Ohio LPN Programs

Browse our list of state approved LPN certification programs

Licensed Practical Nurses provide critical support for registered nurses and doctors in a variety of medical care facilities. The LPN often works directly with injured, sick or elderly patients. Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse is a relatively simple process and carries few prerequisite requirements. One must complete a state approved LPN program that includes classroom study and supervised clinical practice. Most practical nursing programs can be completed within 12 months. Training courses are offered at local community colleges and vocational or technical schools. The candidate must pass the National Council Licensure Examination-Practical Nurse (NCLEX-PN) to become fully licensed and authorized to work as an LPN in Ohio.

Many LPNs are charged with helping patients take care of their personal needs. They help patients to bathe, change and feed themselves. LPNs are also trained to take and record patient’s vital signs. This includes blood pressure, respiratory rate, pulse and temperature. They may also be required to monitor and document the patient’s intake and output on a daily basis. LPNs may administer medication according to the supervising doctor’s orders. They are often called upon to give injections, take blood samples, start IVs, give enemas and insert catheters. Additionally, LPNs must monitor patients’ reactions to medication and treatment. LPNs in Ohio must receive special authorization to administer medication and perform IV therapy. This can be obtained through continuing education courses or special education training programs. LPNs often care for patients before and after surgery and may be required to act as a scrub nurse or help set up equipment in the operating room. LPNs may also be asked to perform clerical and administrative duties and oversee the work of nursing assistants.

The salaries of LPNs vary. The pay range is generally dependent on the skills and years of experience the LPN has and the specific duties of their particular job. The place of employment, current economic conditions and specific geographic location also factor in to determine LPN pay rate. Practical nurses work in hospitals, nursing homes, doctor’s offices, community care programs, outpatient care facilities and many other settings. LPNs are often asked to work nights, weekends and holidays.

Licensed Practical Nurses are in great demand and that demand is expected to grow dramatically over the next 20 years. The increase in the number of elderly patients requiring assistance is a driving force behind the need for more practical nurses. The LPN is a very important part of the workforce in most types of medical care facilities. Their role varies depending on their specific assignment. However, they are always counted on to provide assistance to patients, supervision to nursing assistants and support to physicians. Their job responsibilities have increased a great deal over the past decade. Today most medical facilities could not run efficiently and effectively without the work performed by licensed practical nurses.

List of LPN Programs in Ohio (OH)

Ohio LPN Schools

Our directory lists all Ohio schools that currently offer approved practical nursing programs. The Ohio state board of nursing is the regulatory organization in charge of approving LPN education programs. To gain approval, educational institutions must demonstrate to the board of nursing that their program sufficiently prepares students with the knowledge and skills expected of a licensed practical nurse. The on-going approval of a program depends largely upon their graduation rates and the NCLEX pass rates of their graduates. If a program starts to produce poor results in either of these two categories they can quickly lose their state approval or be placed on probationary approval status until their results improve.

Required LPN Classes in Ohio

The specific course work required in practical nursing programs can differ from institution to institution. However, there are some subjects that are almost always included in most programs. Typical LPN classes include Anatomy & Physiology, Basic Nursing Skills, Nutrition, Math for Nurses, Psychology and Pharmacology. Topics covered within these subjects prepare students with the knowledge base required to perform the work of a licensed practical nurse.

How to Become an LPN in Ohio

Start the process by researching available education programs to find one that suits your schedule and preferences. The next step is to enroll and complete an LPN training program that is approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing. Most LPN programs take roughly one year to finish. Upon successful completion of all course requirements you are eligible to challenge the NCLEX-PN exam. After passing the test you can register with the state of Ohio as a licensed practical nurse and begin searching for employment.