LPN to RN Programs in Ohio (2026)

Three accredited paths from LPN to Registered Nurse in Ohio: the fastest LPN-to-ADN bridge, the long-term LPN-to-BSN, and an Accelerated BSNfor LPNs who already hold a bachelor's. Compare side-by-side on tuition, length, format, and outcomes — pick the best match for your goals and budget.

+$14K
Avg RN Salary Increase
17
LPN, ADN & BSN Programs

ADN Programs in Ohio

Associate Degree in Nursing programs — the most common outcome of an LPN-to-RN bridge. 1 program available in Ohio.

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Sponsored · Disclosure

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) options in OH — compare partner programs accepting applications now.

Excelsior University logo
ADNOnline

Excelsior University

ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing)

$14,560 total24 mo program58% grad rate

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LPN-to-BSN Programs in Ohio

Skip the ADN-then-RN-to-BSN detour. These accredited BSN programs accept LPNs into a 2–3 year pre-licensure bachelor's track — the best long-term value when Ohio hospital systems prefer BSN-prepared nurses at hire. 13 traditional BSN programs in our directory below the sponsored matches.

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Western Governors University logo

Western Governors University

WGU's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Pre-Licensure) program prepares you for a successful nursing career. This 100% online program requires 124 credits and can be completed in about 36 months, provi…

BSNOnlineCCNEEst. $35,700 total92% NCLEX
Aspen University logo

Aspen University

Aspen University’s BSN — Pre-Licensure program offers a pathway for students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This 120-credit program is fully online and can be completed in 36 months, makin…

BSNOnlineCCNEEst. $28,800 total
National University logo

National University

National University's BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program is a comprehensive pre-licensure pathway that prepares you for a successful nursing career. Offered entirely online, this 120-credit…

BSNOnlineCCNEEst. $45,000 total
Chamberlain University logo

Chamberlain University

Chamberlain's BSN (Pre-Licensure Hybrid) program combines online learning with on-campus experiences. Over 36 months, you will complete 120 credits, allowing for flexibility while gaining essential n…

BSNOnline + CampusCCNEEst. $69,000 total80% NCLEX
Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences logo

Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences

BSN (Pre-Licensure Online). Online format.

BSNOnlineCCNEEst. $52,000 total91% NCLEX
Chamberlain University logo

Chamberlain University

The on-campus BSN (Pre-Licensure) program provides a comprehensive education for those entering the nursing field. Over 36 months, you will complete 120 credits in a supportive learning environment,…

BSNOn CampusCCNEEst. $69,000 total80% NCLEX
Herzing University logo

Herzing University

Herzing University offers a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) pre-licensure program that prepares you for a successful nursing career. This on-campus program requires 120 credits and can be comple…

BSNOn CampusACENEst. $60,000 total
Case Western Reserve University logo

Case Western Reserve University

The Traditional BSN program at Case Western is a four-year on-campus program designed for those seeking a comprehensive nursing education. You will complete 120 credits, gaining essential skills for…

BSNOn CampusCCNEEst. $180,000 total95% NCLEX
University of Cincinnati logo

University of Cincinnati

BSN (Traditional). On Campus format.

BSNOn CampusCCNEEst. $50,400 total95% NCLEX

Ohio State University

The Traditional BSN program at Ohio State University is a 48-month, on-campus program that prepares you for a professional nursing career. With 124 credits required, this comprehensive program enable…

BSNOn CampusCCNEEst. $60,000 total
Excelsior University logo

Excelsior University

The BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) completion program at Excelsior University is available 100% online, allowing you to earn your degree on your schedule. This 120-credit program can be finishe…

BSNOnlineACENEst. $30,000 total
Southern New Hampshire University logo

Southern New Hampshire University

SNHU's BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program is a comprehensive online degree designed for those starting their nursing journey. This 120-credit program takes approximately 48 months to comple…

BSNOnlineACENEst. $50,400 total
American Public University System logo

American Public University System

The BSN program offers a comprehensive curriculum for individuals pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Delivered entirely online, this 36-month program requires 120 credits, allowing you to bal…

BSNOnlineCCNEEst. $27,000 total

Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Programs in Ohio

The fastest path to a BSN if you already hold a bachelor's degree in another field — typically 12–20 months full-time. Many programs award advanced standing for your LPN clinical experience, lowering tuition and shortening the timeline further. 3 accelerated BSN programs (≤20 months) listed for Ohio below the sponsored matches.

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University of Cincinnati logo

University of Cincinnati

Accelerated BSN. On Campus format.

BSNOn CampusCCNEEst. $28,000 total95% NCLEX
Galen College of Nursing logo

Galen College of Nursing

Accelerated BSN. On Campus format.

BSNOn CampusCCNEEst. $46,860 total85% NCLEX
Case Western Reserve University logo

Case Western Reserve University

The Accelerated BSN program allows you to earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing in just 16 months through an intensive on-campus curriculum. This program is ideal for those who already hold a bach…

BSNOn CampusCCNEEst. $55,000 total95% NCLEX

Compare all fastest nursing programs in Ohio

Match Me to the Best LPN-to-RN Program in Ohio

Advancing to RN in Ohio can mean +$14K/year. We'll match you to the 17+ LPN, ADN, and BSN options that best fit your budget, schedule, and timeline — enter your zip code to start.

Ohio: LPN-to-RN bridge context

Ohio maintains strong demand for bridge pathways that move practical nurses toward RN eligibility with minimal career interruption.

Our directory currently shows 0 LPN and 1 ADN programs for Ohio. Across the first 17 LPN/ADN rows for Ohio, delivery is about 47% online and 6% hybrid — helpful for estimating commute and clinical-time constraints.

Among the LPN and ADN programs shown for Ohio in our sample, 47% are fully online, 6% hybrid, and 47% on-campus (first-page results from our directory).

