Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in Ohio must complete 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years to maintain an active nursing license.
Maintaining your Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license in Ohio requires staying current with continuing education (CE). The Ohio Board of Nursing mandates that all LPNs complete 24 contact hours of approved continuing education every 2 years as a condition of license renewal.
Continuing education serves several critical purposes for LPNs in Ohio:
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Ohio LPNs can complete continuing education through various approved formats:
In addition to general nursing continuing education, Ohio requires LPNs to complete specific mandatory topics as part of their 24-hour requirement. These courses address critical areas identified by the state board.
Ohio Board of Nursing approved
Category A - Mandatory
Choosing the right CE provider is crucial. Below are trusted, board-approved providers offering courses that meet Ohio LPN requirements. These providers offer complete packages, affordable pricing, and convenient online access.
When selecting a CE provider for your Ohio license renewal, consider:
By submitting, you agree to receive information from schools that match your interests.
Proper documentation of your continuing education is essential. The Ohio Board of Nursing may audit your records, so maintaining accurate documentation is critical for compliance.
Download and save completion certificates as soon as you finish each course. Store them in both digital and physical formats (print copies as backup).
Maintain a simple spreadsheet tracking: course name, provider, date completed, hours earned, certificate number, and topic category (mandatory vs. elective).
Many providers offer built-in tracking dashboards. CEBroker is also used in Ohio to automatically report CE completion to the board.
At least 30-60 days before your renewal deadline, review your CE log to ensure you've completed all 24 required hours, including mandatory topics.
Keep all CE documentation for at least 4 years (or longer, as required by Ohio). The board may audit your records during renewal or afterward.
Renewing your Ohio LPN license involves completing your CE requirements and submitting your renewal application to the Ohio Board of Nursing.
Finish all required continuing education, including mandatory topics, before the renewal deadline: Every 2 years.
Compile all CE certificates and ensure your records are organized. You may not need to submit them during renewal, but must have them ready for potential audit.
Visit the Ohio Board of Nursing website (https://nursing.ohio.gov) and log in to the online license renewal system.
Answer all questions truthfully, including attestations about CE completion, criminal history, and disciplinary actions.
Submit the renewal fee of $75 via credit card or other accepted payment methods. Late renewals may incur additional fees.
After processing (typically 1-3 business days), you'll receive confirmation and your renewed license. Verify all information is correct.
Ohio LPNs must complete 24 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years to renew their license.
General Nursing CE (23 hours), Ohio Nurse Practice Act (1 hours). The remaining hours can be general nursing topics of your choice.
Yes! The Ohio Board of Nursing accepts online CE courses from approved providers. Most Ohio LPNs complete their entire 24-hour requirement online for convenience.
The average cost for 24 hours of CE in Ohio ranges from $120-$240, depending on the provider and course format. Some employers offer free CE benefits.
Ohio LPN licenses must be renewed Every 2 years. The renewal fee is $75. Late renewals may incur additional penalties.
Typically, no. You attest to completing the required CE hours during renewal, but you must keep all certificates on file for at least 4 years in case of audit by the Ohio Board of Nursing.
No. CE hours completed outside the current 2 years renewal period cannot be used. All 24 hours must be earned within the period immediately preceding your license expiration.
If you fail to complete the required 24 hours, your license will lapse or expire. You may be able to apply for late renewal with penalties, but practicing on an expired license is illegal.
For questions about CE requirements, license renewal, or compliance issues, contact the Ohio Board of Nursing:
Don't wait until the last minute! Start your 24 hours of continuing education today and renew your license with confidence.