Become a Nurse in Ohio – Licensure & Requirements

Nursing requirements change rapidly. Make sure to confirm licensing requirements with the Ohio Board of Nursing before applying for licensure. Last updated: 1/1/2020

Nursing Licenses in OhioMaster’s Required?
Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)
Yes
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Yes
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Yes
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Yes
Registered Nurse (RN)
No
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
No

Ohio Nursing Salaries

OH Nurse CareerState-Wide Annual Mean WageColumbus Annual Mean WageCleveland Annual Mean WageCincinnati, OH-KY-IN Annual Mean Wage
Licensed Practical Nurse
$43,430
$42,910
$47,370
$46,780
Registered Nurse
$66,820
$67,590
$69,970
$68,450
Nurse Practitioner
$101,970
$101,230
$101,230
$96,920
Nurse Anesthetist
$174,380
$89,600
$145,820
$172,870
Nurse Midwife
$106,830
Not Available
$124,950
$98,120

Careers as a nurse salaries above were retrieved from the Bureau of Labor Statistics – State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates Ohio in March 2020.

There are many paths to become a nurse in Ohio. The path you take will mostly depend upon the type of nurse you’d like to become and your current or prospective level of education. The higher your level of education, the more opportunities you’ll have to choose where and how you pursue your career in nursing.

In addition to nursing salaries in Ohio, you’ll find information on acquiring and maintaining several types of Ohio nursing licensure. We’re constantly making updates, but with the speed of change in the healthcare sphere it’s difficult to stay current.If you have any comments or suggestions for our information on nursing in Ohio, please email us at info@nursinglicensemap.com!

Sponsored online nursing programs

Simmons University

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Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Earn an MSN online from Simmons University. Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP — and prepare to raise the standard of patient care.

  • Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP
  • Complete in as few as 24 months
  • Full-time and part-time tracks available

Georgetown University

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Master of Science in Nursing

Nursing@Georgetown delivers Georgetown University’s MS in Nursing program online, preparing RNs with a BSN to pursue certification in an APRN specialty. Students can earn their degree in as few as 23 months. 

  • Earn your MS in Nursing in as few as 23 months
  • Choose from one of four APRN specialty areas: AG-ACNP, FNP, NM/WHNP, or WHNP
  • Gain hands-on clinical experience in evidence-based practice

St. John Fisher University

info

Master of Science in Nursing

Earn an M.S. in Nursing online at the Wegmans School of Nursing. Bachelor’s in nursing and RN license-required. 

  • Part-time and accelerated tracks available
  • Four program options: PCFNP, PMHNP, AGACNP, AGPCNP

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Compact State Status

Ohio has enacted the Nurse License Compact legislation but is awaiting implementation, as of September 2021.

Prescriptive Authority in Ohio

According to the Ohio Administrative Code on Prescriptive Authority, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and certified nurse midwives in Ohio may apply for prescriptive authority for controlled substances in collaboration with a physician. Schedule II controlled substances may be prescribed with many limitations.

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in Ohio

APRNs in Ohio are defined as certified registered nurse anesthetists, clinical nurse specialists, certified nurse-midwives, and nurse practitioners.

Education: Completion of a master’s or doctoral degree with a major in nursing specialty or related field for qualification of national certification.

Examination: Varies for Different Certifications

Certification: Certification as a nurse practitioner in the specialty consistent with NP education from a national certifying body recognized by the Ohio Board of Nursing.

Fees: $150 Application Fee

Additional Information: An active Ohio registered nurse license is required for application.

Renewal: APRN renewal requires renewal of your national certification as well as proof of continuing education of 24 contact hours, subject to renewal in odd-numbered years. For CNM, CNS and NP, 12 hours should be in advanced pharmacology.

Learn more on how to become an advanced practice registered nurse.

Registered Nurse (RN) in Ohio

Education: Completion of an Approved Registered Nurse Program

Examination: NCLEX-RN

Fees:

  • $75 Licensure by Examination or Endorsement
  • $200 Examination Fee

Endorsement: RNs licensed in other states may apply for endorsement in Ohio by providing proof of a complete registered nursing program approved by the National Council of State Board of Nursing, NCLEX scores, a verification of current licensure.

Renewal: RNs must renew in odd-numbered years with proof of 24 contact hours. During first license renewal periods, RNs are not required to complete contact hours. However, if a nurse has been licensed by endorsement for a year or less, they must complete 12 hours of continuing education. If an RN was licensed by endorsement for more than one year, they must complete 24 hours.

Learn more on how to become a registered nurse.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Ohio

Education: Completion of an Approved Licensed Practical Nurse Program

Examination: NCLEX-PN

Fees:

  • $75 Licensure by Examination or Endorsement
  • $200 Examination Fee

Endorsement: LPNs licensed in other states may apply for endorsement in Ohio by providing proof of a complete registered nursing program approved by the National Council of State Board of Nursing, NCLEX scores, a verification of current licensure.

Renewal: LPNs must renew in even-numbered years with proof of 24 contact hours. During first license renewal periods, LPNs are not required to complete contact hours. However, if a nurse has been licensed by endorsement for a year or less, they must complete 12 hours of continuing education. If an LPN was licensed by endorsement for more than one year, they must complete 24 hours.

Learn more on how to become a licensed practical nurse.

Information for the above nursing careers in Ohio was retrieved from the Ohio Board of Nursing Code as of March 2020.

Sponsored online nursing programs

Simmons University

info

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Earn an MSN online from Simmons University. Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP — and prepare to raise the standard of patient care.

  • Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP
  • Complete in as few as 24 months
  • Full-time and part-time tracks available

Georgetown University

info

Master of Science in Nursing

Nursing@Georgetown delivers Georgetown University’s MS in Nursing program online, preparing RNs with a BSN to pursue certification in an APRN specialty. Students can earn their degree in as few as 23 months. 

  • Earn your MS in Nursing in as few as 23 months
  • Choose from one of four APRN specialty areas: AG-ACNP, FNP, NM/WHNP, or WHNP
  • Gain hands-on clinical experience in evidence-based practice

St. John Fisher University

info

Master of Science in Nursing

Earn an M.S. in Nursing online at the Wegmans School of Nursing. Bachelor’s in nursing and RN license-required. 

  • Part-time and accelerated tracks available
  • Four program options: PCFNP, PMHNP, AGACNP, AGPCNP

info SPONSORED