LPN Programs in Illinois

If you live in the state of Illinois and are looking for the fastest, most efficient way to break into the field of nursing, you should consider becoming a licensed practical nurse, or LPN. Unlike becoming a registered nurse, which typically takes at least two to four years, you can complete your LPN training in as little as 12 to 18 months. From there, obtaining your license is a breeze.

Indeed, one of the most crucial aspects of becoming an LPN in Illinois is choosing the right training program. For one thing, your LPN program must be approved by the Illinois Board of Nursing, or you won't be able to sit for the licensing exam. For another, the right program will have solid NCLEX pass rates, which shows that students learn what they need to know to pass the exam.

Top LPN Programs in Illinois

LPN training programs are widely available across the state of Illinois, and many of them include online components to make things easier and more convenient for busy students. With so many programs available, zeroing in on the right one can be a tall order. Here is a list of recommendations for some of the most reputable LPN training programs in Illinois:

1. Adonis College of Nursing

   1313 Sibley Blvd, Dolton, IL 60419 (708) 841-2730

2. Ambria College of Nursing

   5210 Trillium Blvd, Hoffman Estates, IL 60192 (847) 397-0300

3. Americare Technical School

   505 Busse Hwy, Park Ridge, IL 60068 (847) 825-8773

4. Aquarius Institute

   1011 E Touhy Ave, Des Plaines, IL 60018 (847) 296-8870

5. Black Hawk College

   6600 34th Ave, Moline, IL 61265 (309) 796-5000

6. CAAN Academy of Nursing

   4747 Lincoln Mall Dr #420, Matteson, IL 60443 (708) 983-1645

7. CALC Institute of Technology

   200 North Center Drive A, Alton, IL 62002 (618) 474-0616

8. Capital Area School of Practical Nursing

   2201 Toronto Rd, Springfield, IL 62712 (217) 585-1215

9. Career Center of Central Illinois - Beck School of Practical Nursing

   6137 Beck Rd, Red Bud, IL 62278 (618) 473-2222

10. Carl Sandburg College

    2400 Tom L. Wilson Blvd, Galesburg, IL 61401 (309) 344-2518

11. City Colleges of Chicago - Malcolm X

    1900 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60612 (312) 850-7350

12. College of DuPage

    425 Fawell Blvd, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 (630) 942-2800

13. Great Paragon Healthcare, Inc.

    2640 W Touhy Ave #206, Chicago, IL 60645 (773) 274-7694

14. Harper College

    1200 W Algonquin Rd, Palatine, IL 60067 (847) 925-6707

15. Heartland Community College

    1500 W Raab Rd, Normal, IL 61761 (309) 268-8000

16. Illinois Central College

    1 College Dr, East Peoria, IL 61611 (309) 694-5422

17. Illinois College of Nursing

    55 22nd St, Lombard, IL 60148 (630) 495-7968

18. Illinois Valley Community College

    815 N Orlando Smith St, Oglesby, IL 61348 (815) 224-2720

19. J Renee College

    415 Airport Rd, Elgin, IL 60123 (815) 444-7751

20. John A. Logan College

    700 Logan College Rd, Carterville, IL 62918 (618) 985-3741

21. Joliet Junior College

    1215 Houbolt Rd, Joliet, IL 60431 (815) 729-9020

22. Kankakee Community College

    100 College Drive, Kankakee, IL 60901 (815) 802-8100

23. Kaskaskia College

    27210 College Rd, Centralia, IL 62801 (618) 545-3000

24. Lincoln Land Community College

    5250 Shepherd Rd, Springfield, IL 62703 (217) 786-2200

25. New Lake College

    1300 Greenbrook Blvd #102, Hanover Park, IL 60133 (888) 388-1759

26. North Shore College

    1400 S Wolf Rd Suite 104, Wheeling, IL 60090 (847) 850-5700

27. Parkland College

    2400 W Bradley Ave, Champaign, IL 61821 (217) 351-2200

28. Rend Lake College

    468 Ken Gray Pkwy, Ina, IL 62846 (618) 437-5321

29. Richland Community College

    4275 E Mound Rd, Decatur, IL 62521 (217) 875-7200

30. Sauk Valley Community College

    173 IL-2, Dixon, IL 61021 (815) 288-5511

31. Shawnee Community College

    8364 Shawnee College Rd, Ullin, IL 62992 (618) 634-3200

32. Southeastern Illinois College

    3575 College Rd, Harrisburg, IL 62946 (618) 252-5400

33. Spoon River College

    23235 County Hwy 22, Canton, IL 61520 (309) 647-4645

34. Verve College

    216 W Jackson Blvd STE 900, Chicago, IL 60606 (312) 920-8822

35. Verve College

    2625 Butterfield Rd #102E, Oak Brook, IL 60523 (630) 705-9999

Neighboring States: Iowa | Indiana | Kentucky | Missouri | Wisconsin

The programs on this list are all approved by the Illinois Board of Nursing, which is crucial. They also have excellent NCLEX-PN pass rates, which matters because it reflects the quality of the training and whether students are able to pass the exam after.

LPN Licensing Requirements in Illinois

Several requirements must be met to become an LPN in Illinois. By understanding them ahead of time, you'll have a much easier time getting through the process:

• Complete an LPN training program that is approved by the Illinois Board of Nursing; this usually takes 12 to 18 months.
• Submit your LPN license application to the Illinois Board of Nursing along with fingerprints so that a background check can be performed and a certificate of completion from your LPN training program.
• Register for, take and pass the NCLEX-PN licensing exam, which is offered at testing sites across the state on dates throughout the year.

Note that you have three years after completing your training to apply for your license, so don't lost track of the time.

In Illinois, if you hold an LPN license from another state, you may be able to transfer it through the endorsement process. Contact the Board of Nursing for specific info on this.

LPN licenses in this state expire every two years. To renew your license in Illinoi, you are required to complete 20 hours of continuing education within that two-year period.

Illinois Board of Nursing

Once you've passed the exam, you can submit your application to the Illinois Board of Nursing. Keep their contact information handy, as this agency also handles renewals, lapses and the like. Contact information is as follows:

Illinois Board of Nursing
320 W Washington St #3rd, Springfield, IL 62767
Phone: (312) 814-2715

LPN Salary & Employment Outlook in Illinois

Although it's far faster, easier and cheaper to become an LPN than to become an RN, it is still important to check the data to ensure that you will enjoy adequate compensation, benefits and job opportunities. As a resident of Illinois, you are lucky because LPNs in this state have it pretty good. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, LPNs in Illinois earn around $59,310 per year, which is equal to $28.51 per hour. This is higher than what LPNs make on average around the country - $54,620 per year, or $26.26 per hour.

Note that LPN salaries in Illinois, like everywhere, vary by not just location but by factors like experience, quality of training, educational credentials and more. LPNs who work in some settings, like for the government, tend to make more than those in others.

The BLS also reports that between 2014 and 2024, there should be an 8-percent increase in LPN jobs in Illinois. The national growth rate for this field during that time is 16 percent, so it's growing somewhat slower in this state. Still, more than 22,000 LPNs are employed here, and approximately 760 new jobs will become available every year over the next 10 years.

LPN Salaries in Illinois By Area

Of the many factors that can affect the amount that you'll earn as an LPN, geography is a biggie. Depending on where you're located in Illinois, you can expect to earn more or less and to have access to more or fewer jobs. Familiarize yourself with the LPN situation in the biggest regions in the state here:

Are you ready to jump-start your career as an LPN in Illinois? Choosing an LPN program is the first step, and you now have the resources you need to find one. Get started now!