Illinois LPN Programs

Directory of state-approved LPN training classes

Illinois Practical Nursing Careers

The field of nursing is a career path that is steadily growing. It is the perfect career for those individuals who have a genuine desire to help others. An entry-level nursing position that has significant responsibilities along with detailed patient interaction is the Licensed Practical Nurse or LPN.

If you are trying to decide which state to start your LPN career Illinois is an attractive choice. The state of IL offers a wide selection of LPN training programs spread across many different cities and counties. Online courses are available to Illinois students as well, although some training must be completed in-person at a proper healthcare facility under the supervision of a qualified educator. Demand for LPNs is expected to grow by 12% between now and the year 2026 in Illinois. Average LPN salary in Illinois is 6.7% higher than the national average.

Choosing which school or training program to obtain your Practical Nursing education from can be a daunting task. Our website is designed to give prospective students a starting point from which to begin their research to help identify the right program for them. Some important factors to consider when choosing a program are: distance (proximity to home), NCLEX-PN pass rates (how many graduating students successfully pass the NCLEX exam on their first attempt), Faculty (qualifications of the faculty members who will be providing the training) and Accreditation (State and/or Nursing Organization approval).

LPN programs are offered at a variety of institutions including Colleges / Universities, online schools, career / vocational schools, online schools, junior colleges. Attending a full-time program the student can expect to finish within 1-2 years. LPN programs will consist of regular coursework and studies in Nursing, Patient Care, Anatomy, Physiology, Sciences, Pharmacology, and hands-on clinical skills training.

Typical admission requirements are fairly simple and straight forward: high school diploma or equivalent GED, minimum GPA of 2.0 or 2.5 depending on the program, current CPR certification, clean criminal and background check, at least 18 years of age.

LPN program costs and fees in Illinois vary by school and program type. Cheaper programs can be found at Community Colleges and online learning programs tend to be most expensive as the institutions that offer them are private and some are for-profit. If attending a college that’s far from home you must consider costs of room and board. All programs will require books, lab fees, scrubs, etc. Of course there are many forms of financial aid, student loans, grants and scholarships available.

After completing a state approved training program and passing the Illinois NCLEX-PN exam the applicant can complete a written application for licensure with the Illinois State Board of Nursing. Recent graduates have a time frame of 3 years after completing their education program to obtain their LPN license. Once they become licensed the state of Illinois requires license renewal every two years, along with 20 hours of continuing education. Illinois currently does not honor any license reciprocity between other states and thus does not participate in the Nursing Licensure Compact. Illinois does however allow applicants to request licensure by endorsement.

LPNs work with physicians and Registered Nurses to provide basic health care to patients who are undergoing medical treatment. Practical nurses work closely with their patients in various health care settings (hospitals, clinics, hospices, nursing homes, private practices, even prisons) and provide them with optimum medical care. Some typical LPN duties include taking patient’s vital signs, collecting samples for testing, performing various laboratory testing, administering medications, and giving injections. Generally, LPNs work are under the general supervision of a Registered Nurse or Physician.

Individuals interested in becoming a practical nurse must complete an approved Illinois LPN training program. Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent is a prerequisite before you can apply to an LPN program. The state needs to know that you have acquired basic English composition and Math skills.

Prospective students can complete their training in as little as seven (7) months to one (1) year if obtaining an LPN certificate through a hospital-based program. An advantage to the student is that if you successfully complete your training program, you will have a job in place once you are licensed. In an effort to obtain qualified nurses, hospitals will offer thirty-five (35) hours of classroom and field experience courses to nursing students. Required courses that are a part of the certificate program curriculum are:

– Practical Nursing Fundamentals
– Pharmacology
– Lifespan nursing
– Mental Health nursing
– Human anatomy
– Psychology
– Human Physiology

However, you can also obtain an LPN certificate and Associate’s degree from a community college or vocational school in two years. Within the program, you must successfully complete forty-one (41) hours of classroom study and clinical work. You can expect to be exposed to the following topics in a two-year LPN program:

– Anatomy
– Physiology
– English
– Psychology
– Nursing Practice Concepts
– Nutrition principles
– Basic nursing procedures
– Pharmacology
– Pediatric nursing practices

After successfully completing the program, you will need to pass the NCLEX-PN certificate examination in order to become licensed and practice nursing in the state of Illinois.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2010 the median salary for an LPN was about $40,380; needless to say, this can vary according to your local economy and number of years of experience. Again, LPNs are in great demand and employment is expected to grow by 21% by the year 2018. Over time practical nurses can advance to become Charge Nurses; these nurses essentially supervise other LPNs and nursing aides. LPNs can also become credentialed in pharmacology, long-term care, gerontology, and IV therapy. They also have the option of transitioning to a Registered Nurse (RN) position through a qualified LPN to RN training program.

List of LPN Programs in Illinois (IL)

Illinois LPN Schools

Our directory lists all Illinois schools that currently offer approved practical nursing programs. The Illinois state board of nursing is the regulatory organization in charge of approving LPN education programs. To gain approval, educational institutions must demonstrate to the board of nursing that their program sufficiently prepares students with the knowledge and skills expected of a licensed practical nurse. The on-going approval of a program depends largely upon their graduation rates and the NCLEX pass rates of their graduates. If a program starts to produce poor results in either of these two categories they can quickly lose their state approval or be placed on probationary approval status until their results improve.

Required LPN Classes in Illinois

The specific course work required in practical nursing programs can differ from institution to institution. However, there are some subjects that are almost always included in most programs. Typical LPN classes include Anatomy & Physiology, Basic Nursing Skills, Nutrition, Math for Nurses, Psychology and Pharmacology. Topics covered within these subjects prepare students with the knowledge base required to perform the work of a licensed practical nurse.

How to Become an LPN in Illinois

Start the process by researching available education programs to find one that suits your schedule and preferences. The next step is to enroll and complete an LPN training program that is approved by the Illinois Board of Nursing. Most LPN programs take roughly one year to finish. Upon successful completion of all course requirements you are eligible to challenge the NCLEX-PN exam. After passing the test you can register with the state of Illinois as a licensed practical nurse and begin searching for employment.

Taking the NCLEX-PN Exam in Illinois

When it comes time to challenge the practical nursing license exam it is advisable to prepare for the exam with a self-study program or classroom prep course. Knowing what to expect on the actual test and completing practice questions can increase your chances of passing. When you feel ready to take the test, apply for your practical nursing license with the Illinois state board of nursing and register with Pearson VUE. There is a $200 fee required in order to register for the exam. The next step is to wait until you receive confirmation of your Authorization to Test (ATT). Once you receive your ATT you can schedule your NCLEX exam with Pearson VUE at a nearby testing center.

LPN Quick Reference Links

Illinois Board of Nursing
National Council of State Boards of Nursing
Pearson VUE – Official NCLEX Testing Provider
LPN/LVN Career Outlook – US Dept of Labor
Licensed Practical Nurse Wiki
National Association for Practical Nurse Education & Service (NAPNES)
National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses