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Accredited LPN Programs & Colleges in Ohio
Hondros College of Nursing operates 5 Ohio campuses with no-waitlist enrollment and day/evening programs. Hocking College, Eastern Gateway CC, and EHOVE Career Center offer affordable public options. Cleveland Clinic, OhioHealth, and UC Health are the major employers across Ohio's three largest metros.
| School | City | Type | Program Length | Approx. Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cuyahoga Community College | Cleveland | Community College | 12 months | $6,400 |
| Columbus State Community College | Columbus | Community College | 12 months | $6,200 |
| Sinclair Community College | Dayton | Community College | 12 months | $5,800 |
| Hocking College | Nelsonville | Community College | 12 months | $5,400 |
| Eastern Gateway Community College | Steubenville | Community College | 12 months | $5,200 |
Tuition figures are approximate and reflect in-state rates. Contact each school for current pricing, financial aid, and enrollment deadlines. Always confirm the program is approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing.
Online & Hybrid LPN Programs in Ohio
No Ohio LPN program is fully online — the Ohio Board of Nursing requires clinical training at approved facilities. Hondros offers day and evening scheduling as flexibility alternatives. Some community colleges provide limited hybrid coursework options.
Hybrid programs are ideal for working adults, parents, or anyone who needs scheduling flexibility. Typical hybrid programs cover 40–60% of coursework online, with the remainder as on-site clinical hours at approved partner hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and clinics.
For a complete list of online-friendly LPN programs available to Ohio residents, visit our dedicated guide:
Requirements to Enroll in a Ohio LPN Program
Community colleges use competitive admissions with TEAS scores as the primary differentiator. Hondros uses rolling admissions with minimum GPA and entrance exam requirements — designed for faster enrollment at premium pricing. Ohio is an NLC compact state with your license working across neighboring PA, IN, KY, and WV.
- High school diploma or GED equivalent
- Minimum age of 18 (some programs accept students at 17 with parental consent)
- Completed prerequisite courses — typically includes basic math, English, and introductory biology or anatomy & physiology
- Passing score on an entrance exam (TEAS or HESI A2 are most common)
- Criminal background check and drug screening
- Current CPR/BLS certification (American Heart Association)
- Up-to-date immunization records including TB test, Hepatitis B, and flu vaccine
Quick Facts: LPN Licensing in Ohio
After completing an approved program, graduates must pass the NCLEX-PN examination and apply for licensure through the Ohio Board of Nursing. Most candidates receive their results within 48 hours of testing.
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LPN Salary & Job Outlook in Ohio
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, May 2024 OEWS data), LPNs in Ohio earn an average of $60,600 per year ($29.14/hour). This places Ohio near the national average the national LPN average of $62,340.
Salaries in Ohio typically range from $44,800 for entry-level positions to $75,600 for experienced nurses in high-demand specialties or metro areas.
LPN Salary by City in Ohio
| City / Metro Area | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Columbus | $63,800 |
| Cleveland | $62,200 |
| Cincinnati | $61,400 |
| Dayton | $59,800 |
Job Outlook
Employment of LPNs in Ohio is projected to grow 3% over the next decade — about as fast as average for all occupations. The state sees approximately 2,600 annual job openings for LPNs, driven by retirements, career transitions, and growing demand in skilled nursing facilities and home health.
Where LPNs Work in Ohio
The majority of LPNs in Ohio work in skilled nursing facilities and long-term care, which together employ roughly 35% of the state's practical nurses. Other common employers include hospitals, physician offices, home health agencies, and outpatient care centers. Shift differentials for evenings, nights, and weekends can add $2–$5/hour on top of base pay.
First Job Tips for New LPN Graduates
Landing your first LPN position in Ohio is usually straightforward given current demand. Skilled nursing facilities and long-term care centers actively recruit new graduates and often offer sign-on bonuses. Staffing agencies are another option — they can place you quickly and often pay above-average hourly rates. Once you have 6–12 months of experience, you'll qualify for positions in hospitals, clinics, and specialty practices.
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Explore More Nursing & Healthcare Careers in Ohio
Whether you're starting out or planning your next credential, these guides can help:
Ready for the Next Step?
Bridge from LPN to RN — Expand Your Scope and Your Paycheck
Tired of scope limitations? RNs earn 35–50% more, perform initial assessments, create care plans, start IVs without extra certification, and run triage. Bridge programs let you earn your RN while you keep working.
Explore LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs →Ohio
Ohio LPN Scope of Practice — What You Can and Can't Do
Ohio LPNs are regulated by the Ohio Board of Nursing under ORC Chapter 4723. Ohio is an NLC state. Ohio has specific IV therapy rules under OAC Rule 4723-4-02.
You Can Direct Patient Care
- Medication administration (oral, IM, SubQ, topical, rectal, inhaled)
- Focused assessments and ongoing monitoring
- Wound care and dressing changes
- Vital signs and point-of-care testing
- Foley catheter insertion and management
- Tracheostomy care and suctioning
- Contributing to care plans as directed by the RN
- Supervising CNAs/UAPs per delegation rules (Chapter 4723-13 OAC)
Conditional IV Therapy (ORC §4723.18)
Ohio has specific statutory and regulatory requirements for LPN IV therapy:
- LPNs may perform IV therapy on adult patients at the direction of an RN or physician
- An RN must be in the facility (or accessible by telecommunication) when LPN performs IV therapy
- Before the LPN provides IV therapy, the directing RN must perform an on-site assessment of the patient
- The RN must assess patient condition, type of care required, complexity, LPN's skill level, and resource availability
- IV therapy certification requires completion of a Board-approved course meeting minimum curriculum standards
- LPNs CANNOT perform IV therapy on pediatric patients without additional specific authorization
You Cannot RN-Only Functions
- Patient assessments for the purpose of providing nursing care
- Creating or modifying care plans
- Blood product or chemotherapy administration
- Central line management
- Triage
- Independent practice
Ohio LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs
| School | Format | Timeline | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cuyahoga Community College | On-campus + clinical | 12–16 months | ADN bridge in Cleveland area |
| Columbus State Community College | On-campus + clinical | 12–18 months | ADN bridge in Columbus |
| Excelsior University | 100% Online | Self-paced | Online + local clinicals, no waitlist |
Ohio Board of Nursing Contact
- Website: nursing.ohio.gov
- Phone: (614) 466-3947
- Address: 17 S High St, Suite 660, Columbus, OH 43215