Have a passion for helping and taking care of people?
If yes, then this is the perfect job for you!
Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is a rewarding job. You get to assist patients and their families; you get to interact with other professionals from the healthcare industry; and to top it all off, you get paid well.
Thankfully, you don’t even need a four-year course to become an LPN!
All you need is to finish a one-year LPN training program and submit all paperwork required by Ohio, and you’re good to go!
What are these requirements, you may ask?
Read on below as we’ll give you a step-by-step guide on how to become an LPN in Ohio.
We’ll also answer frequently asked questions, such as:
- How much do LPNs earn in Ohio?
- When should I renew my LPN license in Ohio?
- What are the LPN license renewal requirements in Ohio?
- Is Ohio an NLC state?
Let’s get started.
How to Become an LPN in Ohio in 4 Easy Steps
These are the four steps to becoming an LPN in Ohio:
- Step #1: Complete admission requirements
- Step #2: Choose a state-approved LPN training program
- Step #3: Apply for licensure by examination or endorsement
- Step #4: Practice as an LPN
Step #1: Complete Admission Requirements
Most, if not all, LPN training schools in Ohio would have the same requirements. This is to screen their enrollees before they undergo their medical training.
Here’s the checklist you need to remember when enrolling:
- Official high school transcripts or a GED certificate
- Proof of completion of all prerequisite courses with a minimum grade
- ATI TEAS exam score
- GPA of at least 2.0
- A fully completed program application with payment of application fees
Some schools may have additional requirements, so it’s best to contact the school you are interested in directly.
Step #2: Choose a State-Approved LPN Training Program
One of the more important steps in this entire journey is choosing where you’ll study.
To better prepare you to become a good future LPN, the Ohio Board of Nursing requires future applicants to only enroll in their approved schools.
Remember that this is not optional. If you enroll in a program that is not state-approved, then your education program will not be credited.
If you want to do a quick search on the best LPN training programs, you can visit this site with a shortlist from those in the industry.
Here is also a complete list of all state-approved training programs.
As you can see, you have a lot of options to choose from!
How long are LPN training programs in Ohio?
Training programs in Ohio usually last 12 to 18 months.
Program length depends on the school you choose and the schedules you select.
If you’re a full-time student aiming for a diploma, you can usually finish in 12 months.
How much do LPN training programs cost?
An LPN training program is relatively a smaller investment than your usual college degree.
In Ohio, courses are at least $2,200 and can reach up to $34,940. Rates vary depending on the school and the program inclusions.
Knowing that this is still a big expense, some schools offer financial assistance and scholarships.
What topics and courses will you learn?
Since you will have more technical and administrative roles as an LPN, you will have a mix of nursing fundamentals and clinical-heavy subjects.
In 12-18 months, you will learn the following:
- Nursing Fundamentals
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Assessment of Health History and Physical Examination
- Documentation
- Growth and Development
- Patient Safety
- Infection Control and Prevention
- Medication Administration
- Basic Patient Needs
- Adult Medical Nursing
- Emergency Nursing Care
- Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing
- Grief and Loss
- Rehabilitation and Restorative Care
- Maternal and Natal Nursing
- Pediatric Nursing
- Gerontology Nursing
- Intravenous Medications
You will also be assigned to different healthcare settings where you will get to experience the real-life work of an LPN under the supervision of an RN.
Step #3: Apply for Licensure by Examination or Endorsement
The Ohio Board of Nursing allows 2 main routes to becoming an LPN.
You can either take and pass the NCLEX-PN exam or apply for licensure by endorsement or reciprocity.
This all comes down to whether or not you already have an active LPN license.
If you are a new graduate who has never been licensed, then take the NCLEX-PN exam.
On the other hand, if you already have an LPN license in another state and you wish to practice in Ohio, then you need to apply by endorsement.
Licensure by Examination
When we talk about the LPN examination, we are referring to the NCLEX-PN.
You probably have heard of this before because whatever state you’re in, you’ll be required to take and pass the NCLEX-PN.
What is the NCLEX-PN Exam?
The National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses or NCLEX-PN is the Board of Nursing’s official exam for aspiring LPNs.
Whatever state you’re in, expect that your local Board of Nursing will require you to take this.
The exam can range from 85 to 205 questions. To give you a chance to answer all questions, they are giving you up to 5 hours to take the exam.
Now that you have 5 hours, we hope you use this time to review your answers as well!
But before you can take the NCLEX-PN, you need to apply for licensure by examination from the Ohio Board of Nursing. They will review your credentials and see if you qualify to take the exam.
