The Ohio Board of Nursing licenses nurses in Ohio. Apply for a license and renew it online through the state's eLicense portal.
Steps to Licensure
- Graduate from an Ohio Board of Nursing-approved practical or registered nursing program.
- Create an account and apply for licensure by examination through eLicense.
- Complete the required criminal records check with fingerprints (BCI and FBI).
- Register for and pass the NCLEX-PN or NCLEX-RN.
- Receive your license and renew it on the board's two-year cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pass the NCLEX to be licensed in Ohio? Yes. The Ohio Board of Nursing requires you to pass the NCLEX-PN for practical nursing or the NCLEX-RN for registered nursing before it issues a license.
How do I apply for and renew an Ohio nursing license? Both happen online through the state's eLicense portal at elicense.ohio.gov. You create an account, apply for licensure by examination, and use the same system to renew later.
Is a background check required? Yes. Ohio requires a criminal records check through the Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the FBI, completed with fingerprints, as part of the licensure process.
Is Ohio a compact state? Yes. Ohio is a Nurse Licensure Compact member, so an Ohio multistate license lets you practice in other compact states without a separate license.
How long does it take to become a nurse in Ohio? An associate degree route runs about two years and a BSN about four, plus time for the background check, application, and NCLEX scheduling.
How often do I renew my Ohio license? The Ohio Board of Nursing renews RN and LPN licenses every two years through eLicense, with continuing education due each cycle.