2024 - Best LPN Programs in Ohio

Last Updated/Verified: Nov 6, 2023

The state of Ohio prides itself on having high standards of care and believes in the value of continued education and professional growth and development for its nurses and health care providers. By 2029, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 9% increase in licensed practical nurse (LPN) jobs, making this an excellent time to get in on the ground floor of a growing industry. Applicants looking to apply for an Ohio LPN license by either exam or endorsement can meet the growing demand for nurses in the state. LPNs in Ohio earn approximately $25.16 per hour, which equates to an average annual salary of $52,330. This is roughly $3,530 per year less than the national average.

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Are you looking to become a licensed practical nurse in Ohio? The school you choose is important when it comes to getting your license. Approved programs in Ohio are offered at community colleges, technical centers, and private career schools - we list 60 schools across the state. After careful review of NCLEX-PN exam first-time pass rates over the past several years, we have ranked the top 20 programs. For more information on our LPN program rankings, see our Methodology page.

To see all the top ranked LPN programs in Ohio click here.

Details on Ohio LPN Schools & Classes

With over 60 schools in Ohio offering practical nursing programs, students in the state have no shortage of options. Community colleges, technical schools, and some state colleges all offer LPN programs. For busy working students, part-time options exist, while those wanting to finish quicker can opt for a full-time schedule. One to two years is all it takes to complete these popular programs. LPN programs in Ohio prepare students with a mix of core courses, nursing courses, labs, and hands-on experiences. Course titles may include:

  • Allied Health Mathematics
  • Pathophysiology
  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Practical Nursing Concepts
  • Pharmacology

Accreditation

Choosing the right school can make a world of difference in the student’s future success. It is recommended that prospective students choose properly accredited colleges/programs from which to earn their practical nursing education. Schools accredited by national agencies like the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) are reputable and held to high academic standards. The Ohio Board of Nursing also maintains a list of board-approved programs in the state.

Admission Requirements

Students should ensure that they meet or exceed all admissions requirements before applying to their program of choice. Common requirements include:

  • Official high school transcripts or GED certificate
  • Completion of all prerequisite courses with a minimum grade
  • GPA of at least 2.0
  • Satisfactory score on ATI TEAS exam
  • Must submit fully completed program application and pay any associated fees

Tuition and Costs

Paying for a practical nursing program is enough to make any potential student break out into a sweat. Fortunately, LPN programs in Ohio can be affordable, and students are encouraged to shop around to get an idea of pricing and fees. Generally, students must cover the cost of tuition, related fees, and supplies (books, uniforms, etc.). Financial aid opportunities exist for those needing extra help with expenses. For example, the LPN program through the Northern Career Institute in Eastlake costs roughly $13,500-$15,000 per semester. This includes tuition, fees, and most additional expenses for the entire 2-semester program.

For those interested in advancing their nursing career, see our Ohio LPN to RN/BSN programs page.

Ohio LPN Licensing Requirements

To become an LPN in Ohio, the applicant’s education must be approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing or a jurisdiction of the national council of state boards of nursing, or be determined acceptable by the board for a foreign-educated nursing graduate. They must also pass the NCLEX-PN exam and complete a criminal background check. LPN licenses must be renewed every 2 years—the licensure period runs from September 1 of an even-numbered year to August 31st of the next even numbered year. 24 hours of continued education must be completed within 2 years to renew for the next licensure period. A transferring LPN, who’s licensed in the state of Ohio by endorsement for 1 year or less, must complete 12 hours continued education before the next licensure period.

NCLEX Exam Information

Graduating from a practical nursing program alone is not enough to obtain official licensure; the student must also pass the NCLEX-PN exam. This test is designed to measure the student’s comprehension and aptitude of nursing topics. For a more detailed overview of the NCLEX-PN, visit our comprehensive guide here. An NCLEX-PN practice test is also available as a study tool to help students prepare for the exam.

