How to Become a Nurse in Ohio: Education, Licensing, and Career

Ready to make a positive difference in the lives of others through nursing? If so, and if you live in Ohio (or have plans to move to the Buckeye state), you might be wondering what it will take to launch your nursing career. Ultimately, each state sets its own requirements for obtaining nursing licensure — with the Ohio Board of Nursing (OBN) regulating more than 300,000 licenses and certificates across the state.

Bryant & Stratton College offers undergraduate nursing degree programs throughout Ohio. We have campus locations in the Cleveland area, Solon and Parma, as well as Akron, OH.

Below, you’ll learn more about the specific requirements for becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN) and registered nurse (RN) in the state of Ohio, along with details about continuing your education and exploring multi-state licensing.

State of Nursing in Ohio

Wondering how to become a nurse in Ohio? Across the state, and in many other parts of the country, there’s a growing demand for knowledgeable and experienced nurses at all levels. If you’ve been considering an LPN or RN career, now might be a good time to pursue a formal education.

Nursing Demand in Ohio

According to O*NET data, the projected growth for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses between 2022 and 2032 remains steady at 2%, with an expected 2,930 annual job openings expected in Ohio during that same time period.*

Meanwhile, the demand for Registered Nurses in Ohio is expected to grow 3% between 2022 and 2032, with 7,630 job openings expected state-wide during that same period.* In terms of wages, LPNs earn a median salary that is somewhat below the median salary for RNs. Exact earning potential can vary based on factors like experience and the place of employment.

Ohio Addressing Nurse Safety

One topic that has continued to gain a lot of traction across the profession is nurse safety. While being a nurse is highly rewarding, there are some occupational hazards to be aware of. For example, nurses are frequently exposed to biological hazards, chemical hazards, and even physical injuries. In addition, many nurses experience stress, burnout, and “compassion fatigue.”

Fortunately, the state of Ohio has demonstrated its commitment to nurse safety and wellness through legislation designed to protect nurses. In early 2025, for example, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed House Bill 452 into law.

This law specifically focuses on protecting nurses from aggressive and violent behavior by patients and visitors alike, requiring hospitals to form violent prevention plans, implement incident reporting systems, and provide hospital security staff with specialized online training.

To further protect nurses, the state is working on another bill: House Bill 285. This bill aims to establish nurse staffing ratios that prioritize both nurse and patient safety. As of July 2025, this bill has been introduced to the house but has not yet been voted on.

How to Become an LPN in Ohio

Are you eager to break into the nursing profession without spending years in school? Becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN) in Ohio is the fastest track to a career in nursing. LPNs can work in a wide range of settings, including hospitals, doctors’ offices, and long-term care facilities. In general, LPNs are responsible for providing basic care, which includes everything from monitoring vital signs to wound care.

So, what does it take to become an LPN in Ohio?

1. Complete an Approved LPN Program

First, you’ll need to complete an approved LPN program, such as a practical nursing diploma program. These programs are designed to be completed in about a year, with coursework covering such essential nursing topics as:

• Anatomy and physiology
• Pharmacology
• Intravenous therapy

When searching for an LPN diploma program, look for one that’s accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and provides plenty of opportunities for hands-on learning.

2. Pass the NCLEX-PN Exam

An LPN diploma program should also prepare you to sit for the NCLEX-PN examination, a standardized test that all aspiring nurses must pass to qualify for a nursing license in Ohio. This computerized test consists of anywhere from 85 to 205 questions and is administered under a strict five-hour time limit, with topics covering safe and effective care, nurse integrity, infection control, and more.

3. Complete a Background Check

All nurses in Ohio are required to submit to a criminal background check, which includes submitting fingerprints through both the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Applicants who have pled guilty to or have been convicted of certain crimes (including aggravated murder or any sexually oriented offense) “may be disqualified from being licensed,” according to the Ohio Board of Nursing.

4. Ohio LPN Licensing

After completing an approved diploma program, passing the NCLEX-PN, and passing a criminal background check, LPNs may formally apply for their licensure through the Ohio Board of Nursing. This should be done directly through the Ohio eLicense Portal. The fee to submit a licensing application is $75, and the state charges a $3.50 transaction fee for each application submitted.

5. Find Your First Ohio Nurse Job

Once you’ve received your LPN license in Ohio, you’re free to start practicing within the state. You can search for LPN job openings in your area and begin applying to positions for which you may qualify. Be sure to explore openings not just at local hospitals, but also at long-term care facilities, doctors’ offices, and nursing homes.

How to Become an RN in Ohio

After some time working as an LPN, you may want to advance into a registered nurse role. Or, you might decide from the start that working as an RN is right for you. Regardless, when compared to the work of an LPN, RNs tend to have a little more autonomy and direct involvement in patient care. In addition to providing basic care, RNs can enjoy a broader scope of practice that includes patient care planning and supervision. Let’s take a closer look at how to become an RN in Ohio.

