The Future of LPNs in Ohio
The future is promising for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in Ohio. With just one year of training after high school (or your GED), you can take an exam to become an LPN.
Similar to Registered Nurses (RNs) and Medical Doctors, Practical Nurses provide care to patients as an integral part of the healthcare team. They take patients’ vital signs, report patient symptoms to doctors and RNs, and perform functions such as inserting catheters and changing bandages.
However, LPNs are different than RNs because Licensed Practical Nurses need to be under the supervision of an RN or doctor while performing patient care. All LPN care procedures are ordered by a person of authority.
The Path to Practical Nursing
To become an LPN, you must either graduate high school or receive your GED. Then, you need to choose a training program at a school approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing. Most programs take a year to complete, but students might find accelerated programs lasting six to nine months, too. After graduation from a Practical Nursing program, students should successfully pass the NCLEX-PN exam to then obtain Practical Nurse licensure from the Ohio Board of Nursing.
Licensed Practical Nursing Schools in Ohio
While there are numerous educational opportunities in Ohio for Licensed Practical Nurses, here are a few approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing:
- Central School of Practical Nursing (CSPN). This private school in Cleveland requires potential Practical Nursing students to hold a 2.0 GPA and a high school diploma or a GED equivalent. Students must pass an entrance exam and a rigorous selection process. Nursing programs start in April and October of each year and last one year.
- Cincinnati State. For a public school option, students can choose Cincinnati State, pursuing the Practical Nurse Certificate. Both the Clifton and the Great Oaks’ Scarlet Oaks campuses of this school offer this LPN training. To enroll, students must show proof of a 2.5 GPA and high school diploma or GED equivalent, must complete a Nurse’s Aide prerequisite course, successfully complete a criminal background check and be certified in CPR.
Steps to Practical Nursing Licensure
To receive your Practical Nurse License from the Ohio Board, you must complete the NCLEX-PN exam, show credentials of your completed coursework and pass a criminal background check. Ohio requires LPNs to complete continued education throughout their years of practice in order to keep renewing their licenses. Licensed Practical Nurses in Ohio must complete 24 hours of practical training every two years following their first license renewal.
Career Success for LPNs in Ohio
Ohio is an excellent state for LPNs to begin their careers. The Projections Managing Partnership reported that 40,250 Practical Nurses held jobs in 2016, and the mean income for Ohio LPNs in 2017 was found by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to be $20.35 per hour.
Ohio LPNs were also projected a 9.5 increase in employment levels by the year 2026.
Where to Find Work as a Licensed Practical Nurse
Employment levels for LPNs are the highest in Cincinnati, Cleveland and Columbus-Ohio’s highest populated areas. These areas also pay the highest LPN salaries in the state, with Dayton and Toledo paying higher wages to LPNs as well.
According to the BLS, the areas in Ohio with the highest number of LPN workers per 1,000 jobs were the North Northeastern Ohio nonmetropolitan and Southern Ohio nonmetropolitan areas.
With so many job opportunities for LPNs in the state of Ohio, why not start your healthcare career on the path of Practical Nursing? If you can stand for long hours on your feet, you’re compassionate about the care of others and you excel in health, science and math, this may be the right career for you.
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FAQs
How much do licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses earn in the state of Ohio?
According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses in the state of Ohio made an average of $45,020 per year in 2019. Entry-level licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses earned around $34,590 and some experienced professionals earned salaries as high as $57,610.