LPN Reciprocity and NLC

Ohio is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), meaning that additional licensure for out-of-state nurses who wish to practice in Ohio is not needed as long as they are coming from another NLC state. LPNs moving into the state of Ohio from a non-NLC state can become licensed by endorsement and can apply for a temporary, non-renewable permit for 180 days. They must submit the following:

  • $75 application fee
  • Proof of completion of a medications administration/IV therapy course
  • License verification
  • Criminal background check
  • Official transcripts – foreign graduates should submit transcript in English or submit a Credentialing Evaluation Service report from CGFNS
  • English proficiency evidence

2024 OH NCLEX-PN Pass Rates and Statistics

  • Total Number of State Approved LPN Schools: 60
  • Total Number of Test Takers in 2022: 2,744
  • 2022 Average Statewide Ohio NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 5.7%

Top Ranked Ohio LPN Programs

1

Northwest State Community College

22600 State Route 34, Archbold, OH 43502 - (419) 267-5511 - Visit Homepage

Northwest State Community College (NSCC) is a public two-year college located in Archbold, Ohio. NSCC offers a variety of degree and certification programs, including their excellent LPN offering, as well as non-credit classes offered through their Custom Training Solutions workforce division.

Overall Score: 98.27 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
2

Lorain County Community College

1005 N Abbe Rd, Elyria, OH 44035 - (440) 365-5222 - Visit Homepage

Lorain County Community College, located in Elyria, prepares tomorrow's practical nurses via an excellent LPN program. Students are prepared to provide quality nursing care under the direction of a physician, RN, or other healthcare professional after learning the basic biological, physical, behavioral, and other nursing sciences.

Overall Score: 97.90 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
3

Ashtabula County Technical and Career Campus

1565 State Route 167, Jefferson, OH 44047 - (440) 576-6015 - Visit Homepage

Jefferson’s Ashtabula County Technical and Career Campus boasts an LPN program approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing. The program includes nursing theory and clinical experiences, in addition to offering hands-on experiences with adult, pediatric, and infant simulators in the lab. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam.

Overall Score: 97.36 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
4

ETI Technical College of Niles

2076 Youngstown, Niles, OH 44446 - (330) 652-9919 - Visit Homepage

ETI Technical College, located in Niles, Ohio, offers associate and diploma programs as well as continuing adult education, GED courses, and workforce development programs. ETI is dedicated to providing a quality practical nursing program with 3- and 4-semester daytime options as well as a 5-semester evening and weekend option for maximum flexibility.

Overall Score: 96.61 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
5

Wayne County Schools Career Center - Adult Education

518 West Prospect Street, Smithville, OH 44677 - (330) 669-7030 - Visit Homepage

Wayne County Schools Career Center (WCSCC), located in Smithville, Ohio, offers a wide variety of classes from full-time career training to one-time classes and hundreds of online classes available 7 days a week. WCSCC's practical nursing program can be completed in 12 months with the daytime option, and 15 months with the evening option.

Overall Score: 96.54 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
6

Southern State Community College

100 Hobart Drive, Hillsboro, OH 45133 - (800) 628-7722 x2640 - Visit Homepage

Southern State Community College (SSCC) is located in Hillsboro, Ohio, with additional campuses in Washington Court House, Wilmington, and Sardina, as well as locations in Wilmington, Manchester, and Lucasville. SSCC is committed to providing quality practical nursing education to southern Ohio, offering a variety of technical and transfer programs that emphasize real-world skills.

Overall Score: 95.75 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
7

Mid-East Career and Technology Centers

400 Richards Road, Zanesville, OH 437001 - (740) 455-3111 - Visit Homepage

Zanesville’s Mid-East Career and Technology Centers offers a practical nursing program to prepare students for a rewarding career as an LPN. Enrolled students engage in classroom and lab instruction, as well as clinical duties, to practice for their role as nursing healthcare provider.

