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How to become a registered nurse (RN) in Ohio. NCLEX-RN required. NLC compact member state. ADN or BSN accepted. CE hours: 24. Total initial fees: $322.25. Verified 2026-03-20. Data verified 2026-03-20. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Registered Nurse
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78% of data points are verified against official sources. 10 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
Yes
NCLEX Required
Yes
NLC Member
No
BSN Required
24 hrs
CE Hours
None
Practice Hours
$322.25
Total Initial Fees
ADN/BSN & Program Requirements
VerifiedDegree Required
ADN or BSN
Program Accreditation
Ohio Board of Nursing-approved nursing program (ACEN or CCNE accreditation accepted)
Accepted Degree Types
Program Length
2-4 years depending on degree type
Clinical Hours
500 hrs
Prerequisite Education
High school diploma or GED required for ADN programs; prerequisite college coursework required for BSN programs
Registered nurses must complete an approved nursing program — either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), or a diploma program. Programs must be accredited by ACEN or CCNE. BSN programs typically take 4 years while ADN programs take 2-3 years, both including required clinical hours.
Exam Requirements
VerifiedNCLEX-RN Required
National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses
CAT Format
75-145 Questions
Pass/fail based on adaptive algorithm; passing standard set by NCSBN
Passing Standard
$200
NCLEX Fee
Format: Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT), 75-145 questions
Jurisprudence Exam
Not Required
Retake Policy
45-day waiting period between attempts; must re-register and pay fee for each attempt
The NCLEX-RN is a Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) administered by the NCSBN. The exam adapts to each candidate, with a minimum of 75 and maximum of 145 questions. A jurisprudence exam on state-specific nursing laws may also be required depending on the state.
NLC / eNLC Membership
Mostly verifiedNLC Member State
Yes
Multistate License
Available
Compact Privileges
Ohio is a member of the enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC), allowing RNs with a multistate license to practice in all other compact states without obtaining additional licenses. Effective Jan 1, 2023.
The enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) allows registered nurses to hold one multistate license and practice in all compact member states without obtaining additional licenses. Nurses must meet uniform licensure requirements including a federal background check to qualify for a multistate license.
Permitted Activities & Career Pathways
VerifiedAllowed
Patient Assessment
Allowed
Care Planning
Allowed
Medication Administration
Allowed
IV Therapy
Allowed
Delegation to LPN
Allowed
Delegation to CNA
Allowed
Telehealth
Restricted Activities
Advanced Practice Specialization Pathways
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
MSN or DNP required; national certification (ANCC or AANP) and state APRN certification through Ohio Board of Nursing
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
MSN or DNP with CNS focus; state certification as CNS through Ohio Board of Nursing
Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
DNP required (effective 2025); NBCRNA certification required for CRNA practice
Nurse Midwife (CNM)
MSN or DNP required; AMCB certification required for CNM practice
Registered nurses are authorized to perform patient assessments, develop care plans, administer medications, and provide IV therapy. RNs may delegate tasks to LPNs and CNAs under appropriate supervision. Advanced practice pathways include Nurse Practitioner (NP), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), and Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM).
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Application fee for licensure by exam or reciprocity | $75 (SSL) / $100 (MSL) |
NCLEX Fee Paid to Pearson VUE | $200 |
License Fee No separate license fee; included in application fee | $0 |
Background Check Fee Paid to State of Ohio for BCI/FBI background check | $45 |
Renewal Fee Single state license (SSL) early renewal by Sept 15; $115 if renewed Sept 16-Oct 31. Multistate license (MSL) renewal is $75. All fees include $3.50 processing fee. | $65 |
Total Initial Fees Includes $75 application + $200 NCLEX + $47.25 background check | $322.25 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Mostly verified2 years
Renewal Period
24 hrs
CE Hours Required
—
Practice Hours
Renewal Fee
$65
SSL early renewal by Sept 15; $115 if renewed Sept 16-Oct 31; MSL renewal is $75
Regulatory Board
Registered nurse licenses must be renewed on schedule. Most states require continuing education hours covering topics such as pharmacology, patient safety, and nursing ethics. Some states also require minimum practice hours for renewal to ensure ongoing clinical competency.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
Mostly verifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
NLC Member
Yes
Endorsement Available
Yes
Reciprocity Requirements
The enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) allows registered nurses to practice in all compact member states with a single multistate license. Non-compact states require license by endorsement, which typically involves verifying NCLEX scores, submitting transcripts, passing a background check, and meeting state-specific requirements.
Ohio has a tiered renewal fee structure with an early renewal discount ($65 by Sept 15 vs $115 after). The state requires 1 hour of Category A CE on Ohio nursing law at each renewal and 2 hours for endorsement applicants, making it one of the NLC states with a jurisprudence CE component. Ohio also offers separate single-state license (SSL) and multistate license (MSL) options with different fee structures.
Ohio is a member of the enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC), enabling multistate practice.
The NCLEX-RN is required for all RN applicants.
24 CE contact hours are required per 2-year renewal cycle, including at least 1 hour on Ohio nursing law and rules (Category A).
RN licenses expire October 31 of odd-numbered years; renewal window opens July 1.
Early renewal by September 15 costs $65; renewing September 16-October 31 costs $115 (includes $50 late processing fee).
Multistate license (MSL) conversion fee is $100 one-time; MSL renewal is $75.
Endorsement applicants must complete 2 hours of Category A CE on Ohio nursing law.
All fees include a $3.50 processing fee; American Express not accepted.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Ohio.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#35 of 51
Cost
#12 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Registered Nurses (SOC 29-1141)
Entry Level
$77,420
25th percentile
Median
$81,250
-13% vs. national avg ($93,600)Experienced
$97,440
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
138,360 employed in this state
Source: BLS OEWS – Registered Nurses (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+6.2%
Average GrowthNew Jobs
+199,400
over 10 years
Annual Openings
193,100
per year (avg.)
3.2M currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Nursing Career Ladder+229% salary growth potential
You are here
Registered Nurse
$81,250
ADN or BSN degree + NCLEX-RN
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
$38,570
Practical nursing program (12-18 months) + NCLEX-PN
$60,990
You are here
Registered Nurse
ADN or BSN degree + NCLEX-RN
$81,250
MSN or DNP + national certification
$126,740
Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024 for this state. Career paths represent common advancement routes — actual progression may vary. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook
NCLEX-RN — 2024National rate
91.2%
Pass Rate
Based on 186,208 candidates
Source: NCSBN NCLEX-RN Pass Rates (2024)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 110–224 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
4–12 weeks after NCLEX
Estimated processing time
Study guides and practice tests for the NCLEX-RN licensing exam.
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Accessed 2026-03-20
Accessed 2026-03-20
Updated January 2026
Accessed 2026-03-20
Ohio requires passing the NCLEX-RN for RN licensure. As an NLC member state, Ohio offers multistate practice privileges. All licensing is managed through the Ohio Board of Nursing.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.