Ohio LPN to RN Guide

1. Why Advance from LPN to RN in Ohio?

Ohio offers excellent opportunities for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) to advance to Registered Nurse (RN) status. Here's why thousands of Ohio LPNs make this career move every year:

• Significant Salary Increase: Ohio RNs earn an average of $87,000/year compared to LPNs at $60,600/year - that's a $26,400 annual increase!
• Expanded Scope of Practice: RNs can administer medications, interpret diagnostic tests, create comprehensive care plans, supervise LPNs and CNAs, and make critical clinical decisions independently.
• Career Advancement: RN credentials open doors to leadership roles, specialized nursing fields (ICU, ER, OR, Pediatrics), management positions, and advanced practice opportunities.
• Job Growth: Ohio projects 6% RN job growth through 2034, with steady demand driven by an aging population and healthcare expansion.
• Major Healthcare Hubs: Ohio is home to world-renowned medical centers including Cleveland Clinic, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, and University Hospitals.
• Affordable Living: Ohio offers a lower cost of living compared to coastal states, making your increased RN salary go even further.
• Multiple Bridge Program Options: Ohio has numerous accredited LPN-to-RN bridge programs throughout the state, offering flexibility in location and format.

2. Ohio LPN to RN Bridge Program Requirements

2.1 Prerequisites

To enroll in an Ohio LPN to RN bridge program, you typically need:

• Active Ohio LPN License: Must be current and unencumbered (in good standing with the Ohio Board of Nursing)
• High School Diploma or GED: Official transcripts required
• Minimum GPA: Usually 2.5-3.0 on a 4.0 scale (competitive programs may require 3.0+)
• Prerequisite Courses:
  • Anatomy & Physiology I & II (with labs)
  • Microbiology (with lab)
  • General Chemistry or Chemistry I
  • General Psychology
  • Developmental Psychology or Lifespan Psychology
  • English Composition
  • College Mathematics or Statistics
  • Nutrition (some programs)
• Background Check & Drug Screening: BCI (Bureau of Criminal Investigation) and FBI background checks required
• CPR Certification: Current BLS for Healthcare Providers from American Heart Association
• Work Experience: Many programs prefer 1 year of LPN work experience
• Entrance Exam: TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) or HESI A2 (varies by school)
• Immunizations: Proof of immunizations (MMR, Hepatitis B series, Varicella, Tdap, annual flu shot)
• TB Test: Negative tuberculosis skin test or chest X-ray
• Physical Exam: Health assessment by licensed provider confirming ability to meet program physical demands

2.2 Program Options

3. Top Accredited LPN to RN Bridge Programs in Ohio

Ohio has numerous accredited LPN to RN bridge programs approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing. Here are some of the top options:

4. Ohio LPN vs RN Salary Comparison

One of the most compelling reasons to advance from LPN to RN in Ohio is the significant salary increase. Here's a detailed comparison based on 2026 data:

Additional Financial Benefits in Ohio:

• Better Benefits: RN positions typically offer superior health insurance, retirement plans (403b/457/pension), and paid time off
• Shift Differentials: Night and weekend shifts often pay 10-20% more in Ohio hospitals
• Specialty Pay: RNs in ICU, ER, OR, NICU, and other specialty units earn additional premium pay
• Sign-On Bonuses: Many Ohio hospitals offer $3,000-$10,000 sign-on bonuses for RNs
• Union Benefits: Many Ohio hospitals have strong nursing unions (Ohio Nurses Association) offering excellent contracts and protections
• Travel Nursing: Ohio RNs can earn $80,000-$115,000+ as travel nurses with housing stipends
• Magnet Hospital Opportunities: Cleveland Clinic, OSU Wexner, and other Magnet hospitals offer premium compensation

5. How to Apply to LPN to RN Programs in Ohio

The application process for LPN to RN bridge programs in Ohio typically follows this timeline:

5.1 Application Steps

1. Research Programs (4-6 months before desired start date)
   • Compare program lengths, costs, formats, and accreditation
   • Check Ohio Board of Nursing approval status
   • Review NCLEX-RN pass rates (aim for 85%+ first-time pass rate)
   • Consider location, schedule flexibility (day/evening), and clinical partnerships
   • Check if programs accept new students every semester or have specific cohorts
2. Complete Prerequisites (6-12 months before application)
   • Finish all required prerequisite courses with minimum required grades (usually C or better)
   • Ensure your Ohio LPN license is current and unencumbered
   • Complete CPR certification (BLS for Healthcare Providers)
   • Gather official transcripts from all colleges attended
   • Complete any required science lab courses
3. Submit Application (3-6 months before program start)
   • Complete online application through college admissions portal
   • Submit application fee ($25-$75, varies by institution)
   • Request official transcripts be sent directly to the nursing program
   • Provide copy of current Ohio LPN license
   • Submit letters of recommendation (usually 2-3 required from employers, instructors, or healthcare professionals)
   • Write personal statement or essay explaining career goals and motivation
4. Take Entrance Exam (2-3 months before acceptance)
   • Register for TEAS or HESI A2 (check which exam your program requires)
   • Study using official prep materials, practice tests, and ATI study guides
   • Schedule your exam at an approved testing center or take remotely
   • Submit official scores directly to your chosen programs
   • Many Ohio programs require minimum TEAS scores (60-70+) for admission
5. Acceptance & Enrollment (1-2 months before program start)
   • Receive acceptance notification (via email or portal)
   • Submit enrollment deposit to secure your seat ($100-$300)
   • Complete BCI and FBI background checks through approved Ohio vendors
   • Complete drug screening at approved facility
   • Provide proof of immunizations (MMR, Hepatitis B series, Varicella, Tdap, flu)
   • Submit negative TB test or chest X-ray
   • Complete physical examination by healthcare provider
   • Attend mandatory nursing orientation session
   • Register for courses and secure financial aid/payment plans
   • Purchase required uniforms, supplies, and textbooks

6. Financial Aid for LPN to RN Students in Ohio

Don't let cost prevent you from advancing your nursing career! Ohio offers numerous financial aid opportunities for LPN to RN students:

6.1 Federal Financial Aid

• Federal Pell Grants: Up to $7,395/year for eligible students (does not need to be repaid)
• Federal Direct Subsidized Loans: Low-interest loans for students with demonstrated financial need
• Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans: Available regardless of financial need
• Federal Work-Study: Part-time employment opportunities to help pay education expenses
• How to Apply: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov/fafsa - opens October 1st annually

6.2 Ohio State Aid

• Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG): Need-based grant for Ohio residents attending eligible Ohio institutions (up to $1,656/year)
• Ohio Nurses Association (ONA) Scholarships: Multiple scholarships for Ohio nursing students
• Ohio Board of Nursing Foundation Scholarships: Various scholarships for Ohio nursing students
• Choose Ohio First Scholarship: For STEM and healthcare students at participating Ohio institutions
• Ohio War Orphans & Severely Disabled Veterans' Children Scholarship: For children of Ohio veterans

6.3 Employer Tuition Assistance

• Hospital Tuition Reimbursement: Many Ohio hospitals offer $2,500-$6,000/year for employees pursuing RN degrees
• Return Commitment: Usually requires 1-2 year work commitment after graduation
• Major Ohio Employers Offering Tuition Assistance:
  • Cleveland Clinic Health System
  • Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
  • University Hospitals (UH)
  • MetroHealth System
  • OhioHealth
  • Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
  • ProMedica Health System (Toledo)
  • Summa Health (Akron)

6.4 Military & Veterans Benefits

• Post-9/11 GI Bill: Covers tuition, fees, and provides housing allowance for eligible veterans
• Ohio GI Promise: Provides up to 30 credit hours per academic year for eligible Ohio National Guard members
• Military Tuition Assistance: Active duty service members can receive up to $4,500/year
• Ohio National Guard Scholarship Program: 100% instructional and general fees waiver for Guard members

6.5 Scholarships

• Ohio Nurses Association (ONA) Scholarships: Multiple scholarships specifically for Ohio nursing students
• American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN): Various nursing scholarships and grants
• National League for Nursing (NLN) Scholarships: Merit-based scholarships for nursing students
• Institutional Scholarships: Check with your specific college - most Ohio community colleges offer nursing scholarships
• Local Organizations: Rotary Clubs, hospital auxiliaries, community foundations, and local nursing chapters
• Minority Scholarships: National Black Nurses Association, National Association of Hispanic Nurses, Asian American/Pacific Islander Nurses Association

7. NCLEX-RN Exam in Ohio

After completing your LPN to RN bridge program, you must pass the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) to become a licensed RN in Ohio.