Overall Score: 93.77 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
8

Eastern Gateway Community College

4000 Sunset Boulevard, Steubenville, OH 43952 - (740) 264-5591 - Visit Homepage

Eastern Gateway Community College (EGCC) is located in Steubenville, Ohio, with additional locations in Youngstown, Warren, and Canfield. EGCC offers a variety of program options including associates and transfer degree programs, continued education, professional and career certifications, personal enrichment programs, and workforce development courses for professional advancement in the workplace.

Overall Score: 91.78 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
9

Auburn Career Center

8140 Auburn Road, Concord Twp., OH 44077 - (440) 357-7542 - Visit Homepage

Auburn Career Center, located in Ohio, is a respected public institution with a mission to provide top-notch career education. Among its programs, the Practical Nursing program stands out, offering students a path to success in healthcare. With a commitment to hands-on training and a vibrant learning environment, it equips students for rewarding healthcare careers.

Overall Score: 91.78 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
10

Belmont College

120 Fox-Shannon Place, St. Clairsville, OH 43950 - (740) 695-9500 - Visit Homepage

Belmont College, based in Ohio, is a respected public institution offering a comprehensive Practical Nursing program. Committed to academic excellence, the college prepares students for success in healthcare careers by providing hands-on training and a vibrant learning environment.

Overall Score: 91.70 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
11

Owens Community College

3200 Bright Rd, Findlay, OH 45840 - (567) 429-3500 - Visit Homepage

Owens Community College is located in Findlay, Ohio, with additional locations in Toledo and Maumee. OCC offers 130 academic programs, including their excellent LPN program, along with dedicated and experienced faculty, flexible class times and schedules, and many opportunities for success, empowering both the student and community.

Overall Score: 60.00 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
12

Knox Technical Center

308 Martinsburg Road, Mount Vernon, OH 43050 - (740) 393-2933 - Visit Homepage

Knox Technical Center, located in Mount Vernon, Ohio, provides educational programs for students to obtain entry-level employment as well as workforce development and career advancement. The center is offering a brand new 19-month practical nursing program designed to give students the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the healthcare field.

Overall Score: 58.67 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
13

Washington State Community College

710 Colegate Drive, Marietta, OH 45750 - (740) 568-1900 - Visit Homepage

Washington State Community College is a two-year community college, located in Marietta, Ohio, offering more than 50 degree programs and various certification opportunities. Washington State Community College provides a dynamic and affordable LPN program that inspires individual excellence and success in the community and workplace.

Overall Score: 57.84 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
14

North Central State College

2441 Kenwood Circle, Mansfield, OH 44906 - (419) 755-4800 - Visit Homepage

North Central (NC) State College is a public, two-year community-based educational institution located in Mansfield, Ohio, with additional locations in Shelby, Ashland, Bucyrus, and Willard. NC State offers high-quality technical education, including a 30 credit hour practical nursing certificate program that prepares students for entry-level nursing practice.

Overall Score: 57.50 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
15

Columbus State Community College

550 East Spring St, Columbus, OH 43215 - (614) 287-5353 - Visit Homepage

Columbus State Community College’s practical nursing program is designed to teach students to provide care to patients in a variety of healthcare settings. Through lecture, laboratory, and clinical experiences, students learn the necessary critical thinking and communication skills to problem-solve as LPNs. They also learn to work collaboratively with an interdisciplinary medical team to provide top-quality patient care.

Overall Score: 57.26 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
16

Apollo Career Center

3325 Shawnee Rd, Lima, OH 45806 - (419) 998-2908 - Visit Homepage

Apollo Career Center of Lima offers an 11-month, 1376 hour practical nursing program to prepare students for hands-on patient care. Around 40% of Apollo Career Center's program is spent on labs and clinical experiences to give students the real-world skills needed to succeed in the field.

