Hannah Pierce, BSN
June 2, 2025
The state of Illinois relies heavily on licensed practical nurses (LPNs) to provide essential care in hospitals, long-term care homes, and clinics. LPNs are typically responsible for tracking patients’ health, giving medication, and helping patients with their daily needs. The aging population increase in Illinois relies upon LPNs to provide care in nursing homes and rehab centers.
Olney, IL - Public 2-Year - iecc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Olney Central College's Practical Nursing Certificate, part of Illinois Eastern Community Colleges, features a distinctive summer 'exit' course option between the first and second year of the Associate Degree Nursing Program. Approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, it prepares students for the practical nurse licensing exam. This program enhances the educational experience without requiring an exit from the associate degree path, focusing on practical nursing skills for a rewarding healthcare career. No concentration is specified, and as a certificate program, entrance exams like ACT or SAT are not typically required.
Mount Carmel, IL - Public 2-Year - iecc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Wabash Valley College's Practical Nursing Certificate is an IDFPR-approved program that serves as a summer 'exit' course integrated within the Associate Degree Nursing curriculum, allowing students to pursue practical nurse licensure without interrupting their ADN studies. It focuses on preparing for the licensing exam, offering a flexible and comprehensive educational path for aspiring nurses in Illinois, with military-friendly support.
Fairfield, IL - Public 2-Year - iecc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Frontier Community College's Practical Nursing Certificate is a campus-based program that prepares students for the NCLEX-PN exam through hands-on training and a curriculum approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. It emphasizes practical nursing skills in a supportive environment, making it ideal for those entering the healthcare field without prior experience. As a military-friendly institution, it offers flexibility for service members. No entrance exams are required for this certificate-level program, focusing on accessibility and career readiness in nursing.
Normal, IL - Public 2-Year - heartland.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Heartland Community College in Normal, IL, offers a one-year Practical Nursing Certificate Sequence for aspiring Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). Admission requires a CNA certification or graduation from Heartland's Medical Assistant program, with applications accepted from October to March. The program includes nursing and general education courses, hands-on clinical experiences in the Bloomington/Normal area, and preparation for the NCLEX-PN exam. Financial aid and scholarships are available, and there is no waiting list for qualified applicants. This accessible path emphasizes practical skills for various healthcare settings under RN supervision, with strong future demand for LPNs.
Hoffman Estates, IL - Private 4-year - ambria.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Ambria College of Nursing's Practical Nursing Program in Hoffman Estates, IL, is a 12-month intensive course preparing students for LPN licensure. It features flexible scheduling with day and evening classes, full-time or part-time options, and strong NCLEX-PN pass rates. Clinical rotations provide hands-on experience during various shifts. Admission requires attending an Info Session, with tuition varying based on transfer credits and exams. Graduates can anticipate average annual salaries of $44,000 to $46,000, making it a standout choice in Illinois for aspiring practical nurses.
The absence of fully online LPN programs exists because clinical training needs to be conducted in person, but Illinois students can enroll in hybrid programs. The programs deliver theoretical content through online learning while students attend in-person laboratory sessions and clinical practice. Some educational institutions provide evening and weekend classes to support working students. Students who want to finish their education within a year can enroll in accelerated tracks but must dedicate substantial time and maintain a quick study pace.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| William Rainey Harper College |
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| City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College |
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| Olney Central College |
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| Certifying Board | Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Professional Regulation – Board of Nursing |
|---|---|
| Certification | Computer-adaptive NCLEX-PN through Pearson VUE |
| Educational Prerequisite | Graduation from an IDFPR-approved practical nursing program with official transcripts and program verification (foreign-educated applicants require CGFNS/CES/ERES evaluation and TOEFL/IELTS if applicable) |
| Application & Fees | $98 exam application fee, $50 endorsement fee ($75 with temporary permit), mandatory SSN or affidavit, FD-258 fingerprint-based criminal background check for state and FBI |
| Application Processing Time | Eligibility review within 5 business days, Authorization to Test in ~2 weeks, full licensure generally issued within 6–8 weeks after exam and document submission |
| License Renewal Period | Biennial renewal by January 31 of odd-numbered years (24-month cycle) |
| Continuing Education | 20 hours of approved continuing education within the 24 months preceding license expiration |
| Licensure by Endorsement | Out-of-state LPNs apply with endorsement fee, NURSYS or state license verification, official transcripts, FD-258 fingerprint report, and optional six-month temporary permit. |
The LPN profession in Illinois maintains a stable position, with the most significant employment needs located in long-term care facilities and outpatient facilities. The aging population drives an increasing need for skilled nursing professionals who work with elderly patients and provide home healthcare services. The salary range for LPNs in Illinois matches or exceeds national averages and depends on their experience level, work location, and healthcare setting. The compensation levels in urban areas surpass those in rural areas, although rural areas currently face fewer job openings because of staffing shortages.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Illinois | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual LVN Salary | $58,600 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $28.00 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$65,478 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | ~$58,600 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$52,869 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | 3% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~1,510 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Carl Sandburg College |
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| Kaskaskia College |
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| Richland Community College |
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Illinois LPNs who wish to further their careers may enter an LPN-to-RN bridge program for registered nurses. LPNs who go for more education via these avenues will be able to complete their program in less time than traditional RN programs and will utilize their current experience and education to assist them as they move forward. There are LPNs who wish to focus on wound care, IV therapy, or hospice nursing that fill a portion of the RNs ranks. LPNs who would like to advance their careers, may consider positions of supervision, teaching, or in healthcare organizations administration. There are plenty of prospects for LPNs in Illinois to advance their careers and increase their work responsibilities by means of continuing education and career advancement.
Additional Nursing Programs in Illinois
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