For our 2024 rankings of LPN programs, the research team at Nursing Schools Almanac compiled an extensive database of student performance on the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Aspiring practical nurses in the United States must pass this examination before they may commence practice. Thus, student performance on the NCLEX-PN exam provides an excellent benchmark for comparing the relative quality of practical nursing programs.
We used our database to calculate each program’s NCLEX-PN pass rate among first-time test-takers. This is the standard program assessment metric reported by the Ohio Board of Nursing and the test’s administrator, Pearson Vue. Whenever possible, we calculated this first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate over an extensive period of time, typically the past decade of student performance. We then used this metric to rank all of Ohio’s LPN programs accordingly.
#1: Owens Community College
99.0% first-time NCLEX pass rate30335 Oregon Road
Perrysburg, Ohio 43551
https://www.owens.edu99.0% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing
Average of 20 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#2: Southern State Community College
99.0% first-time NCLEX pass rate100 Hobart Drive
Hillsboro, Ohio 45133
https://www.sscc.edu99.0% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing
Average of 20 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#3: North Central State College
97.3% first-time NCLEX pass rate2441 Kenwood Circle
Mansfield, Ohio 44901
https://www.ncstatecollege.edu97.3% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing
Average of 15 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#4: Great Oaks Career Campuses
97.1% first-time NCLEX pass rate300 Scarlet Oaks Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45241
https://www.greatoaks.com97.1% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing (Secondary)
Average of 7 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#5: Washington State Community College
96.2% first-time NCLEX pass rate710 Colegate Drive
Marietta, Ohio 45750
https://www.wscc.edu96.2% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing
Average of 29 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#6: Northwest State Community College
95.7% first-time NCLEX pass rate22600 State Route 34
Archbold, Ohio 43502
https://northweststate.edu95.7% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing
Average of 42 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#7: Knox Technical Center
94.6% first-time NCLEX pass rate308 Martinsburg Road
Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050
https://www.knoxtechnicalcenter.com94.6% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing
Average of 32 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#8: ETI Technical College
93.3% first-time NCLEX pass rate2076 Youngstown-Warren Road
Niles, Ohio 44446
https://www.eticollege.edu93.3% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing
Average of 21 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#9: Ashtabula County Technical & Career Campus
92.6% first-time NCLEX pass rate1565 State Route 167
Jefferson, Ohio 44047
https://www.atech.edu92.6% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing
Average of 27 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#10: Lorain County Community College
92.2% first-time NCLEX pass rate1005 North Abbe Road
Elyria, Ohio 44035
https://www.lorainccc.edu92.2% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing
Average of 38 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#11: Tri-Rivers School of Nursing
92.1% first-time NCLEX pass rate1563 Marion-Mount Gilead Road
Marion, Ohio 43302
https://www.centralohionursing.com92.1% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing
Average of 42 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#12: EHOVE Career Center
92.0% first-time NCLEX pass rate316 West Mason Road
Milan, Ohio 44846
https://www.ehove.net92.0% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing
Average of 51 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#13: Collins Career Technical Center
91.9% first-time NCLEX pass rate11627 State Route 243
Chesapeake, Ohio 45619
http://www.collins-cc.edu91.9% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing (Adult)
Average of 112 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#14: Eastern Gateway Community College
91.3% first-time NCLEX pass rate101 East Federal Street
Youngstown, Ohio 44503
https://www.egcc.edu91.3% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing
Average of 15 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#15: Wayne County Schools Career Center
91.2% first-time NCLEX pass rate518 West Prospect Street
Smithville, Ohio 44677
http://www.wayne-jvs.k12.oh.us91.2% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing (Adult)
Average of 39 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#16: Ohio Institute of Allied Health
91.1% first-time NCLEX pass rate6245 Old Troy Pike
Huber Heights, Ohio 45424
https://www.oiah.edu91.1% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing
