Online LPN Programs in Ohio: Review & Compare Top Schools

Inside Online LPN Classes in Ohio

While online learning has come a long way, most LPN classes include hands-on training that is most effective when completed in person. However, that doesn’t mean you’ll always have to go to campus. You’re likely to find that many required general education classes, like English, are offered online.

As you consider if an LPN program is right for you, take a close look at the curriculum. Compared with certified nursing assistant (CNA) classes, you’ll find LPN classes are more focused on medical care and less focused on personal care. If you’re already a CNA, bridge programs are designed to help you make the jump to an LPN. The programs featured below are great options to launch or advance your healthcare career and get the hands-on experience you need to succeed as an LPN in Ohio.

Answering Common Questions from LPN Students in Ohio

Finding the right LPN program for you involves making lots of decisions. You probably still have questions about what to do — and what not to do. We’ve gathered the questions prospective students ask most often. Read on to discover the answers.

What skills do you learn in LPN programs in Ohio?

Most skills taught in LPN programs in Ohio focus on one of two types of learning: A classroom portion that incorporates foundational nursing and scientific concepts, and the clinical portion that allows students to apply their classroom skills to the real-world setting. Ohio Medical Career College, for example, covers anatomy, physiology, and nutrition in its foundational nursing classes. For clinical learning, students complete on-campus labs where they’re taught through a combination of lectures and hands-on exercises, along with patient care in real-world settings. Most LPN programs also focus on soft skills. At Columbus State Community College, for instance, courses integrate ethics, communication skills, critical thinking, and principles of professionalism to help ensure LPNs are well-rounded.

How much do LPN programs cost in Ohio?

Many on-campus and online LPN programs in Ohio are offered by community colleges, which usually have affordable tuition rates. The Practical Nurse Program at Columbus State Community College requires 39 credits at $182.93/credit (in state) or $374.14/credit (out of state). So, an Ohio LPN student will pay about $7,134.27 in tuition. At Northwest State Community College, the Practical Nursing Program requires 42 credits at $197.33/credit (in state); $388.66/credit (out of state), for a total a bit higher at $8,287.86. Private schools tend to have higher tuition, including the Ross Medical Education Center Practical Nursing program costs over $20,000. However, the program offers more hybrid options, multiple scholarships, and tutoring, all of which can make the difference in where you successfully complete your LPN program.

Can I get financial aid to help pay for my LPN program in Ohio?

Even though community college programs are among the most affordable higher education options, the cost is still a barrier for many students. Grants, scholarships, and student loans are available to help make tuition costs manageable. Grants and scholarships are often available from corporations, nonprofit organizations such as the Ohio Nurses Foundation, and schools themselves. Student loans are typically available from the federal government and private lenders. Another source of financial aid is Ohio’s Department of Higher Education through its Nurse Education Assistance Loan Program, a loan for nursing students that is eligible for cancellation after you work as a full-time nurse in Ohio for five years.

How long do LPN programs in Ohio take to finish?

The typical Ohio LPN program is designed for full-time students and lasts about one year, with 36-42 credits requiring three semesters of study. The Practical Nursing Certificate at Central Ohio Technical College is a typical example of an LPN program in Ohio. Some programs are offer a fast track and are slightly quicker. For example, the LPN program at Stark State College takes two semesters. Part-time LPN programs aren’t common, but some programs, such as the one at Ohio Medical Career College, hold classes during the evenings to accommodate working students.

What if I want to continue my education?

Once you have your LPN, you’ll be prepared to continue your education to become an RN, get your associate degree in nursing, or even get your bachelor of science in nursing. Each step comes with new duties, new responsibilities, and a new salary. Becoming an RN positions you to take on management roles. You’ll still be working directly with patients, but you may also be supervising LPNs and making recommendations to the healthcare team. If you obtain your associate degree or bachelor’s degree in nursing, you’ll be prepared for roles such as charge nurse or even director of nursing. You might even decide that a master’s degree is in your future and go on to become a nurse practitioner. Your LPN provides a launch point to pursue these options.

Ranking the Best Online LPN Classes in Ohio

Ohio has many LPN programs, so how do we rank the best of the best? We gather lots of data, including accreditation, online components, and availability of academic counseling and career placement services. Digging deeper, we consider the number of online programs, the percentage of students participating in online programs, tuition, graduation rates, grant aid, and the student/faculty ratio. All information is combined to produce the rankings you see here.

LPN Licensing Requirements in Ohio

Getting your practical nursing license in Ohio involves a process similar to what you’d find in most states. The Ohio Board of Nursing lays out all the steps in a convenient checklist to help you keep track.

Your first step is to complete your LPN training at a program in Ohio that’s approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing. Ideally, the program will also be accredited by an organization such as the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing or the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation. Completing a board-approved LPN program allows you to sit for the NCLEX-PN and apply for licensure as a practical nurse in Ohio. Administered by Pearson VUE, the NCLEX-PN exam ensures LPN applicants possess sufficient knowledge to work as practical nurses. You’ll register for the NCLEX-PN toward the second half of your LPN program.

After you pass the NCLEX-PN, you can then apply for your practical nursing license from the Ohio Board of Nursing. The application process must be completed through the Ohio eLicense System. In addition to completing this application and paying the $75 fee, students must also arrange for their LPN program completion letters to be emailed to the Ohio Board of Nursing. During the licensing process, applicants complete two criminal history checks, one with the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the other with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Background checks require in-state applicants to submit fingerprints electronically. Once you get your license, you’ll renew every two years, in even-numbered years.

Salary & Career Outlooks for Practical Nurses in Ohio

Now that you know what it takes to become an LPN in Ohio, let’s take a look at what to expect after graduation. It’s important for aspiring LPNs in Ohio to do what they can during their education to stand out, including volunteer work and internships. That’s because while the national growth rate for LPNs from 2022 to 2032 is 5.3%, the growth rate in Ohio is stalled at 1.7% during that same period. This lack of growth means that only 640 new jobs are created; however, there are 2,930 annual openings, thanks to many LPNs retiring from the profession or moving up to work as registered nurses.

Salary expectations in Ohio seem to be on par with the rest of the nation, with the median annual wage at $58,130. The 10th percentile of workers will make $46,310, and the 90th percentile will see $70,420. As usual, the highest wages can be found in the most populated areas, such as the median of $59,820 in Cincinnati and $59,790 in Cleveland. Read on to learn more about the salary and job outlook for LPNs in Ohio.