A Guide to Nursing in Ohio

If you are a registered nurse (or are thinking of becoming one) read on to find the information you need, from licensing info, continuing education requirements, job & salary outlook, top hospitals, and nursing associations. Let us help you find your dream job!

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In this article, we will cover:

• Licensing information
• Steps for renewing an Ohio nursing license
• Continuing education requirements
• Job & salary outlook for nurses in Ohio
• Top hospitals in Ohio
• Nursing organizations & associations in Ohio
• Basic steps for licensing and certification
• Contact information

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Licensing information

Below are the fees for becoming a nurse in Ohio whether you are a first-time nurse or are moving to Ohio from another state. For more information visit the Ohio licensing page.

Licensing fees by examination (first-time nurses):

• NCLEX fee: $200
• Applicaiton fee: $75 (RN/LPN)

Licensing fees by endorsement (already have RN licensure):

• Application fee: $75 (RN/LPN); $150 (APRN initial licensure)

License renewal fees:

• Application fees: $65 7/1-9/15 odd years, $115 09/16-10/31 odd years (RN/LPN); $135 07/1-09/15 odd years, $185 9/16-10/31 odd years (APRN)

Additionally, Ohio will become a nursing compact state on January 1, 2023, which allows nurses to hold multi-state licenses.

*Fees are subject to change.
**Most states require a background check, but prices are not always listed.

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Steps for renewing an Ohio nursing license

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Continuing education requirements

RN/LPN: 24 contact hours every 2 years (one of which must be directly related to the laws and rules of the Ohio Nurse Practice Act)

APRN: 24 contact hours every 2 years for each APRN license (varies by certification)

For an APRN-CNP, APRN-CNS, or APRN-CNM, at least 12 of those hours must include CE in advanced pharmacology. The 24 hours of CE required to renew each APRN license are in addition to the 24 hours of CE required to renew the RN license. Refer to the APRN CE page for more information.

Incredible Health offers ANCC-accredited continuing education courses for nurses in all 50 states, 100% free and online. The Ohio Board of Nursing accepts courses that are ANCC accredited. 

[ MORE: Earn your CEUs online, 100% free with Incredible Health. ]

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Job & salary outlook for nurses in Ohio

Due to the shortage of nurses, these healthcare professionals are in high demand. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics estimates the profession will grow by about 9% between 2020-2030. The annual mean wage is $69,750.

We can also help you check out salary estimates to help determine if Ohio is the right state for you.

[ MORE: Average nurse salary in Ohio ]

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Top hospitals in Ohio

If you’re not already picking up the phone to call movers, maybe this list of the best hospitals in Alabama will sway you in the right direction. Here are the top hospitals according to U.S. News and World Report:

• Cleveland Clinic – Cleveland, OH: This facility is ranked No. 2 on the Best Hospitals Honor Roll. It is nationally ranked in 13 adult and 10 pediatric specialties and rated high performing in 17 adult procedures and conditions. This teaching hospital is a member of the Magnet Recognition Program^®. Some specialties include:
  • Cardiology & Heart Surgery (#1 in the nation)
  • Geriatrics (#2 in the nation)
  • Rheumatology (#2 in the nation)
  • Gastroenterology & GI Surgery (#3 in the nation)
  • Cancer (#5 in the nation)

• Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center – Columbus, OH: This facility is nationally ranked in 10 adult specialties and rated high performing in 1 adult specialty and 13 procedures and conditions. This hospital is a member of the Magnet Recognition Program^®. Some specialties include:
  • Ear, Nose & Throat (#8 in the nation)
  • Diabetes & Endocrinology (#19 in the nation)
  • Cancer (#27 in the nation)
  • Neurology & Neurosurgery (#28 in the nation)

• University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center – Cleveland, OH: This facility is nationally ranked in 5 adult specialties and 8 pediatric specialties and rated high performing in 3 adult specialties and 13 procedures and conditions. This hospital is a member of the Magnet Recognition Program^®. Some specialties include:
  • Pediatric Pulmonology & Lung Surgery (#13 in the nation)
  • Pediatric Orthopedics (#19 in the nation)
  • Cardiology & Heart Surgery (#34 in the nation)
  • Cancer (#38 in the nation)

*Magnet status – Awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and is considered the “gold standard” for excellence in nursing practice and care. Hospitals must meet certain criteria and apply to be designated.

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Nursing organizations and associations in Ohio

Once you become a registered nurse (or even if you’re in the process), joining a nursing organization or association will give you access to networking, job opportunities, and a wealth of information shared between fellow nurses. Here are a few of the organizations and associations for nurses in Ohio:

Ohio Nurses Association – “Nurses formed ONA in 1904 so they may have a powerful platform for the protection, promotion and advancement of our profession.”

Ohio Association of Advanced Practice Nurses – The mission is “To promote Advanced Practice Nursing through practice, education, advocacy, and leadership.”

Ohio Association of School Nurses – “The Ohio Association of School Nurses promotes optimal wellness among Ohio’s school children and their communities by supporting their educational success & providing leadership, education & support for the practice of school nursing.“

Check out the comprehensive list of national organizations as well.

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Basic steps for licensing and certification

Step 1: Education

Attend an accredited nursing school to earn either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). An ADN will take between 18 and 24 months to complete, while you can expect to spend roughly four years to earn a BSN. If you already have an ADN, there is an ADN to BSN bridge program that allows you to earn a BSN in 12-18 months. There is also an RN to BSN bridge which takes three semesters of nursing courses to be completed in one year. These programs will save you time and money. The more education you have, the better your chances of landing your dream job. 

Step 2: Licensing

When you are six weeks away from graduation, you can apply to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. There are 75 to 265 questions on the NCLEX-RN with a five-hour time limit for completion. If you do not pass the NCLEX-RN on your first attempt, you must wait 45 days before you can try again.

The NCLEX includes questions on the following topics to test nursing candidates’ knowledge:

1. Safe and effective care environment
2. Health promotion and maintenance
3. Psychosocial integrity
4. Physiological integrity

Step 3: Experience

This step in the process is to gain hands-on experience. This will provide you with invaluable opportunities to work with patients making you attractive to future employers.

Step 4: Certification

The final step is to obtain certifications for your chosen career. Requirements for earning a certification vary so it is important to check with the governing body for information. Incredible Health offers free courses in order to obtain or renew certification requirements. Create a free account to access professional development mandates and get instant certificates.

[ Looking for more support? Get free, personalized career guidance from experienced RNs. ]

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Contact information

Ohio Board of Nursing
Phone: (614) 466-3947
Fax: (614) 466-0388

Website: https://nursing.ohio.gov/

17 S. High Street
Suite 660
Columbus, OH 43215

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