Overall Score: 57.14 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
17

Academia Medical Institute

3445 South Blvd, Columbus, OH 43204 - (614) 279-4900 - Visit Homepage

Students at Academia Medical Institute in Columbus can complete their practical nursing training in as little as 12 months of study. The LPN curriculum includes classroom learning as well as real-world clinical experiences to produce well-rounded practical nursing grads who are trained to support physicians and registered nurses in administering safe patient care.

Overall Score: 55.71 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
18

Fortis College - Cuyahoga Falls

2545 Bailey Road, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221 - (330) 923-9959 - Visit Homepage

Fortis College-Cuyahoga Falls is a postsecondary college located in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, with additional campuses located in Centerville, Westerville, and Revenna, as well as other locations across the United States. Fortis College provides career education training, associate degree programs, and a quality LPN program to help students enter the healthcare field with confidence.

Overall Score: 55.68 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
19

Rhodes State College

4240 Campus Drive, Lima, OH 45804 - (419) 995-8320 - Visit Homepage

Lima's Rhodes State College offers a one-year certificate program in practical nursing. Enrolled students utilize classroom lectures, labs, and clinical instruction to learn the technical skills needed to succeed in the field. The curriculum consists of 39 total credit hours, including courses in Adult Medical-Surgical Nursing, General Psychology, and more.

Overall Score: 54.30 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
20

Collins Career Technical Center

11627 State Route 243, Chesapeake, OH 45619 - (740) 867-6641 - Visit Homepage

Chesapeake’s Collins Career Technical Center offers an LPN program committed to excellence and growth in the nursing practice. Both evidence-based practice and hands-on learning techniques are utilized within the curriculum to hone students’ knowledge and skills. Online learning options are also regularly available.

