Online LPN to BSN Programs in Ohio: Compare Top Schools

If you’re a licensed practical nurse, and want to increase you earnings and job prospects, you may want to enroll in an LPN to BSN program to get the preparation you need. This guide gives you a look at three quality programs with details on curriculum, admission requirements, and costs. Even more, we have provided a salary and comparison to give you an idea of what the job landscape will look like after graduation. Take your first step towards becoming an registered nurse (RN) today!

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Breaking Down Online LPN to BSN Programs in Ohio

If you’re currently a licensed LPN, then a nursing bridge program is tailored to your needs—both educational and professional. One way these schools do this is by offering classes online so you can continue working as you earn your bachelor’s degree. LPN to BSN programs, however, may provide online coursework in different ways. For example, if you enroll in an asynchronous program, you have the most flexibility because you don’t have to commit to attending courses at specific times. This allows you to learn course content when it’s the most convenient for you.

Despite this flexibility, it’s important to know that you’ll be required to do some work on campus. The amount of campus work will differ depending on the program. Some schools require participating in labs and simulations on campus regularly. Some programs may require one practicum course that is delivered in person. Also, you can expect to participate in clinicals at a healthcare facility for intensive hands-on training.

Kent State University

Kent State University has an LPN to RN program that helps busy licensed practical nurses conveniently work on their studies. Students can be admitted in the fall, spring, or summer semester. They can choose to attend classes during the day, or evenings and weekends. Also, students can participate in some of their classes online, providing them with a powerful combination of virtual and in-person learning. Additionally, LPNs have the opportunity to complete hands-on training during clinicals at several healthcare facilities around the state, including Cleveland Clinic, Summa Health, and University Hospitals. This gives students a comprehensive look at the realities of being an RN and further prepares them to pass the state licensing exam.

Duration: 24 months

Mode: Hybrid

Cost: $313.22 to $371 per credit

Admissions Requirements:

  • At least a 3.2 grade point average in all college-level coursework
  • A minimum C average in prerequisite courses

Curriculum:

  • General Microbiology
  • Human Genetics
  • Pharmacology and Alterations in Physiological Functioning
  • Parent and Newborn Nursing
  • Health Care of Children
  • Nursing of Adults Across the Lifespan
  • Basic Nursing Informatics
  • Health Care Policy
  • International Health Care Policies
  • Nursing of the Critically Ill
  • Community Health Nursing
  • Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing
  • Science of Human Nutrition

The University of Akron

Students in the University of Akron’s LPN to RN program are positioned for success through a series of classes that best prime them to transition into a registered nursing career. In addition, the school has a course to help LPNs prepare for the NCLEX-RN. The course familiarizes them with the test and boosts their chances of passing and earning their RN license. Also, the University of Akron helps nurses succeed after graduation through connections with employers. Students can regularly learn information about job opportunities and connect with employers looking for RNs. To help them put their best foot forward during their job search, the school offers assistance with resume writing and interviewing skills.

Duration: 48 months

Mode: On campus

Cost: $13,135 per year in-state; $20,815 per year out-of-state

Admissions Requirements:

  • Completed an accredited LPN program
  • An unencumbered LPN license
  • At least a C grade on prerequisite courses

Curriculum:

  • Science of Nutrition
  • Foundations of Nursing Practice
  • Transition to Baccalaureate Nursing
  • Pathophysiology for Nurses
  • Health Assessment
  • Nursing Pharmacology
  • Professional Role Development
  • Nursing of the Childbearing Family
  • Nursing Care of Adults
  • Nursing Care of Older Adults
  • Mental Health Nursing
  • RN Transition
  • Nursing of Families with Children
  • Nursing in Complex & Critical Situations
  • Evidence Based Practice in Nursing
  • Nursing of Communities
  • Senior Practicum and Nursing Leadership

Kettering College

Kettering College’s LPN to BSN program uses evidence-based nursing principles and theory to teach students how to provide care to individuals and families from diverse backgrounds. Also, the curriculum is rooted in the school’s Christian principles. As a result, students are able to see nursing care through the lens of Christian ethical standards, which helps to deepen their compassion for the people they serve. In addition to nursing principles, students study communication skills to help them work effectively with patients, as well as their healthcare colleagues. The program fosters management and technology skills for RNs, so students get the comprehensive abilities they need to succeed.

Duration: 36 months

Mode: On campus

Cost: $700 per credit

Admissions Requirements:

  • High school diploma or its equivalent
  • At least a 2.8 minimum grade point average in college coursework
  • At least a C average in prerequisite science classes
  • Participating in a background check
  • Current vaccinations

Curriculum:

  • LPN-to-BSN Transition
  • Introduction to Human Communication
  • Medical Surgical Nursing
  • Population Health Concepts
  • Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing Concepts
  • Family Nursing Concepts
  • Nursing Research
  • Spirituality in Healing and Health Care
  • Essentials of Nursing Leadership, Management, and Informatics
  • NCLEX-RN Success Strategies

FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:

Do you still have questions about how LPN to BSN programs can help you reach your goals? If so, that’s understandable. Earning a bachelor’s degree should not be taken lightly, so it’s not surprising that there is still information you need to know. Continue reading for answers to some of the questions prospective LPN to BSN students often have.

