A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is a regulated healthcare professional who provides direct patient care under the supervision of a registered nurse or a physician. LPNs monitor patient health, check vital signs, administer basic medical care like changing wound dressings, and assist patients with daily needs such as bathing and feeding. In Ohio, LPNs are integral to the healthcare system, primarily working in long-term care facilities, nursing homes, assisted living centers, clinics, and home health settings. The process of achieving licensure is regulated by the Ohio Board of Nursing (OBN).
Meeting Educational Prerequisites
The journey toward an LPN license begins with meeting the fundamental academic requirements for entry into a practical nursing program. Prospective students must secure a high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) certificate for admission. This documentation verifies the foundational level of education required for the nursing curriculum.
Most Ohio LPN programs set specific entry criteria beyond the diploma to ensure student readiness. Applicants must typically be at least 18 years of age. Many schools also require applicants to pass a pre-entrance assessment, such as the ATI TEAS exam, often requiring minimum scores in reading, vocabulary, and math. Some institutions require a current State Tested Nurse Aide (STNA) certification as a prerequisite.
Applicants must also meet specific physical and health requirements to participate safely in clinical components. This involves submitting documentation of a recent health examination confirming the ability to perform necessary tasks, such as lifting and transferring patients. Students must also provide proof of required immunizations, including MMR, Varicella, and Tdap, and undergo a Tuberculosis (TB) screening to comply with clinical site regulations.
Enrolling in an Ohio Board of Nursing Approved LPN Program
A candidate’s entire path to licensure hinges on completing a program that has been approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing (OBN). This approval is mandated under the Ohio Revised Code, Chapter 4723, which governs the practice of nursing in the state. Attending a non-approved program will render the graduate ineligible to sit for the national licensing examination.
These practical nursing programs usually result in a certificate or diploma and typically require a full-time commitment of 12 to 18 months. The curriculum is structured to provide a comprehensive mix of theoretical knowledge and hands-on clinical skills. Coursework covers subjects like anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, nutrition, and specialized nursing care for various populations, including obstetrics and pediatrics.
A substantial portion of the program is dedicated to supervised clinical experience, often comprising around 40 percent of the total hours. This practical training takes place at various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community agencies. Students must maintain a minimum grade point average, often 75% or higher, in all courses and clinical rotations to successfully complete the program and qualify for licensure.
Navigating the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN)
After successfully graduating from an OBN-approved program, the next mandatory step is to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). This standardized examination is administered nationwide by Pearson VUE and serves as the final measure of whether a candidate possesses the knowledge and clinical judgment necessary for entry-level practice. The exam is computer-adaptive, meaning the difficulty of subsequent questions is adjusted based on the candidate’s performance on previous questions.
The content of the NCLEX-PN is organized around four major Client Needs categories. These categories include Safe and Effective Care Environment, Health Promotion and Maintenance, and Physiological Integrity. Physiological Integrity is the largest category, testing the candidate’s knowledge in basic care and comfort, pharmacological therapies, reduction of risk potential, and physiological adaptation.
The examination also integrates a focus on Clinical Judgment, which assesses the LPN’s ability to analyze patient cues, prioritize concerns, and evaluate outcomes. Candidates must first register with the Ohio Board of Nursing for examination eligibility, and then register directly with Pearson VUE to schedule the testing appointment. A passing score on the NCLEX-PN is required before applying for an Ohio license.
Applying for Licensure with the Ohio Board of Nursing
After achieving a passing score on the NCLEX-PN, the candidate must formally apply to the Ohio Board of Nursing (OBN) for the official LPN license. This application is submitted electronically through the state’s eLicense portal and requires payment of application fees. Applicants must submit official transcripts directly from the nursing education program to verify successful completion and graduation.
A mandatory criminal records check is required, including both a state-level Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) check and a federal-level FBI check. Candidates must have their electronic fingerprints scanned at an approved Webcheck location in Ohio, or follow specific instructions for out-of-state submission. The OBN uses the results of this background check to determine an applicant’s fitness to practice, scrutinizing any criminal history that may disqualify them from licensure.
The application also requires the candidate to attest to their legal eligibility and compliance with all state laws and rules. Once the OBN receives verification of program completion, a passing NCLEX-PN score, and clear background check results, the official LPN license is issued.
Career Outlook and Maintaining Your Ohio LPN License
The job market for Licensed Practical Nurses in Ohio remains strong. LPNs in the state can expect a median annual salary between $47,270 and $52,330, with experienced nurses earning up to $60,850. The largest employers of LPNs are long-term care facilities and nursing homes, but opportunities are also available in clinics, physician’s offices, and home health agencies.
Maintaining the Ohio LPN license requires compliance with the Ohio Board of Nursing’s continuing education (CE) and renewal schedule. The license operates on a biennial renewal cycle, occurring in even-numbered years. To keep the license active, LPNs must complete a minimum of 24 contact hours of CE during each two-year renewal period.
This continuing education requirement must include at least one contact hour designated as Category A. This specific hour must be directly related to the laws and rules of the Ohio Nurse Practice Act and the administrative code of the Ohio Board of Nursing. The CE requirement ensures that LPNs remain current with both clinical practice standards and the legal framework governing their profession in Ohio.