Overall Score: 54.29 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools

Continued List of All Programs in Ohio

RankedProgramScore
#21 Hondros College of Nursing
4140 Executive Parkway, Westerville, OH 43081
(614) 508-7277
54.04
#22 Upper Valley Career Center
8811 Career Drive, Piqua, OH 45356
(937) 778-1980
53.84
#23 EHOVE Career Center
316 West Manson Rd, Milan, OH 44846
(419) 499-4663
53.79
#24 Cuyahoga Community College
200 E Wood St, Youngstown, OH 44503
(800) 954-8742
52.90
#25 Tri-Rivers School of Nursing
1563 Marion-Mt. Gilead Rd., Marion, OH 43302
(740) 389-4682
52.89
#26 Scioto County Career Technical Center
951 Vern Riffe Drive, Lucasville, OH 45648
(740) 259-5522
52.82
#27 Cuyahoga Valley Career Center
8001 Brecksville Road, Brecksville, OH 44141
(440) 526-5200
52.52
#28 Columbus City Schools
270 East State Street, Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 365-5000
52.13
#29 Stark State College
6200 Frank Ave. NW, North Canton, OH 44720
(330) 494-6170
52.13
#30 Central Ohio Technical College
1179 University Dr, Newark, OH 43055
(740) 366-9307
51.60
#31 Sandusky City Schools
2130 Hayes Ave., Sandusky, OH 44870
(419) 984-1108
51.49
#32 Northcoast Medical Training Academy
1832 Ohio 59, Kent, OH 44240
(330) 678-6600
50.98
#33 Cincinnati State Great Oaks
17 South High Street, Columbus, OH 45223
(614) 466-3947
50.30
#34 Columbiana County Career and Technical Center
9364 State Route 45, Lisbon, OH 44432
(330) 424-9561
49.57
#35 Clark State Community College
East Leffel Lane, Springfield, OH 45501
(937) 325-0691
49.15
#36 Portage Lakes Career Center
4401 Shriver Rd, Uniontown, OH 44685
(330) 896-8200
48.82
#37 Buckeye Hills Career Center
351 Buckeye Hills Road, Rio Grande, OH 45674
(740) 245-5334
48.64
#38 Northern Career Institute
34050 Glen Drive, Suite 2, Eastlake, OH 44095
(440) 283-4300
48.05
#39 Fortis College - Cincinnati
11499 Chester Rd #200, Cincinnati, OH 45246
(513) 771-2795
47.21
#40 Ohio Institute of Allied Health
6245 Old Troy Pike, Huber Heights, OH 45424
(937) 237-1010
47.18
#41 Hannah E. Mullins School of Practical Nursing
230 N Lincoln Ave #3, Salem, OH 44460
(330) 332-8940
46.80
#42 Fortis College - Centerville
555 E. Alex Bell Road, Centerville, OH 45459
(937) 433-3410
46.62
#43 Pickaway-Ross Career & Technology Center
895 Crouse Chapel Road, Chillicothe, OH 45601
(740) 642-1200
46.36
#44 Canton City School District - Adult Career & Technical Education
305 McKinley Ave., NW, Canton, OH 44702
(330) 453-3271
46.07
#45 Choffin Career & Technical Center
200 East Wood St., Youngstown, OH 44503
(330) 744-8700
45.74
#46 Fortis College - Columbus
4151 Executive Pkwy #120, Westerville, OH 43081
(614) 882-2551
45.09
#47 Professional Skills Institute
1505 Holland Rd, Maumee, OH 43537
(419) 720-6670
44.36
#48 Ross College - North Canton
4300 Munson St. NW, Canton, OH 44718
(330) 494-1214
44.00
#49 Hocking College
3301 Hocking Parkway, Nelsonville, OH 45764
(740) 753-3591
43.82
#50 Butler Tech
3603 Hamilton Middletown Rd, Hamilton, OH 45011
(513) 868-6300
43.45
#51 Athena Career Academy
5700 Monroe St #500a, Sylvania, OH 43560
(419) 472-1150
43.36
#52 Bryant & Stratton College - Parma
12955 Snow Rd., Parma, OH 44130
(216) 265-3151
42.00
#53 Richard Medical Academy
5237 Renwyck Dr A, Toledo, OH 43615
(567) 202-1614
35.42
#54 Vantage Career Center
818 N Franklin St. , Van Wert, OH 45891
(419) 238-5411
35.00
#55 Ohio Medical Career College
1133 S Edwin C Moses Blvd #110, Dayton, OH 45417
(937) 567-8880
28.64
#56 Bryant & Stratton College - Akron
190 Montrose West Avenue , Akron, OH 44321
(330) 598-2500
26.00
#57 American Institute of Alternative Medicine
6685 Doubletree Ave, Columbus, OH 43229
(614) 825-6278
25.94
#58 STEM Academy of Lawrence County at Collins Career-Technical Center
11627 State Route 243, Chesapeake, OH 45619
(740) 867-6641
22.95
#59 Felbry College
6055 Cleveland Ave, Columbus, OH 43231
(614) 781-1085
20.78
#60 Trumbull Career & Technical Center
528 Educational Hwy NW, Warren, OH 44483
(330) 847-0503
20.42

Are we missing your school's program or need to make changes to the information listed? Please contact us.

Additional OH Nursing Resources

LPN Salary in Ohio

The table below lists career information obtained from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for licensed practical nurses in Ohio. The table is sorted by total employment, with the largest metropolitan areas listed first.

AreaTotal EmploymentAverage Hourly WageAverage Annual Salary
Cleveland, Elyria6,490$26.09$54,270
Columbus6,410$26.41$54,930
Cincinnati6,210$25.99$54,050
Dayton2,620$24.89$51,770
Toledo2,030$24.56$51,080
Akron1,910$25.09$52,190
Youngstown, Warren, Boardman1,810$23.12$48,100
Canton, Massillon1,390$23.98$49,890
Lima470$24.23$50,400
Springfield440$24.71$51,390
Mansfield350$23.42$48,710

Table data sourced from 2022 BLS (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292061.htm)