Are you interested in helping your community while making a decent salary? Consider becoming an LPN in Ohio. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) support patients by checking vital signs, giving basic care, and helping nurses and doctors keep things running smoothly. Here’s what LPN pay looks like in Ohio, where the jobs are, and what it takes to get started.

Average LPN Salary in Ohio

The median salary for LPNs is $60,600 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Shift work can also increase pay. Nights, weekends, and overtime often come with higher hourly rates. Some employers offer sign-on bonuses, especially for long-term care roles.

LPN Salary by City in Ohio

Pay changes based on where you work. Larger metro areas usually pay more, but smaller cities still offer strong job access.

• Columbus: Often above the state average due to hospital systems and large healthcare networks
• Cleveland: Competitive pay with many openings in rehab and long-term care
• Cincinnati: Stable wages supported by major medical employers
• Dayton and Toledo: Slightly lower pay, but steady demand and lower living costs

In smaller towns, pay may be lower, but schedules are often more flexible and commute times shorter.

Job Outlook for LPNs in Ohio

The need for LPNs is growing. As the population ages, more people need daily care. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for practical nurses is expected to grow 3 percent through 2034. In Ohio, LPN jobs are common in:

• Nursing homes
• Assisted living facilities
• Rehab centers
• Clinics and doctor offices
• Home health agencies

Long-term care continues to be the largest employer of LPNs across the state.

Where LPNs Work in Ohio

Most LPNs in Ohio do not work in large hospitals. Instead, they support patients in settings were daily care matters most.

Long-Term Care and Nursing Homes – This is where most LPNs find work. The job focuses on patient comfort, medications, and daily routines.

Clinics and Medical Offices – LPNs help with exams, take vitals, and prep patients for visits.

Home Health – LPNs travel to patient homes and provide one-on-one care. This setting often offers flexible schedules.

Rehab and specialty centers – Work here supports recovery after surgery, illness, or injury.

Each setting offers a different pace and schedule, which can affect job fit and pay.

Training Requirements to Become an LPN in Ohio

LPN training is much shorter than many healthcare paths. Most programs take as little as 12 months to complete.

Step 1: Complete a Practical Nursing Program at OBC

You must graduate from a state-approved practical nursing program, like the one at OBC. Training combines classroom lessons with hands-on labs. Common topics include:

• Basic nursing skills
• Patient safety
• Medication basics
• Medical terms
• Clinical practice

Step 2: Finish Clinical Training

Clinical hours put the classroom theory to the test and helps student build real skills. Instead of learning from a book, you work in actual healthcare settings such as nursing homes, clinics, or rehab centers. You practice patient care tasks like taking vital signs, helping with daily needs, and supporting medication routines while caring for real patients.

An instructor or licensed nurse is always present during clinicals. They guide you step by step, correct mistakes, and show you how to work safely and confidently. This support helps you build good habits early and understand how care is delivered in real work shifts.

Step 3: Pass the NCLEX-PN

After you finish your practical nursing program, the next step is passing the NCLEX-PN exam. This test is required in Ohio before you can work as a licensed practical nurse.

The NCLEX-PN exam confirms that you can provide safe, basic nursing care. Questions focus on areas like patient safety, infection control, basic care skills, medication knowledge, and how you respond to common clinical situations. The exam is computer-based and adapts as you answer questions, which helps measure your understanding more accurately.

Step 4: Apply for Ohio Licensure

Licensing is handled through the Ohio Board of Nursing.

Skills Employers Look For

Ohio employers look for LPNs who are dependable and calm under pressure. Key skills include:

• Clear communication
• Basic patient care skills
• Time management
• Teamwork
• Attention to detail

These skills develop fast during clinical training and on-the-job experience.

Can LPNs Move Up?

Yes. Many LPNs treat this role as a starting point. Common paths include:

• LPN-to-RN bridge programs
• Special roles in geriatrics or rehab
• Lead or charge roles in long-term care

Advancing can lead to higher pay and broader responsibilities.

Is Becoming an LPN in Ohio Worth It?

For many students, it is. Training is short, jobs are available across the state, and pay supports a stable lifestyle in most Ohio cities. If you want a direct path into healthcare with hands-on work and real job demand, becoming an LPN in Ohio is a practical option. The first step is to start an LPN program, and OBC will be with you every step of the way.

Want to Learn More?

Want to make an impact on your local community? OBC offers a Practical Nursing program that will train you for entry-level positions while integrating the future of healthcare for improved patient outcomes.

Practical Nursing Program

The Practical Nursing (PN) Program provided by OBC is 44 weeks or four quarters long. The program covers theory, nursing skills lab, simulation lab, and clinical experiences. Once you graduate from the PN program, you will be fully qualified to write to the NCLEX-PN® to become licensed as an LPN in Ohio.

Contact us today to learn more about our LPN program.

*While OBC cannot guarantee employment, we do offer many career services to help you find a job after graduation. We will help you with resume building, interview prep, and job outreach. Talk to our career services staff for more information.