7.1 Ohio NCLEX-RN Requirements

7.2 NCLEX-RN Pass Rates

• Ohio First-Time Pass Rate: Approximately 86-88% (2023-2024 data)
• National Average: 85-90%
• Note: LPN-to-RN bridge students often have higher pass rates (88-92%) due to clinical experience and foundational knowledge

7.3 Exam Format & Structure

• Question Count: 75-145 questions (computerized adaptive testing - CAT)
• Time Limit: Maximum 5 hours (including tutorial and breaks)
• Question Types:
  • Multiple choice (select one answer)
  • Select all that apply (SATA - multiple correct answers)
  • Fill-in-the-blank calculations (dosage, IV rates)
  • Ordered response (drag and drop sequencing)
  • Hot spot (point and click on images)
  • Audio/video questions
• Content Areas:
  • Safe and Effective Care Environment (26-38%)
  • Health Promotion and Maintenance (6-12%)
  • Psychosocial Integrity (6-12%)
  • Physiological Integrity (38-62%)

7.4 Scheduling & Testing in Ohio

1. Apply to Ohio Board of Nursing: Submit your application for licensure by examination through the Ohio eLicense system online
2. Complete Background Check: BCI and FBI background checks required (fingerprinting)
3. Receive ATT: After approval, you'll receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) from Pearson VUE via email
4. Schedule Exam: You have 90 days from your ATT issue date to schedule and take your exam
5. Choose Testing Center: Pearson VUE has testing centers throughout Ohio:
   • Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati
   • Toledo, Akron, Dayton
   • Youngstown, Canton, Springfield
6. Processing Time: Initial application review typically takes 4-6 weeks in Ohio
7. Results: Unofficial "Quick Results" available 48 hours after exam for $8 fee; official results in 2-4 weeks

7.5 NCLEX-RN Preparation Tips

• Official NCSBN Resources: NCSBN Learning Extension offers the official NCLEX prep course ($50-$150)
• Practice Questions: Complete at least 3,000-5,000 practice questions before your exam
• Top Study Programs:
  • UWorld NCLEX-RN Review ($129-$329) - highest rated by nurses
  • Kaplan NCLEX Prep ($299-$999)
  • Hurst Review ($500+)
  • ATI NCLEX Prep (usually included with Ohio nursing programs)
  • Saunders Comprehensive Review for NCLEX-RN (book)
• Study Groups: Form study groups with classmates for motivation and accountability
• Test-Taking Strategies: Focus on understanding rationales and priority nursing concepts, not just memorizing
• Mark Klimek Lectures: Free audio lectures covering NCLEX strategies (widely used by Ohio nursing students)
• Content Review: Review priority content: ABC's, Maslow's hierarchy, delegation, infection control, medication administration

8. Ohio Board of Nursing Contact Information

The Ohio Board of Nursing regulates all nursing education and licensure in the state. Here's how to reach them:

8.1 Common Board of Nursing Services

• License Verification: Check your license status or verify another nurse's license online at nursing.ohio.gov
• License Renewal: RN licenses in Ohio must be renewed every 2 years
• Address Changes: Update your contact information through the Ohio eLicense system
• Continuing Education: Ohio RNs must complete 24 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years, including:
  • 1 hour Ohio nursing law and rules
  • 1 hour pain management or end-of-life care
  • 22 hours general nursing CE
• Program Approval: Search for Ohio Board of Nursing-approved RN programs online
• Complaint Investigations: Report concerns about nursing practice or violations through the online portal
• eLicense System: Most services (applications, renewals, address changes) are available through Ohio's eLicense portal