1. Complete Your Degree: ADN or BSN

The first step to becoming an RN in Ohio is earning a degree from an approved, accredited program. In Ohio, RNs typically have either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). An ADN usually takes 1–2 years to complete, whereas a BSN may take anywhere from 2–4 years. If you have any plans to advance into a leadership role in nursing or pursue your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), then a BSN may be a better option. Ultimately, the decision boils down to your long-term career goals and interests.

2. Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam

Once you’ve completed your degree program, the next step is passing the NCLEX-RN examination, which is administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCBSN). This computerized exam measures your readiness to practice safely and effectively as a newly licensed entry-level nurse in Ohio.

3. Background Check

Just like those applying for an LPN license in Ohio, aspiring RNs must submit to a criminal background check and register their fingerprints with both the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the FBI. It’s best to complete this step early, as processing times can vary and may delay your application.

4. Ohio RN Licensing

After passing a criminal background check, the Ohio eLicense Portal can be used to submit a licensing application for the posted fee ($75, plus a $3.50 processing fee). Be sure to double-check your application for accuracy, as incomplete or incorrect submissions can cause delays. 

5. Find Your First Ohio RN Job

Once you’ve received your RN license in Ohio, you can begin practicing right away. Depending on where your interests lie, you might consider applying for RN jobs at local hospitals, long-term care facilities, schools, or outpatient clinics. Gaining experience in your preferred setting can help shape your long-term nursing career path.

6. Consider Earning a BSN If You Started With an ADN

If you started with an ADN and have been working for some time as an RN, you might want to return to school to pursue a BSN. Through an RN to BSN program, you can build upon the foundational knowledge and skills you’ve already gained. This can help set you up for leadership or supervisory roles down the line.

Continue Your Career as an Ohio Nurse

Regardless of whether you’re licensed as an LPN or RN in Ohio, you’ll need to follow the state’s specific renewal and continuing education requirements to keep your license active.

License Renewal

In Ohio, LPN and RN licenses need to be renewed once every two years. You can complete the renewal process online, with renewal fees ranging from $65 to $115. Be careful not to let your license lapse; otherwise, you’ll need to get your license reinstated, which will result in additional fees and processing times.

Continuing Education

When applying for license renewal, you’ll need to submit proof of continuing education. Specifically, RNs and LPNs must complete 24 contact hours of continuing education every two years to renew. You can read more about specific continuing education requirements here.

What If You Don’t Stay in Ohio? Multi-state Licensing for Nurses

Even if you’re initially licensed as an LPN or RN in Ohio, things can change — and you might find yourself needing to get licensed in another state. The good news? Ohio is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). This allows nurses to hold a multi-state license in their primary state of residence, with the ability to practice (virtually or in-person) in 40 other states across the country.

To earn a multi-state nursing license, you must first declare your primary state of residence. From there, you’ll need to provide some basic information (including proof of your active nursing license, Social Security Number, and a criminal background check) before submitting an official application through your state’s Board of Nursing.

Once you receive your multi-state license, you’ll be able to practice as an LPN or RN in any reciprocal state without having to complete any additional licensure/certification requirements in those states. Keep in mind that these applications can take some time to process, so plan to wait anywhere from one to two months to verify your application status.

Become a Nurse in Ohio With Bryant & Stratton College

For those interested in becoming an LPN or RN in the great state of Ohio, the right education and training can make all the difference. At Bryant & Stratton College, we offer numerous diploma and degree programs to help you kick-start a fulfilling career in nursing, including:

• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Diploma
• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• RN-to-BSN (online)

Two Cleveland Nursing Schools

Bryant & Stratton offers two convenient campuses in the Greater Cleveland area: Parma and Solon. At both campuses, students have access to state-of-the-art nursing labs, full-service support, and knowledgeable faculty in our ACEN-accredited programs. And, thanks to our immediate acceptance policy, students can begin taking nursing classes during their first semester in an LPN or ADN program — without dealing with the hassle of a waitlist.

Akron Nursing School

In addition to the Parma and Solon locations, Bryant & Stratton College offers an Akron campus. Centrally located, it serves busy nursing students across the Northeast Ohio region. Here, you’ll find both online and in-person class offerings, as well as realistic nursing labs that prepare you for work in a wide range of settings. Whether you’re looking to earn your practical nursing diploma, an ADN, or even an online RN to BSN, our Akron campus has you covered.

No matter which of our nursing programs or Ohio campuses you choose, Bryant & Stratton College always offers the supportive, career-focused education that the state’s next great nurses need to thrive. Request information about our nursing programs by getting in touch with our team today, or take the next step by filling out your free online application for admission!

*Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.