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.
Top 15 Online LPN Programs in Ohio
Eastern Gateway Community College
Steubenville, OH- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Learners can obtain an associate degree or certificate from Eastern Gateway Community College, a public school located in Ohio. Associate degrees and certificate programs help prepare graduates for entry-level positions in nursing requiring modest technical training. To improve their job prospects and earning potential, graduates can continue their education and earn a bachelor's degree.
Enrollees not based near the Steubenville campus can pursue the school's programs online. Additionally, online programs allow students to maintain employment while earning their degree. Prospective applicants should review the associate and certificate programs available from the institution before enrolling.
Eastern Gateway Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 41
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 16
Number of Certificate Programs: 27
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 12
- In-State$3,960
- Out-of-state$7,200
- In-StateNot provided
- Out-of-stateNot provided
- Retention Rate53%
- Acceptance RateNot provided
- Students Enrolled25,648
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment97%
- AccreditationYes
Belmont College
- St Clairsville, OH
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
A public institution, Belmont College helps learners prepare for the workforce through associate and certificate programs in nursing. Although the school's campus is in St. Clairsville, Ohio, students can attend classes online from any location with internet access. Rather than relocating or commuting to campus, learners can choose to study remotely.
Coursework in nursing programs covers theories and practical knowledge that participants need to succeed in the field. After completing their program, individuals can qualify for entry-level jobs related to nursing. Before entering the workforce, graduates often choose to enroll in a bachelor's program, many of which accept transfer credits from community colleges.
Belmont College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 32
Number of Certificate Programs: 25
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 1
- In-State$2,658
- Out-of-state$5,136
- In-StateNot provided
- Out-of-stateNot provided
- Retention Rate49%
- Acceptance RateNot provided
- Students Enrolled856
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment26%
- AccreditationYes
Clark State Community College
- Springfield, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Delivering online and on-campus associate and certificate programs, Clark State Community College educates learners based in Ohio and throughout the country. While completing an associate or certificate program in nursing, students undergo technical training and gain the nursing-specific skills employers value. An associate degree can also prepare graduates for advanced study, such as bachelor's programs.
The school's online programs allow enrollees not located near Springfield to pursue studies without relocating or commuting. Students who need flexible scheduling options, such as working professionals, often choose online programs as well. Prospective applicants should review the associate and certificate programs available from the institution before enrolling.
Clark State Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 47
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 10
Number of Certificate Programs: 37
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 11
- In-State$3,176
- Out-of-state$6,352
- In-StateNot provided
- Out-of-stateNot provided
- Retention RateNot provided
- Acceptance RateNot provided
- Students Enrolled5,669
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment44%
- AccreditationYes
Rhodes State College
- Lima, OH
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
A public institution, Rhodes State College offers options at the associate and certificate levels for learners interested in nursing. Based in Lima, Ohio, the school delivers programs online and on campus. The flexibility of online learning often appeals to busy learners, working professionals, and individuals with families.
Nursing programs at the associate and certificate levels help participants develop foundational knowledge and practical skills in the field. This training is usually sufficient to begin entry-level jobs in nursing and related fields. Many graduates of associate or certificate programs pursue bachelor's studies, often transferring their credits to reduce degree completion time.
Rhodes State College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 40
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 11
Number of Certificate Programs: 48
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 15
- In-State$4,085
- Out-of-state$8,169
- In-StateNot provided
- Out-of-stateNot provided
- Retention Rate65%
- Acceptance RateNot provided
- Students Enrolled3,628
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment30%
- AccreditationYes
North Central State College
- Mansfield, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
A public school, North Central State College educates learners based in Ohio and throughout the country by offering online and on-campus programs. While completing an associate or certificate program, students undergo technical training and gain the nursing-specific skills employers value. These programs also prepare certificate-holders to transfer into bachelor's programs for further education.
Enrollees located anywhere can take advantage of the school's online programs. Additionally, online nursing programs can benefit busy students by allowing them to complete assignments and view lectures on evenings and weekends. Prospective applicants should base their enrollment decision on their chosen field's education requirements.