Average of 8 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#17: Fortis College - Cuyahoga Falls
90.5% first-time NCLEX pass rate2545 Bailey Road
Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44221
https://www.fortis.edu90.5% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing
Average of 40 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#18: Columbus State Community College
89.1% first-time NCLEX pass rate550 East Spring Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
https://www.cscc.edu89.1% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing
Average of 53 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#19: Stark State College
89.0% first-time NCLEX pass rate6200 Frank Avenue NW
North Canton, Ohio 44720
https://www.starkstate.edu89.0% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing
Average of 28 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#20: Cuyahoga Community College
88.5% first-time NCLEX pass rate2900 Community College Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44115
https://www.tri-c.edu88.5% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing
Average of 39 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#21: Buckeye Hills Career Center
88.2% first-time NCLEX pass rate351 Buckeye Hills Road
Rio Grande, Ohio 45674
https://www.buckeyehills.net88.2% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing
Average of 30 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#22: Mid-East Career and Technology Centers
88.0% first-time NCLEX pass rate400 Richards Road
Zanesville, Ohio 43701
https://www.mideastctc.org88.0% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing (Adult)
Average of 40 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#23: Columbus School of Practical Nursing
87.3% first-time NCLEX pass rate2323 Lexington Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43211
https://www.ccsoh.us/practicalnursing87.3% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing
Average of 74 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#24: Apollo Career Center
86.7% first-time NCLEX pass rate3325 Shawnee Road
Lima, Ohio 45806
https://www.apollocareercenter.com86.7% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing
Average of 39 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#25: Rhodes State College
86.5% first-time NCLEX pass rate4240 Campus Drive
Lima, Ohio 45804
https://www.rhodesstate.edu86.5% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing
Average of 31 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#26: Miami Valley Career Technology Center
86.4% first-time NCLEX pass rate6800 Hoke Road
Clayton, Ohio 45315
https://www.mvctc.com86.4% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing
Average of 67 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#27: Hocking College
86.0% first-time NCLEX pass rate3301 Hocking Parkway
Nelsonville, Ohio 45764
https://www.hocking.edu86.0% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing
Average of 51 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#28: Upper Valley Career Center
86.0% first-time NCLEX pass rate8811 Career Drive
Piqua, Ohio 45356
https://www.uppervalleycc.org86.0% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing
Average of 30 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#29: Hondros College of Nursing
85.5% first-time NCLEX pass rate4140 Executive Parkway
Westerville, Ohio 43081
https://www.hondros.edu85.5% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing
Average of 504 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#30: Sandusky Career Center
85.3% first-time NCLEX pass rate4501 Venice Heights Boulevard
Sandusky, Ohio 44870
https://www.scs-k12.net/sanduskycareercenter(shs)_home.aspx85.3% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing
Average of 20 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#31: Scioto County Career Technical Center
85.1% first-time NCLEX pass rate951 Vern Riffe Drive
Lucasville, Ohio 45648
https://www.sciototech.org85.1% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing
Average of 38 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#32: Fortis College - Columbus
84.6% first-time NCLEX pass rate4151 Executive Parkway, Suite 120
Westerville, Ohio 43081
https://www.fortis.edu84.6% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing
Average of 57 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#33: Hannah E. Mullins School of Practical Nursing
84.5% first-time NCLEX pass rate230 North Lincoln Avenue, Suite Three
Salem, Ohio 44460
http://www.hemspn.edu84.5% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing
Average of 40 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#34: Fortis College - Centerville
84.3% first-time NCLEX pass rate555 East Alex Bell Road
Centerville, Ohio 45459
https://www.fortis.edu84.3% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing
Average of 72 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#35: Professional Skills Institute
83.9% first-time NCLEX pass rate1505 Holland Road
Maumee, Ohio 43528
http://www.proskills.edu83.9% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing
Average of 108 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#36: Choffin Career & Technical Center
