Ohio Board of Nursing – Overview
The OBON (Ohio Board of Nursing) licenses LPNs (licensed practical nurses) and RNs (registered nurses).
According to the NCSBN (National Council of Boards of Nursing) database, Ohio currently has over 225,096 LPNs and RNs.
The OBON is dedicated to ensuring patient safety and licensing competent nurses who tend to patients and their families.
This protects the public from crude nursing practices and unprofessional conduct from nursing professionals.
Note that Ohio isn’t a member of the ‘nurse license compact’ because compact states have tolerant laws for certifying nursing applicants with felony backgrounds.
This review should help you understand how the OBON LPN and RN licensing works, the minimum requirements, and more if you’re researching the OBON.
How Do You Become an LPN or RN in Ohio?
LPN and RN Education
You should enroll in a state-recognized practical nursing program to be an LPN.
Find a list of approved programs on the OBON website, including the coursework requirements for LPNs who administer drugs and perform IV (intravenous) therapy.
If you want to be an RN, you should enroll in a program approved by the OBON or jurisdiction in the NCSBN (National Council of Boards of Nursing)
5 Steps of LPN and RN License Application Process
1. Verification Letter
Once you’ve completed the program and graduated, request your program director to send a verification letter to the Ohio BON.
Your completion letter must have a suitable designation if you wish to administer IV therapy.
Graduates from out-of-state programs should request their program directors to forward their official transcripts to the OBON to verify they’ve met the academic requirement for licensure.
There are additional requirements for out-of-state applicants to get the IV designation.
2. Application Forms
Keep in mind that there are new application forms, and they change periodically. You can download the application forms from the OBON site.
Also, note there is a non-refundable OBON application fee of 75 dollars. You can check the status of your application at https://nursing.ohio.gov/licensing-certification-ce/.
3. Background Check
A background check is also needed before the OBON gives a nursing license. In most cases, you’ll have your fingerprints taken electronically.
4. NCLEX-PN Registration
You’ll also have to register for the NCLEX-PN and pay $200 upon registration. You cannot schedule the examination until the OBON has confirmed your eligibility.
5. Exam Results
The OBON will notify you when the exam results are out, but you can get your results from Pearson Vue earlier at a small fee. Note their services are now online.
If you fail an exam, you can retake the test, but you’ll need to forward a new application document and the $75 non-refundable fee.
The OBON will send your details once you’ve reapplied for the examination.
As an LPN graduate, you can join the LPNAO (Licensed Practical Nurse Association of Ohio) for CE (continuing education) and other nursing resources.
As an RN graduate, you can join the ONA (Ohio Nurses Association) for CE (continuing education) and other nursing resources.
LPN and RN by Endorsement
If you’re an endorsement LPN or RN applicant, you need to take a 2-hour course on Ohio nursing rules and laws, which you can do online.
A criminal background check is also required for licensure. You can request fingerprint cards from OBON.
However, getting a temporary permit is also possible before the results of everything you submitted for verification are out.
If the OBON gives you a temporary permit, you must keep your license active in the qualifying state until you get full consent from the OBON.
You must also provide the necessary coursework to be authorized to administer drugs and/or give patients IV (intravenous) therapy.
International Nurses
International nursing applicants to Ohio may be required to submit a credentials evaluation from an approved agency.
Even if you’ve been licensed in another US state but are applying by endorsement, you must provide academic documentation via the CGFNS or another suitable source.
If your academic qualifications are sub-par, the OBON might require you to take additional coursework.
You’ll also be required to prove you have taken an English proficiency exam unless you went to school in an exempted English-speaking country.
Final Thought
The information above should help you learn a lot about the Ohio BON, including its contact details and application requirements for locals, out-of-state, and international applicants.
You can check the Ohio BON portal to learn more.
See Also
How to Become a Dermatology Nurse
Home Loans for Healthcare Workers
Grants for Medical Professionals
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