Licensed practical nursing is a great step for Certified Nursing Assistants looking to take a more active role on the nursing team and improve their financial outlook. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, LPNs earned a median annual salary of $48,820 in 2020. You can double or even triple your income as a nurse aide by completing the one year required to practice as a licensed practical nurse. CNAs may be eligible for advanced standing in a few CNA-to-LPN transition programs. At the very least, they may get a competitive advantage in the selective admission process. Before requesting consideration for advanced placement, make sure you have completed an accredited nurse aide program and hold a current and unencumbered license to practice as a nurse aide (or state tested nurse aide) in Ohio.
Cincinnati State Great Oaks
The Cincinnati State Practical Nursing Certificate program is open only to persons who have completed the requirements to become a State Tested Nurse Aide. The curriculum includes didactic component that covers foundational nursing principles for practical nurses. The lab sessions support the development of skills that will be used in the clinical component of the program. Course topics include practical nursing concepts, medical surgical nursing, healthcare informatics, mental health nursing, gerontology, maternal child nursing, pharmacology, and practical nursing role transition. Upon completion of the 39 credits, students will receive a practical nursing certificate and be eligible to take the NCLEX-PN. Day and evening schedules are available.
Admission criteria:
- Must submit evidence of Ohio state registration as an STNA
- Attend a Practical Nursing Information Session
- Complete the PNC Application
- Must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher and maintain a GPA for Math & Science courses of 2.0 or higher
- Provide documentation of health care work history on company letterhead
- Provide CPR certification – Healthcare Provider or Professional Rescuer
- Provide criminal background check information
- Must provide a Statement of Health including current immunizations
- Must have current health insurance
The program costs $10,957.60 for resident students. It includes tuition, textbooks, FBI and BCI background checks, CPR certification, uniforms, lab fees, registration fee, and technology fees.
- Website: https://www.cincinnatistate.edu/
- Address: 17 south High Street, Columbus, OH 45223
- Phone: (614) 466-3947
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 100.00%
Columbus State Community College
Columbus State Practical Nursing Program is open to STNAs who may have previous health care work experience. They will learn how to care for patients of all ages in various health care settings. The curriculum is offered in a sequential format and emphasizes the development of communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Content is delivered via lectures in the classroom, lab simulation sessions, practicum experiences, and clinical rotations at local health care facilities. Students will complete 24 hours of practical nursing courses and 15 hours of arts and science courses for a total of 39 credits. Course topics include practical nursing fundamentals, patient care skills, mental health concepts, human anatomy, pharmacology, health promo and restoration, human physiology, concepts related to health promotion, PN transition to practice, maternal child nursing, and composition., Graduates will receive a Practical Nursing Certificate and be eligible to take the NCLEX for Practical Nurses. Full-time evening and weekend and a full-time day program are available.
Admission Criteria:
- Must have completed NURC 1001 at Columbus State or a valid STNA issued in the last five years
- Must have a GED or high school transcript
- Must have 2.6 GPA and be in good standing
- Must place into CHEM 0100, BIO 0100, and ENGL 1100 or above
- Take and pass the HESI A2 with a score of 75% or above
- Complete a drug screen and background check with no positive results
- Complete the health requirements
- Must have current CPR certification
Tuition is estimated at $5,505.48 for 36 credit hours. Books and supplies cost an additional $1,448.
- Website: https://www.cscc.edu/
- Address: 550 East Spring St, Columbus, OH 43215
- Phone: (614) 287-5353
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 95.35%
Felbry College
State Tested Nurse Aides may enroll in the practical nursing program at Felbry College and gain an advantage in the competitive admissions process. The comprehensive program covers the skills students need to function within the legal score of practice for the LPN in Ohio, apply knowledge from the basic sciences in practice, use the nursing process to meet the nursing care needs of diverse patients, use critical thinking when incorporating knowledge from nursing and related disciplines, provide safe caring interventions, and demonstrate behaviors that reflect the values of nursing. Graduates will receive a Diploma in Practical Nursing, which will qualify them to take the NCLEX-PN.
Admission criteria:
- Must be 18 years or older before the clinical component of the program begins
- Take and pass the HESI with a minimum score of 50%
- Submit a completed application and registration fee
- Provide proof of graduated from an accredited high school or GED
- Must have a valid driver’s license or other proof of US residency
- Submit two character references
- Pass a criminal background check and drug screen
- Provide proof of current immunizations
- Must have BLS for Healthcare Provider (Current CPR certification)
The program cost of $20,968 includes tuition, textbooks, application fee, general education courses, laptop and software, and lab and skills fee.