83.7% first-time NCLEX pass rate200 East Wood Street
Youngstown, Ohio 44503
https://www.choffinctc.com83.7% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing
Average of 30 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#37: Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
83.3% first-time NCLEX pass rate3520 Central Parkway
Cincinnati, Ohio 45223
https://www.cincinnatistate.edu83.3% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing
Average of 70 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#38: Northcoast Medical Training Academy
83.1% first-time NCLEX pass rate1832 State Route 59
Kent, Ohio 44240
https://www.northcoastmedicalacademy.com83.1% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing
Average of 46 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#39: Pickaway-Ross Career & Technology Center
82.8% first-time NCLEX pass rate1410 Industrial Drive
Chillicothe, Ohio 45601
https://www.pickawayross.com82.8% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing
Average of 36 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021#40: Mid-East Career and Technology Centers
82.7% first-time NCLEX pass rate400 Richards Road
Zanesville, Ohio 43701
https://www.mideastctc.org82.7% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing (Secondary)
Average of 13 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#41: Columbiana County Career & Technical Center
82.6% first-time NCLEX pass rate9364 State Route 45
Lisbon, Ohio 44432
https://www.ccctc.k12.oh.us82.6% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing
Average of 35 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#42: Central Ohio Technical College
82.0% first-time NCLEX pass rate1179 University Drive
Newark, Ohio 43055
https://www.cotc.edu82.0% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing
Average of 44 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#43: Butler Technology and Career Development Schools
82.0% first-time NCLEX pass rate101 Jerry Couch Boulevard
Middletown, Ohio 45044
https://www.butlertech.org82.0% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing
Average of 44 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#44: Clark State College
81.4% first-time NCLEX pass rate570 East Leffel Lane
Springfield, Ohio 45501
https://www.clarkstate.edu81.4% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing
Average of 71 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#45: Fortis College - Cincinnati
80.3% first-time NCLEX pass rate11499 Chester Road, Suite 200
Cincinnati, Ohio 45246
https://www.fortis.edu80.3% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing
Average of 46 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#46: Herzing University - Akron
80.0% first-time NCLEX pass rate1600 South Arlington Street, Suite 100
Akron, Ohio 44306
https://www.herzing.edu80.0% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing
Average of 13 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2020 through 2021
#47: Northern Career Institute
79.4% first-time NCLEX pass rate34050 Glen Drive, Suite Two
Eastlake, Ohio 44095
https://www.ncioh.edu79.4% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing (Adult)
Average of 60 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#48: Central School of Practical Nursing
79.0% first-time NCLEX pass rate4700 Rockside Road, Suite 250
Independence, Ohio 44131
https://www.cspnohio.edu79.0% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing
Average of 45 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#49: Cuyahoga Valley Career Center
78.6% first-time NCLEX pass rate8001 Brecksville Road
Brecksville, Ohio 44141
https://www.cvccworks.edu78.6% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing
Average of 42 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#50: Stautzenberger College
78.6% first-time NCLEX pass rate1796 Indian Wood Circle
Maumee, Ohio 43537
https://www.sctoday.edu78.6% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing
Average of 32 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021#51: Wayne County Schools Career Center
77.3% first-time NCLEX pass rate518 West Prospect Street
Smithville, Ohio 44677
http://www.wayne-jvs.k12.oh.us77.3% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing (Secondary)
Average of 11 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#52: Belmont College
76.8% first-time NCLEX pass rate68094 Hammond Road
Saint Clairsville, Ohio 43950
https://www.belmontcollege.edu76.8% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing
Average of 21 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#53: Canton City School District, Adult Career & Technical Education
75.7% first-time NCLEX pass rate2800 13th Street SW
Canton, Ohio 44710
https://www.ccsdistrict.org/adulted75.7% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing
Average of 45 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#54: Portage Lakes Career Center
75.0% first-time NCLEX pass rate4401 Shriver Road
Uniontown, Ohio 44685
https://www.plcc.edu75.0% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing
