469
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment34%
- AccreditationYes
Owens Community College
- Perrysburg, OH
- 2 year
- Campus
- In-State$4,032
- Out-of-state$8,064
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate50%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled9,310
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment34%
- AccreditationYes
University of Rio Grande
- Rio Grande, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$26,821
- Out-of-state$26,821
- In-State$21,420
- Out-of-state$21,420
- Retention Rate54%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled1,554
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment25%
- AccreditationYes
Licensure Requirements for Ohio LPNs
Like other types of nurses, Ohio requires that LPNs earn licenses in order to practice in the state. LPNs must meet requirements set forth by the Ohio Board of Nursing to obtain their licensure. Learn about eligibility, education and additional licensure requirements here.
Basic Eligibility
- Complete the Application for Licensure by Examination to Practice Nursing in Ohio.
- Send it to the nursing board.
Education and Training Requirements
In order to obtain a license in Ohio, LPNs must complete a degree program that has been approved by the Board. Those who graduated from schools outside of Ohio must provide proof that they completed coursework in IV therapy and medication administration.
Additional Requirements for Licensure
- Pay the required $75 non-refundable application fee. Make the check payable to “Treasurer, State of Ohio.”
- Arrange to have the director of their nursing program send a completion letter directly to the Board.
- Alternately, applicants who graduated from schools outside of the state should have their official transcripts sent.
- Complete criminal background check.
- Register for and pass the NCLEX-PN.
Renewal Requirements
In order to continue working in Ohio, LPNs must have their licenses renewed every two years. They must complete 24 hours of continuing education, which includes a one-hour course on the law and rules of nursing practice.
Salaries for LPNs in Ohio
Like other areas of nursing, the salaries that licensed practical nurses command depends on where they live and work in Ohio. This section gives a glimpse of how much these professionals can make in different locations around the state.
Ohio LPN Employment Trends
LPNs can work in a variety of health care settings, such as hospitals, assisted living facilities, physicians’ offices, and hospices. In addition, they may also specialize in various practice areas, which allows them to work with patients from pediatrics to geriatrics. Statistics about LPN employment can be found in this section.
| Area | Total Employment (2014) |
|---|---|
| Cleveland-Elyria-Mentor | 7,530 |
| Cincinnati-Middletown OH-KY-IN | 6,640 |
| Columbus | 5,130 |
| Dayton | 2,870 |
| Other Ohio nonmetropolitan area | 2,570 |
| Youngstown-Warren-Boardman OH-PA | 2,210 |
| Akron | 2,150 |
| Toledo | 2,060 |
| West Northwestern Ohio nonmetropolitan area | 1,810 |
| Southern Ohio nonmetropolitan area | 1,720 |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2014
Employment of LPNs in Ohio
By the Numbers: Adult Education in Ohio
2012:
40,970
2022:
49,830
Average Annual Openings:
1,890
Source: Projections Central