- Website: https://www.felbrycollege.edu
- Address: 6055 Cleveland Ave, Columbus, OH 43231
- Phone: (614) 781-1085
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 25.58%
American Institute of Alternative Medicine
Certified nursing assistants may enroll in the practical nursing program at AIAM and develop the skills to become a licensed practical nurse. The curriculum includes 760 hours of theory and clinical experiences including 436 didactic, 118 lab, and 92 clinical hours. Course topics include holistic nursing concepts, massage, pharmacology, anatomy and physiology, adult medical surgical nursing, theoretical foundations nursing, maternal child nursing, mental health nursing, and nursing transitions. There will be emphasis on professional ethics as well as the importance of patients’ emotional well-being. Clinical rotations will be conducted at clinical sites in Central Ohio and under the supervision of licensed nurse instructors. Upon successful completion of the 46 credit hours, students will receive a Practical Nursing Diploma and be eligible to take the NCLEX-PN to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse. The program’s duration is 9 months – three 12-week quarters.
Admission criteria:
- Attend a personal on-site tour and interview with an admissions representative
- Submit a completed application form with $125 enrollment fee
- Take and pass the entrance exam – the TEAS – with a minimum total adjusted score of 41.3% or the HESI with a total adjusted score of 70%
- Must have completed high school of GED recognized by the Department of education
- Complete the enrollment agreement and accompanying paperwork
- Current certification as an STNA
The total program cost of $18,264 includes tuition, enrolment fee, nursing supply bag, matriculation fee, graduation fee, lab fee, student ID card, uniform, technology fee, compliance fee, and Ohio Video Disclosure course. Other costs include textbooks, CPR card, medical exam, TB test, vaccinations, background check for licensure, and state licensure application.
- Website: https://www.aiam.edu/
- Address: 6685 Doubletree Ave, Columbus, OH 43229
- Phone: (614) 825-6278
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 29.03%
Fortis College
The practical nursing program at Fortis College is open to persons currently licensed as a State Assisted Nurse Aide in Ohio. The program is delivered in a blended format – some of the courses are delivered solely online, some on campus, and some require both online and on-campus attendance. The curriculum delivers a total of 1289 clock hours or 82 quarter credits. Course topics include anatomy and physiology, introduction to informatics, pharmacology, basic skills quality and safety in nursing practice, pharmacology, gerontology nursing, foundations of nursing, mental health nursing, concepts of leadership, human growth and development, and transition to practice. Graduates will receive a practical nursing diploma and be eligible to apply to sit for the NCLEX-PN.
Admission criteria:
- Must be a high school graduate or have a recognized equivalent
- Must be 17 years of age or older at the start of the program
- Must complete an application information form
- Attend an interview with an admissions representative
- Take and pass the Wonderlic SLE with a score of 16 or above
- Must be able to meet the financial obligations
- Must pay the enrollment fee
- Must agree to and sign the Fortis College Enrollment Agreement
- Must pass the Online Competency Assessment with a 70% or higher
- Must have required immunizations and obtain medical clearance
- Obtain a cleared background check
- Must submit to and pass a drug screen
- Must have current Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers Certification by the American Heart Association
The total program cost of $24,236 includes tuition, enrollment fee, uniforms, student kit, licensure exam, immunizations, background check, drug screen, textbooks, and laptop.
- Website: https://www.fortis.edu/
- Address: 4151 Executive Pkwy, Westerville, OH 43081, United States
- Phone: (614) 882-2551
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 85.71%
Hondros College
Hondros College offers a state-accredited practical nursing program that is open to STNAs as well as persons with no previous health care experience. Students will begin acquiring nursing skills from the first day. Clinical rotations commence in the second term where students will apply the concepts learned in the classroom. Apart from technical skills like IV therapy and recording vital signs, students will develop communication skills, critical thinking, problem-solving, and professionalism. Course topics include strategies for successful nursing professionals, basic math and dosage calculations, fundamental concepts of practical nursing, critical thinking for the practical nurse, concepts of family centered nursing, care of the elderly, mental health nursing, application of clinical judgment, and transition to practical nursing. The curriculum covers a total of 670 clock hours. Students must complete 48 quarter credit hours to receive a Practical Nursing Diploma.
Admission criteria:
- Must be a US citizen or permanent resident of the US
- Must submit official, un-expired government issued ID
- Must be at least 18 years of age or older
- Must sign the application for admission and pay the application fee
- Must complete the Student Online Readiness Survey
- Must be a high school graduate or possess the recognized equivalent
- Must complete and sign the enrollment agreement and pay any applicable fees
- Must take the HESI Admission Assessment Exam and obtain a cumulative score of 70%or higher
- Attend an interview with an admission representative
- Complete a criminal background check via electronic fingerprint with NBCI or Viewpoint
Tuition for the program is $17,568. The cost of books and supplies are not included.