What additional nursing skills and knowledge will I gain in an LPN to BSN program in Ohio?

In an LPN to BSN program, you can build on the skills you already have and deepen your knowledge of the nursing profession. For example, Kettering College focuses on academic-based learning outcomes and practical skills. As a result, students learn to synthesize knowledge from the arts and sciences with nursing theory and practice to provide the very best care for patients. They do this while also performing technical nursing duties, such as conducting physical assessments and safely transporting patients. Students in Kent State’s program are paired with an experienced nurse for a preceptorship to gain exposure to research and evidence-based practices. Whether you want to specialize in a specific area of nursing or move into a leadership role, a BSN provides the vital skills that open professional doors.

What should I look for in an LPN to BSN program in Ohio?

If you’re going to invest time and money into a nursing degree, you want to know you’ll graduate with a quality education. The best way to do that is to choose an LPN to BSN program that is approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). While accreditation is the most important criteria you should consider when choosing a program, it’s not the only criteria.

As you research, another important quality to look for is schools that have a high NCLEX-RN pass rate. This will help you enroll in an LPN to BSN program with confidence that you’ll have the knowledge and skills necessary to earn your license. In Ohio, the first-time NCLEX pass rate average was 86.73 percent in 2023, so be sure to choose a school that has at least this rate.

Similarly, you should take a look at the type of clinical placements the school has to offer. Since hands-on experience will be crucial in your RN training, find out where clinicals are conducted to ensure you’re getting access to the best facilities and professionals the field has to offer.

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

Another reason that choosing an accredited school is important is because it’s the only way to become eligible for federal and state nursing school financial aid options. LPN to BSN students have several ways to pay for their degrees, including loans (which you need to pay back), and grants and scholarships (which you do not need to pay back). There are also state-specific scholarships, like the ones available through the Ohio Nurses Foundation.

Additionally, some schools may offer scholarships for RN programs. For example, the nursing schools at Ohio University and Kent State University offer funding to their nursing students.

Will earning my LPN to BSN degree online or through a hybrid program impact my ability to get licensed?

No. As long as the school you attend has been approved by the Ohio Nursing Board, it doesn’t matter what type of classes you take. Instead, receiving your RN license is dependent on following the procedures set forth by the state. To earn your RN license in Ohio, you should complete a degree program from an accredited school that has been approved by the state and pass the NCLEX-RN exam.

When you apply for a license, you will need to pay a $75 fee. Also, you must submit your fingerprints to participate in a background check conducted by both the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Will employers care if I took some of my LPN to BSN classes online?

Probably not. Although organizations have their own employment standards, they are generally not concerned about how the coursework you did was delivered. As long as you meet the hiring standards a company is looking for, you should be successful.

Employers want to see that you completed an accredited LPN to BSN program, passed the NCLEX-RN exam, and have a clean criminal background check. Also, your degree will look the same whether you took classes on campus or online. As a result, employers won’t likely know if you graduated from an online LPN to BSN program unless you inform them.

Earnings & Career Outlook: LPN vs. BSN

As you advance in your education, you will be qualified to advance in your career. This means that when you complete a bachelor’s degree and earn an RN credential, you’ll open yourself up to more job opportunities, including leadership roles. In Ohio, LPNs earn $57,660 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, when you become an RN, you can expect earn an annual salary of $84,430, which makes further education a good return on your investment. If you decide you want to take your nursing practice to another state, the BLS also reports on the national average salaries, which are $59,730 per year for LPNs and $86,070 for RNs annually.

In addition to how much money you can make after earning a BSN, chances are you’re concerned about how many job opportunities will be available to you after graduation. The occupational forecast for nurses around the state shows that the future is bright. In fact, between 2022 and 2032, there will be a 3.4 percent increase in the number of jobs for RNs, which will amount to 7,630 additional positions created annually.

On the other hand, while LPNs will see growth during this time, it won’t be as much as RNs. In Ohio, LPNs can expect to see a 1.7 percent increase in job opportunities. This means that every year, 2,930 new positions will be created.

Occupation Area 10th Percentile Median 90th Percentile
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Ohio $46,310 $58,130 $70,420
Registered Nurses Ohio $64,480 $79,940 $105,380

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.

Occupation Area Curr. Jobs Proj. Jobs New Jobs Growth % Avg. Ann. Openings
Registered Nurses United States 3,172,500 3,349,900 177,400 5.60% 193,100
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses United States 655,000 689,900 34,900 5.30% 54,400
Registered Nurses Ohio 131,390 135,860 4,470 3.40% 7,630
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Ohio 37,590 38,230 640 1.70% 2,930

Source: Projections Central

Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.

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Kenya McCullum AUTHOR

Kenya McCullum has been a professional writer and researcher for over twenty years and has written hundreds of feature-length articles, guidebooks, and other in-depth content. She has tackled various healthcare topics, such as women's health, fitness, mental health, addiction, and nutrition, as well as issues providers face when delivering care. Also, McCullum has extensive experience writing about higher education, online learning, continuing education, and professional development. Throughout her career, she has interviewed numerous leaders in the healthcare and education sectors. She has a master’s degree in communication and a bachelor’s degree in English.

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