Licensed Practical Nurse in Ohio

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for OH. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary
$60,990
trending_down -2.2% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Ohio.

engineering
36,440

Jobs (OH)

monitoring Stable
+2.6%

10-yr job growth

payments
$275

Licensing fees

schedule
1-2 years

Time to complete

route How to become a licensed practical nurse in Ohio

To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Ohio, individuals must complete a state-approved practical nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN examination. The licensing body is the Ohio Board of Nursing. A criminal background check is required, and Ohio is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, facilitating practice for LPNs with multistate licenses. LPN licenses must be renewed every two years, with 24 hours of continuing education required, including at least one hour related to Ohio nursing laws and rules.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $48,300
25th percentile $53,930
50th (median) $60,990
75th percentile $64,850
90th (experienced) $73,580

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Ohio. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Ohio requirements

Licensing bodyOhio Board of Nursing
State license Required
EducationCompletion of a state-approved practical nursing program
ExamNCLEX-PN ($200)
Application fee$75
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
Continuing education24.0 hours per cycle
NotesA criminal background check is required. CE must include at least 1 hour related to Ohio nursing laws and rules (Category A). For the first renewal period immediately following licensure by examination, no CE hours are required. If licensed by endorsement for less than or equal to one year, 12 contact hours of CE are required for the first renewal. Minimum age of 18 is generally required for admission to practical nursing programs.

Source: Ohio Board of Nursing

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth
+2.6%
Average
Annual openings
54,400
Nationwide per year
Total employment
651,400
Nationwide
neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -0.51/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

  • check_circleOhio license required — clearer credential signal to employers
  • check_circleLow AI disruption risk
psychology
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Frequently asked questions

How do I become a licensed practical nurse in Ohio? expand_more
In Ohio, becoming a licensed practical nurse requires you to complete the required education (Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program), pass the NCLEX-PN, and submit your application ($75 fee).
Is a licensed practical nurse license required in Ohio? expand_more
You cannot practice as a licensed practical nurse in Ohio without a state license from Ohio Board of Nursing. The required exam is the NCLEX-PN.
How much does a licensed practical nurse make in Ohio? expand_more
In Ohio, the median pay for licensed practical nurses comes to $60,990/year. That's roughly in line with the $62,340 national median. New licensed practical nurses start around $48,300; seasoned professionals can reach $73,580.
What are the fees to become a licensed practical nurse in Ohio? expand_more
The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($200) and application fee ($75) and required training.
How many months or years does licensed practical nurse certification take in Ohio? expand_more
The typical timeline in Ohio is 1-2 years. This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.
What are the continuing education requirements for licensed practical nurses in Ohio? expand_more
To keep your license active, Ohio mandates 24.0 CE hours every 2.0 years.

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