What are the steps to apply for Licensure by Examination?
These are the things you need to pass/submit:
- Filled out online application form and payment of the application fee of $75
- Registration with Pearson Vue for the NCLEX and payment of the $200 examination fee
- Education documents sent directly from your LPN school to the Board of Nursing
- Criminal Records Check
- Your valid mailing address, email address, and Social Security number are required in the application process.
After submitting these documents, the Ohio BON will review your application.
If you qualify, you will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) form.
Once you receive this, you should schedule your exam date.
What should I expect from the NCLEX-PN?
The NCLEX-PN is broken down into 4 main parts and further divided into subtopics.
Different Parts of the NCLEX-PN:
Part 1: Safe and Effective Care Environment
- Coordinated Care
- Safety and Infection Control
Part 2: Health Promotion and Maintenance
- Ante/Intra/Postpartum and Newborn Care
- Data Collection Techniques
- Lifestyle Choices and Self Care
- Health Promotion Programs
- Developmental Stages and Transitions
- Disease Prevention
- Immunizations
Part 3: Psychosocial Integrity
- Coping Mechanics and Grief and Loss
- Stress Management
- Support Systems
- Chemical Dependency
- Behavioral Management
- Crisis Intervention
- End-of-Life Care
Part 4: Physiological Integrity
- Basic Care and Comfort
- Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
- Reduction of Risk Control
- Physiological Adaptation
Expect that most of the questions are in multiple-choice type, with 4 options presented. Some questions are in identification, fill-in-the-blanks, and chart-type selections.
If you pass the exam, you will receive your license.
If you don’t pass, you must re-apply with the BON and re-register for the exam with Pearson Vue.
To read more about the application process, you can visit this site.
Licensure by Endorsement
If you are already an active LPN in another state but want to work in Ohio, you can apply for an Ohio LPN license by endorsement or reciprocity.
You will no longer be required to retake the NCLEX as long as you can submit the following:
- Current LPN license and proof of license verification
- Criminal background check
- Proof of English proficiency
- Proof of completion of medication administration and IV therapy courses
- Payment of $75 for the application fee
Thankfully, however, Ohio is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
This means that if you are an LPN from another NLC state with a multi-state license, you can work as an LPN in Ohio without having to go through the endorsement process.
Step #4: Practice as an LPN
Done with all the steps?
Congratulations!
It’s time to reap the fruits of your labor!
You don’t have to worry about finding job openings in Ohio as there are many clinics and institutions you can enter in.
Most of the LPNs in Ohio are employed in assisted living facilities and nursing home care. This is because Ohio has a high population of elderly people.
If not in these 2 areas, you can try applying in general and surgical hospitals, private clinics, and even in schools and office settings.
Frequently Asked Questions about LPNs in Ohio
Now that we’ve covered the 4 steps to becoming an LPN in Ohio, let’s answer some FAQs.
How much do LPNs earn in Ohio?
Annually, LPNs in Ohio can earn an average of $48,030. This is a little lower than the national mean of $51,850.
However, in Ohio, there are specific areas with higher salaries, such as Cleveland and Cincinnati.
You can also expect higher salaries depending on where you work, how many years of experience you have, and if you gain certifications or specializations.
When should I renew my LPN license in Ohio?
Like in most states, you need to renew your license every 2 years.
The licensure period starts on September 1 of an even-numbered year and expires on August 31st of the next even-numbered year.
Better take note of these timelines!
What are the LPN license renewal requirements in Ohio?
In Ohio, you have to renew your license every 2 years, before October 31.
You can renew via Ohio’s online licensing portal and submit the application form.
If this is your first time renewing your LPN license, there are no continuing education requirements.
However, if NOT your first time, make sure that your continuing education has 24 contact hours that include 1 contact hour of Category A (courses specific to Ohio law and rules).
The renewal fee is $65.
Is Ohio an NLC state?
Yes, Ohio is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state.
This means, if you have a multistate license, you can practice in Ohio without having to get a specific Ohio license, and vice versa.
You can also apply for licensure by endorsement and submit the following documents:
- Proof of completion of IV therapy and medication administration courses
- Current LPN license
- Criminal background check
- Official transcripts
- Evidence of English proficiency
- Payment of $75 for the application fee
In Summary
Becoming an LPN is a rewarding and financially-appealing career.
Without 4 years of college, you can still practice in the medical field and help patients directly.
Just enroll in an Ohio-approved program, complete all necessary paperwork, and pass the examination or applications in the end.
If you have further questions, feel free to comment below.