Top Ranked LPN Programs in Chicago IL

Compare the most highly rated LPN education programs in Chicago IL

By Sybil Morneau
Published on October 24th, 2013

Chicago, Illinois has a population of almost 3 million and a student population of close to 300,000. Of this number, approximately 25,000 of the student population is enrolled in LPN programs. If you are looking for a profession to enter that has good prospects, working as a licensed practical nurse in Chicago, will give you that opportunity. The number of LPN’s that will be working in the Chicago area, is expected to increase by 20% by the year 2018.

City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College

The largest of the 4 LPN schools in Chicago is the City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College. In 2010, this school graduated approximately 147 LPN students from its program. The tuition you can expect to pay averages approximately $6,500 per year. If you decide to live on campus, the added expense of approximately $8,500 per year needs to be added for room and board.

The program length for this program is 1 year full time and consists of 3 semesters. The prerequisites consist of anatomy and physiology, cellular and molecular biology, math, medical terminology and English. The program requires 40 credit hours.

College of DuPage

This practical nursing program, prepares the student for the NCLEX-PN test, with a curriculum that includes classroom studies, lab experiences, and clinical rotation at a medical facility. The program length is 3 terms or 44 credit hours. The tuition averages $7,810 for the year. Prerequisites consist of psychology, anatomy and physiology, and basic nursing assistant training.

Morton College

This college is part of a 2 year program that results in an associate degree in nursing. After the completion of the first year and the Nursing Care of the Developing Family course, you can exit the program as an LPN certificate or continue the program and earn the associate degree. You will then be eligible to take the state test and obtain licensure.

This school is a 2 year full time or 43 hour’s program. The tuition is $64 per credit hour for residents and $192 per credit hours for out of district Illinois residents. If you are from out of state, the tuition is $256 per credit hour. The prerequisites for this program is high school chemistry and anatomy and physiology, fundamentals of nursing course, college anatomy and physiology and college microbiology, English, nutrition or psychology.

Northwestern Institute of Health and Technology

The classes at this school can be day or evening classes. The evening classes do take slightly longer to complete. The curriculum consists of classroom studies, along with the clinical program of education. The program length is 12-15 months full time or 1,100 contact hours. The tuition is $16.25 per contact hour. The prerequisites for this program consist of computer fundamentals, college English, medical terminology, math, anatomy and physiology, and psychology for healthcare professionals.

If you decide to attend an LPN program, research the schools to see which one best suites you and your schedule. The average salary that you can expect to earn in Chicago as an LPN, is approximately $45,000 per year. This salary is higher than the average LPN state-wide. Do your research, choose your school and enjoy the trip you are about to make to becoming a licensed practical nurse.

Sybil Morneau