Why Advance from LPN to RN in Ohio?

The LPN-to-RN bridge is one of the most financially efficient moves in nursing. LPNs already have clinical experience and foundational medical knowledge — bridge programs build on that foundation rather than starting from scratch, cutting the time to RN licensure in half compared to a pre-licensure ADN program.

In Ohio, registered nurses earn an average of $73,400 per year — roughly $13,670 more than the national LPN median. With Ohio nursing job growth projected at 5% through 2032, the demand for RNs — and the salary premium they command — will only grow.

Ohio is a Nurse Licensure Compact state. After earning your RN license in Ohio, you can practice in 25+ other compact states without applying for additional licenses — ideal for travel nursing or cross-border employment.

Beyond pay, RN licensure expands your scope of practice to include comprehensive patient assessments, IV therapy, care plan development, and greater clinical autonomy. It also opens the door to specialty certifications, charge-nurse roles, and graduate programs (MSN, DNP) that can lead to advanced practice salaries exceeding $120,000.

Pick Your Best-Fit LPN-to-RN Pathway in Ohio

The right program depends on three things: how fast you need to be earning an RN wage, whether Ohiohospital systems you want to work for prefer a BSN, and whether you already hold a bachelor's degree in another field. Use the value-prop summary below to narrow your shortlist before comparing listings.

Best Value

LPN → ADN

  • Duration: 12–18 months
  • Cost: Lowest — community college tuition typical
  • Outcome: Associate Degree + NCLEX-RN eligibility
  • Best for: LPNs who want to start earning RN wages as fast and cheaply as possible

Most nurses later complete an online RN-to-BSN while working.

Best Career

LPN → BSN

  • Duration: 2–3 years
  • Cost: Mid–high (offset by employer tuition aid)
  • Outcome: Bachelor of Science in Nursing + NCLEX-RN eligibility
  • Best for: LPNs targeting Magnet hospitals, charge/leadership roles, or grad school in Ohio

Preferred (and increasingly required) for Ohio acute-care hires.

Fastest to BSN

Accelerated BSN (ABSN)

  • Duration: 12–20 months full-time
  • Cost: Higher tuition — but you finish a BSN in a year+
  • Outcome: BSN + NCLEX-RN eligibility
  • Best for: LPNs who already hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree

Many ABSN programs award LPN-credit advanced standing — ask each admissions office.

Admission Tips for LPN-to-RN Applicants in Ohio

Current, Active LPN License

Most programs require an active, unencumbered LPN license in Ohio at time of enrollment. Verify your license is in good standing with the Ohio Board of Nursing before applying.

Prerequisite Science Courses

Anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and chemistry are commonly required. Check each program's prerequisites before applying — completing them at a community college while working as an LPN is a common strategy.

Work Experience

Most programs prefer 1+ year of clinical LPN experience. Some require it. Highlight diverse clinical settings (hospital, long-term care, home health) in your application.

Credit Evaluation

Request a credit evaluation from each program's admissions office to understand exactly how much of your LPN coursework transfers. This directly affects total cost.

How do I go from LPN to RN in Ohio?
To advance from LPN to RN in Ohio, enroll in an LPN-to-RN bridge program at an accredited nursing school. These programs typically award credit for your LPN coursework and take 12 to 18 months to complete. At graduation you sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. The Ohio Board of Nursing (https://nursing.ohio.gov) issues RN licenses and can confirm current requirements.
How long does LPN to RN take in Ohio?
Most LPN-to-RN bridge programs available in Ohio take 12 to 18 months full-time. Part-time enrollment extends the timeline to 18–24 months. Programs that award a direct-entry BSN at completion may take longer than those that award an ADN.
How much more do RNs earn than LPNs in Ohio?
Registered nurses in Ohio earn an average of $73,400 per year (BLS May 2023). The national median for licensed practical nurses is $59,730 — a difference of roughly $13,670 per year. Most LPN-to-RN programs pay for themselves within the first year of RN practice based on that salary increase alone.
Do LPN credits transfer in Ohio?
Most LPN-to-RN programs accept 15 to 30 LPN credits through advanced standing or articulation agreements. The exact number depends on the program and your LPN coursework. Some schools require a validation exam or skills assessment before awarding credit. Ask each program's admissions office for a transfer credit evaluation before applying.
What is the difference between LPN-to-ADN, LPN-to-BSN, and Accelerated BSN in Ohio?
LPN-to-ADN bridge programs (typically 12–18 months) award an Associate Degree in Nursing and NCLEX-RN eligibility — best value and fastest route to RN licensure. LPN-to-BSN programs take 2–3 years but award a bachelor's degree, which many Ohio hospital systems prefer for direct-care positions and which is required for graduate nursing programs. Accelerated BSN (ABSN) programs (12–20 months) are aimed at LPNs who already hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree — fastest path to a BSN, but tuition runs higher. Many nurses complete the ADN first to start earning RN wages sooner, then finish an online RN-to-BSN while working.
Can I do an Accelerated BSN (ABSN) as an LPN in Ohio?
Yes — if you already hold a bachelor's degree in any field. ABSN programs in Ohio typically run 12–20 months full-time and many award advanced-standing credit for your LPN clinical work, which can shorten the timeline and reduce tuition. If you do not yet have a bachelor's, an LPN-to-BSN or LPN-to-ADN program is the right starting point.
Is Ohio in the Nurse Licensure Compact?
Yes, Ohio is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member. After earning your RN license in Ohio, you can practice in other compact states without applying for a separate license — ideal for travel nursing or cross-border healthcare employment.

Ohio RN License Information

Renewal Cycle

2 years

CE Hours Required

24 hours

NLC Compact Member

Yes

Source: Ohio Board of Nursing

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