Ohio, OH | LPN to RN Nursing School Program

A career as a Licensed Practical Nurse in Ohio can be very rewarding. However, when an LPN wants to take their training to the next level, most choose to become a Registered Nurse—the biggest group of health care practitioners in the USA, and one that is predicted to continue to grow rapidly in the future. In Ohio, RNs average around $65,000 per year (according to BLS.gov) plus an additional 20k in benefits—a bit above the national average, and certainly a healthy income. With only one more year of schooling required to become an RN and a jump in average wages of $15,000 per year, it is not surprising that many LPNs choose to make the move at some point in their career.

Registered Nurses have a much greater range of responsibilities than LPNs; essentially, RNs working in direct health care environments supervise and direct Licensed Practical Nurses and Certified Nursing Assistants in caring for patients. RNs assess the needs of a patient and make a plan of care, adjusting it based on their evaluations. While close to two-thirds of RN’s are found in hospitals, they can also find employment in a variety of other settings, such as nursing homes, schools, community centers, and even public health education. The opportunity for specialization is what makes this a possibility—from rehabilitation to mental health, anesthesia and beyond, RNs can specialize in any and all areas of health care.

LPN to RN programs in Ohio require an additional year of schooling. However, they can be completed through online distance education while still working as a Licensed Practical Nurse. To qualify, one must be currently certified as an LPN and, usually, have a previous year of experience working as an LPN. Coursework in the program builds upon LPN training and includes chemistry, English, math, biology, communications, sociology, and a number of nursing-specific classes. LPN to RN training in Ohio is often part of an Associate Degree of Nursing, as well, as the prospective RN will then have completed two years of nursing school.

The LPN to RN program prepares students for the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN), which costs $200 to take. Once a passing grade is achieved, an applicant is licensed to work as an RN in Ohio. In addition, the Ohio Board of Nursing charges a $75 licensing fee.

Becoming a Registered Nurse in Ohio is a great step forward, but rest assured there remains plenty of opportunity for further education and advancement, such as a Bachelor of Science, Nursing, and specialized graduate degrees in both health and education can lead to MA and PhD programs and diverse career opportunities in education, the private sector, and beyond.