North Central State College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 34
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 4
Number of Certificate Programs: 26
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 3
- In-State$4,788
- Out-of-state$9,576
- In-StateNot provided
- Out-of-stateNot provided
- Retention Rate58%
- Acceptance RateNot provided
- Students Enrolled3,033
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment34%
- AccreditationYes
Washington State Community College
- Marietta, OH
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
From its main campus in Ohio, Washington State Community College is a public school educating learners through associate and certificate programs. Nursing programs foster the field-specific skills graduates need to impress prospective employers. Graduates often transfer their certificate or associate credits into a bachelor's program to qualify for more advanced roles.
Enrollees living outside of Marietta benefit from these programs being available online. Additionally, online learning provides flexible scheduling options that improve accessibility for busy students. Before choosing a program, applicants should consider their personal interests and professional goals.
Washington State Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 43
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 4
Number of Certificate Programs: 31
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 1
- In-State$3,576
- Out-of-state$3,600
- In-StateNot provided
- Out-of-stateNot provided
- Retention Rate50%
- Acceptance RateNot provided
- Students Enrolled1,904
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment39%
- AccreditationYes
Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
- Cincinnati, OH
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
A public institution, Cincinnati State Technical and Community College delivers nursing programs at various academic levels. The school delivers courses online and on campus, providing opportunities for students located in Ohio and elsewhere. The flexibility of online programs often appeals to working professionals and learners with personal responsibilities.
In addition to practical training, associate and certificate programs in nursing help participants gain a breadth of relevant knowledge. The skills gained during these programs can be applied directly to entry-level work in nursing and related fields. To increase their earning potential, graduates can pursue bachelor's studies after earning their associate degree or certificate.
Cincinnati State Technical and Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 73
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 8
Number of Certificate Programs: 84
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 4
- In-State$3,933
- Out-of-state$7,866
- In-StateNot provided
- Out-of-stateNot provided
- Retention Rate46%
- Acceptance RateNot provided
- Students Enrolled7,890
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment43%
- AccreditationYes
Columbiana County Career and Technical Center
- Lisbon, OH
- Campus
Columbiana County Career and Technical Center delivers associate and certificate programs to prepare learners for nursing careers. Students can enroll online or on campus in Lisbon, Ohio. With flexible scheduling options, online programs allow learners to maintain full-time employment while completing their program.
Associate degree-seekers explore basic concepts related to nursing. Immediately after graduation, many individuals apply to nursing positions. An additional option for graduates of certificate or associate programs is to pursue a bachelor's degree, which can lead to increased earning potential.
Columbiana County Career and Technical Center at a Glance:
Number of Certificate Programs: 6
- In-StateNot provided
- Out-of-stateNot provided
- In-StateNot provided
- Out-of-stateNot provided
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance RateNot provided
- Students Enrolled147
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online EnrollmentNot provided
- AccreditationYes
Northwest State Community College
- Archbold, OH
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
With nursing programs at various academic levels, Northwest State Community College provides learners with field-specific career preparation. Based in Archbold, Ohio, the school delivers many programs in online and on-campus formats. The flexibility of online learning often appeals to working professionals who prefer not to relocate.
Nursing programs at the associate and certificate levels help participants develop foundational knowledge and practical skills in the field. With the knowledge and skills developed during their training, individuals can enter the workforce immediately after graduation. To qualify for more advanced positions and higher earning potential, many graduates of associate or certificate programs pursue a bachelor's degree.
Northwest State Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 56
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 1
Number of Certificate Programs: 24
- In-State$4,136
- Out-of-state$8,128
- In-StateNot provided
- Out-of-stateNot provided
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance RateNot provided
- Students Enrolled2,857
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment6%
- AccreditationYes
Lorain County Community College
- Elyria, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
A public school in Ohio Lorain County Community College delivers associate degrees and certificates in nursing. To prepare for entry-level roles in nursing, many students pursue an associate degree or certificate in the field. An associate degree can also prepare graduates for advanced study, such as bachelor's programs.
With remote programs, the school provides opportunities for enrollees in any location to study online. Online learning also benefits working professionals, who need to schedule their studies around full-time employment. Before choosing a program, applicants should consider their personal interests and professional goals.