Average of 22 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#55: Trumbull Career & Technical Center
74.5% first-time NCLEX pass rate528 Educational Highway
Warren, Ohio 44483
https://www.tctchome.com74.5% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing
Average of 16 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#56: Vantage Career Center
74.3% first-time NCLEX pass rate818 North Franklin Street
Van Wert, Ohio 45891
https://www.vantagecareercenter.com74.3% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing
Average of 12 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2019 through 2021
#57: Auburn Career Center
73.6% first-time NCLEX pass rate8140 Auburn Road
Concord Township, Ohio 44077
https://www.auburncc.org73.6% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing
Average of 22 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#58: Athena Career Academy
71.9% first-time NCLEX pass rate5203 Airport Highway
Toledo, Ohio 43615
https://www.athenacareers.edu71.9% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing
Average of 85 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#59: Bryant & Stratton College - Akron
70.6% first-time NCLEX pass rate190 Montrose West Avenue
Akron, Ohio 44321
https://www.bryantstratton.edu70.6% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing
Average of 6 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2019 through 2021
#60: Ross College
70.1% first-time NCLEX pass rate4300 Munson Street NW
Canton, Ohio 44718
https://www.rosseducation.edu70.1% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing
Average of 19 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2017 through 2021#61: Northern Career Institute
69.4% first-time NCLEX pass rate34050 Glen Drive, Suite Two
Eastlake, Ohio 44095
https://www.ncioh.edu69.4% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing (Secondary)
Average of 9 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#62: Community College of the Air Force
69.2% first-time NCLEX pass rate2950 Hobson Way
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio 45433
https://www.airuniversity.af.edu/barnes/ccaf69.2% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate of Applied Science in Practical Nursing Technology
Average of 10 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2018 through 2021
#63: Bryant & Stratton College - Parma
69.0% first-time NCLEX pass rate12955 Snow Road
Parma, Ohio 44130
https://www.bryantstratton.edu69.0% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing
Average of 7 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2018 through 2021
#64: Acadia Career Institute
66.7% first-time NCLEX pass rate128 East Main Street
Woodville, Ohio 43469
https://www.acadiacareer.com66.7% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing
Average of 2 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2013 through 2015
#65: ABBE Education Center
60.0% first-time NCLEX pass rate303 Third Avenue
Chesapeake, Ohio 45619
https://www.abbeeducation.com60.0% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing
Average of 5 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2021 through 2021
#66: ATA College - Cincinnati
57.3% first-time NCLEX pass rate225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 200
Cincinnati, Ohio 45246
https://www.ata.edu57.3% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Diploma in Practical Nursing
Average of 38 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021#67: Collins Career Technical Center
56.2% first-time NCLEX pass rate11627 State Route 243
Chesapeake, Ohio 45619
http://www.collins-cc.edu56.2% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing (Secondary)
Average of 3 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2016 through 2021
#68: Ohio Medical Career College
52.8% first-time NCLEX pass rate1133 South Edwin C. Moses Boulevard, Suite 110
Dayton, Ohio 45417
http://www.omcc.edu52.8% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing
Average of 43 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#69: Valley College
51.4% first-time NCLEX pass rate8700 Brookpark Road
Cleveland, Ohio 44129
https://www.valley.edu51.4% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Diploma in Practical Nursing
Average of 35 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2021 through 2021
#70: Richard Medical Academy
47.1% first-time NCLEX pass rate5237 Renwyck Drive
Toledo, Ohio 43615
https://www.rmalpn.com47.1% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing
Average of 15 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2015 through 2021
#71: American Institute of Alternative Medicine
44.1% first-time NCLEX pass rate6685 Doubletree Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43229
https://www.aiam.edu44.1% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing
Average of 44 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#72: Felbry College
37.8% first-time NCLEX pass rate6055 Cleveland Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43231
https://www.felbrycollege.edu37.8% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Certificate in Practical Nursing
Average of 28 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021