Written by: Ann Real, MA, BSN, RN Content Writer

Reviewed by: Marie Hasty, BSN, RN Content Writer

If you’re a nurse in the Buckeye State, knowing the ins and outs of the Ohio nursing license renewal process is essential to continue caring for your patients. Ohio’s 11.9 million residents count on every nurse to stay licensed, skilled, and ready to provide care wherever it’s needed.

Need a simple, complete overview of nursing license renewal in Ohio? We break down all the essentials, including key deadlines, continuing education requirements, and fees.

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Ohio Nursing Renewal Facts

Start off your Ohio nursing license renewal with a glimpse at key details every Buckeye State nurse should know as renewal season approaches. For a deeper look at the rules and laws governing nursing in the state, check out our guide to the Ohio Nurse Practice Act. And if you haven’t earned your license yet, learn how to become an RN in Ohio.

Is Ohio part of the nursing licensure compact (NLC)?

Yes.

How much do nurses in Ohio earn?

The average STNA salary in Ohio is $40,520 per year.
The average LPN salary in Ohio is $62,020 per year.
The average RN salary in Ohio is $87,730 per year.
The average NP salary in Ohio is $122,910 per year.

How Can I Contact the Ohio Board of Nursing?

Contact number: 614-466-3947

Website: https://nursing.ohio.gov/

Email address: licensure@nursing.ohio.gov

Ohio Board of Nursing
17 S. High Street
Suite 660
Columbus, OH 43215-3466

Ohio Nurse Aide Registry

246 N. High St

Columbus, OH 43215

Ohio Board of Nursing License Renewal Process

Is Ohio your home state for nursing? If so, follow the steps below to renew or maintain your license. Nurses from out of state can obtain an Ohio nursing license either by examination or by endorsement — but each path has its own requirements, so make sure you understand the process before getting started.

Step 1: Determine Your Renewal Deadline

APRNs, RNs, and LPNs

The process begins with knowing your deadline for renewal. If you miss your deadline, your license will lapse, and you will need to apply to have it reinstated.

First renewal deadline: July 1 to September 15 of odd-numbered years.
Second renewal deadline: September 16 to October 31 of odd-numbered years.
Lapse date: November 1 of odd-numbered years.

STNAs

Your STNA certification in Ohio is valid for two years from the date it is issued or last renewed. To remain listed on the Ohio Nurse Aide Registry, you must complete the renewal process before it expires.

Step 2: Satisfy Continuing Education Requirements

RNs and LPNs

Part of retaining your license involves completing continuing education. All RNs and LPNs need 24 hours of approved continuing education to renew an Ohio nursing license. This must include one hour directly related to the Ohio Nurse Practice Act and the administrative rules of the Ohio Board of Nursing.

APRNs

APRNs need 24 hours of continuing education for renewal. For those with prescription authority, 15 of those hours must focus on pharmacology.

RNs, LPNs, and APRNs may request a waiver for a single renewal cycle — and if necessary, you can submit a request for another one.

STNAs

If you’re an STNA, to renew your license, you need to have legally worked in nursing or nursing-related services for monetary compensation either within 24 months of being added to the state’s nurse aide registry or the most recent date of verified work.

You don’t have to submit documentation that proves you fulfilled your requisite continuing education when you renew your license. Instead, you attest on the application that you have completed or will complete the requirements by the end of your renewal period.

Do you need a continuing education resource? There are a number of courses at IntelyEdu, which is accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Step 3: File Your Ohio Nursing License Renewal Application

Ready to start the process? You can renew an Ohio nursing license online. Head over to the Ohio eLicense homepage and log in or, if this is your first renewal, create an account. Unsure of something? Check out these new user instructions provided by the Board of Nursing. Then just follow the prompts to complete the renewal process.

Your fee will depend on your license type and when you renew. No surprise: The earlier you renew within your deadline period, the less you pay. Check out the breakdown below:

APRNs

RNs and LPNs

STNAs

July 1–September 15: $135
September 16–October 31: $185
July 1–September 15: $65
September 16–October 31: $115

No fee

You can pay the fees with a credit or debit card. If you need assistance at any point during this process, contact the eLicense help desk at 614-466-3947.

Great Areas in Ohio for Nursing Jobs

Wherever you are in your nursing journey, Ohio has options — from hospitals to clinics and beyond. Here’s a look at what’s available by license type:

You can also look for opportunities in specific locations with sizable populations, such as:

These Employers Are Hiring Nurses in Ohio

If you’d like to see openings by workplace, these Ohio healthcare facilities are actively seeking nurses like you:

Find Top Ohio Nursing Jobs

With the Ohio nursing license renewal process covered, you’re ready for the next step. Check out our job board to find nursing positions in Ohio that support the career — and work-life balance — you’re looking for.