- Website: https://www.hondros.edu/
- Address: 4140 Executive Parkway, Westerville, OH 43081
- Phone: (614) 508-7277
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 100.00%
Academia Medical Institute (AMI)
The practical nursing program at AMI prepares adults to provide safe, direct care for patients of all ages in various health care settings. Experienced faculty impart their knowledge and enthusiasm to students to ensure that they become competent, skilled, and caring professions. They will emphasize clinical decision-making, critical thinking, communication, professional behaviors, and caring interventions. The program incorporates three components to encourage learning – the classroom experience, laboratory practice, and clinical experience. Content progresses from the general to the specific. Course topics include nursing fundamentals, assessment & basic skills, nutrition across the lifespan, pharmacology, anatomy and physiology, IV therapy, nursing, mental health, nursing leadership, maternal and child nursing, and PN review. The curriculum covers a total of 1130 contact hours. Graduates will be eligible to take the NCLEX for Practical Nurses. The duration of the program is 45 weeks.
Admission criteria:
- Must be 18 years of age or older at the start of the program
- Must complete an application for admission and pay the registration fee of $100
- Must take and pass the ATI TEAS pre-entrance exam with a score of 48% or the HESI Exam with a composite score of 70% – exam must be within a 2-year period of the program start date
- Must provide documentation of completing high school or equivalency – submit a valid high school diploma, high school transcript, or GED diploma
- Must be U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the United States – provide a valid driver’s license, state ID, passport, or permanent residency card
- Must complete and sign the enrollment agreement and pay any enrollment agreement fees
- Complete a satisfactory BCI and FBI background check
- Must have current CPR Healthcare Provider – Basic Life Support completion certificate
- Must have a current record of physical exam by a licensed health care provider
- Must have a screening for TB test before the clinical rotations begin
The total projected cost of the program is $15,468. It includes tuition, registration fee, technology fee, uniform, entrance exam fee, graduation fee, lab skills fee, and books.
- Website: https://amiohio.edu/
- Address: 3445 South Blvd. Col OH 43204
- Phone: (614) 279-4900
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 78.57%
Central Ohio Technical College
The Practical Nursing Certificate program at COTC prepares nursing assistants for practice as a professional nurse. CNAs gain a competitive advantage in the selective admission process. The curriculum includes classroom instruction, hands-on skills lab, and supervised clinical experiences at various health care facilities. Course topics include human biology, statistics, introduction to pharmacology, fundamentals of practical nursing, introduction to psycology, health alterations for the practical nurse, maternal child nursing for the practical nurse, and transition to practice. The certificate requires completion of 37.50 credit hours.
Admission criteria:
- Must be 18 years of age or older at the start of the program
- Must complete an application for admission
- Must take and pass the entrance exam
- Must provide high school transcript, college transcript, or GED diploma
- Must be U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the United States – provide a valid driver’s license, state ID, passport, or permanent residency card
- Complete a satisfactory BCI and FBI background check
- Must have current CPR Healthcare Provider – Basic Life Support completion certificate
- Must have a current record of physical exam by a licensed health care provider
Tuition costs $4,896 for resident students completing 30 credit hours per year. Books and supplies cost an additional $600.
- Website: https://www.cotc.edu/
- Address: 1179 University Drive, Newark, OH 43055
- Phone: 740-366-1351
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 80.77%
Columbus City Schools – Adult and Community Education
Certified Nursing Assistants may enroll in the Practical Nursing Program offered by CCS but advanced standing is not available. The program will prepare CNAs and non-CNAs for practice as a professional nurse in acute and local term care facilities. Theory and hands-on practice in the lab and at clinical sites will cover anatomy and physiology, nutrition, pharmacology, nursing care of the adult, mental health nursing, maternal-child nursing, pediatric nursing, theoretical foundations of nursing, medical terminology, and transition to practice. Graduates will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN. The duration of the program is 12 months – three semesters. Class meet Monday through Friday from 8 am – 3:30 pm, except on clinical days, when students will be required to be at their clinical site by 7 am.
Admission criteria:
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Take and meet required scores on the entrance examination
- Must hold a current BLS Healthcare Provider card
- Must attend the Student Success class upon acceptance to the program
Tuition for the entire program is $15,900, payable by the trimester.
- Website: https://www.ccsoh.us/district
- Address: 270 E. State St. Columbus, OH 43215
- Phone: 614-365-5000
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 83.64%