Lorain County Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 52
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 4
Number of Certificate Programs: 81
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 14
- In-State$3,696
- Out-of-state$7,637
- In-StateNot provided
- Out-of-stateNot provided
- Retention RateNot provided
- Acceptance RateNot provided
- Students Enrolled10,206
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment47%
- AccreditationYes
Hocking College
- Nelsonville, OH
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
A public institution, Hocking College provides nursing-specific career preparation through associate and certificate programs. Many of the school's programs are available in on-campus and online formats. Learners with full-time jobs often study online because of the increased flexibility remote learning offers.
Associate degree-seekers explore basic concepts related to nursing. Immediately after graduation, many individuals use their training to secure entry-level nursing roles. Additionally, many graduates enroll in bachelor's programs, saving money by transferring associate or certificate credits.
Hocking College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 33
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 2
Number of Certificate Programs: 20
- In-State$3,696
- Out-of-state$7,392
- In-StateNot provided
- Out-of-stateNot provided
- Retention Rate44%
- Acceptance RateNot provided
- Students Enrolled3,509
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment23%
- AccreditationYes
Southern State Community College
- Hillsboro, OH
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Learners who plan to pursue careers in nursing can earn an associate degree or certificate from Southern State Community College, a public institution. With online and on-campus options, the school educates students in Ohio and other parts of the country. The flexibility of online learning often appeals to working professionals who prefer not to relocate.
Nursing programs at the associate and certificate levels feature coursework exploring relevant theories and practical knowledge. After earning their degree or certificate, many individuals enter the workforce and apply their training to entry-level nursing positions. An additional option for graduates of certificate or associate programs is to pursue a bachelor's degree, which can lead to increased earning potential.
Southern State Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 25
Number of Certificate Programs: 11
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 1
- In-State$4,682
- Out-of-state$8,838
- In-StateNot provided
- Out-of-stateNot provided
- Retention Rate52%
- Acceptance RateNot provided
- Students Enrolled2,399
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment32%
- AccreditationYes
Central Ohio Technical College
- Newark, OH
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Central Ohio Technical College is a public institution offering nursing associate and certificate programs. Although the school's campus is in Newark, students can attend classes online from any location with internet access. Online learning eliminates the need to relocate or commute.
Associate degree-seekers explore basic concepts related to nursing. After earning their degree or certificate, many individuals enter the workforce and apply their training to entry-level nursing positions. An additional option for graduates of certificate or associate programs is to pursue a bachelor's degree, which can lead to increased earning potential.
Central Ohio Technical College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 35
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 1
Number of Certificate Programs: 25
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 2
- In-State$4,656
- Out-of-state$7,416
- In-StateNot provided
- Out-of-stateNot provided
- Retention Rate48%
- Acceptance RateNot provided
- Students Enrolled3,469
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment34%
- AccreditationYes
Owens Community College
- Perrysburg, OH
- 2 year
- Campus
Learners can earn an associate degree or certificate from Owens Community College, a public school delivering online and in-person programs from its Ohio campus. To prepare for entry-level roles in nursing, many students pursue an associate degree or certificate in the field. An associate degree can also prepare graduates for advanced study, such as bachelor's programs.
The school's online options eliminate transportation costs for enrollees not based in Perrysburg. In addition, online learning allows students to continue earning an income while pursuing their education. The institution's admissions counselors can help applicants select the best program for their goals and interests.
Owens Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 81
Number of Certificate Programs: 46
- In-State$4,032
- Out-of-state$8,064
- In-StateNot provided
- Out-of-stateNot provided
- Retention Rate50%
- Acceptance RateNot provided
- Students Enrolled9,310
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment34%
- AccreditationYes
University of Rio Grande
- Rio Grande, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Learners can earn an associate degree or certificate from the University of Rio Grande, a private school delivering online and in-person programs from its Ohio campus. Associate and certificate programs in nursing foster the field-specific skills graduates need to impress prospective employers. Rather than entering the workforce immediately, many graduates pursue bachelor's studies to qualify for more advanced roles and higher salaries.
The school's online options provide opportunities for enrollees not based near Rio Grande. Online programs typically offer more flexible scheduling options than on-campus programs, which can benefit busy students and working professionals. The institution's admissions counselors can help applicants select the best program for their goals and interests.
University of Rio Grande at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 68
Number of Certificate Programs: 16
- In-State$26,821
- Out-of-state$26,821
- In-State$21,420
- Out-of-state$21,420
- Retention Rate54%
- Acceptance RateNot provided
- 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
