LPN Programs in Illinois
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EveryNurse Staff
- Last Updated: February 12, 2024
LPN programs in Illinois provide a solid foundation of practical training and clinical experience for those looking to become licensed practical nurses. These programs offer their graduates a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, preparing them for a rewarding career in the health care industry.
LPN programs are designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel as a licensed practical nurse. They offer a blend of theoretical education and practical knowledge, enabling students to gain a thorough understanding of the nursing field. LPN certificate programs in Illinois provide students with a foundation in nursing principles and practice, health assessment, pharmacology, and more.
Pursuing a licensed practical nursing program in Illinois opens a rewarding pathway in the healthcare sector. It allows students to join a profession that not only offers job security, career opportunities, and competitive salaries but also the opportunity to make a significant difference in people’s lives. Licensed practical nurse programs prepare students for a challenging and fulfilling career.
Moreover, the top LPN programs in Illinois offer flexible learning options, including online and accelerated programs, making it easier for students to balance their studies with other commitments. With various programs available at many schools in the state, students can choose a nursing program that best suits their career goals and personal circumstances.
Understanding Practical Nursing Programs
Licensed practical nurse programs are training programs that prepare students to deliver basic nursing care under the supervision of registered nurses or doctors. They cover anatomy, physiology, nursing theory and practice, patient care, and medical ethics. Students attending LPN programs also undergo clinical rotations to gain hands-on clinical experience.
Certificate programs can take 12 to 24 months to complete, depending on whether the student is enrolled full-time or part-time. Upon completing an LPN program, students receive a practical nursing certificate. They must earn a passing grade on the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) to obtain practical nurse licensure.
Various educational institutions offer practical nursing programs, including community colleges, technical schools, hospitals, and private vocational schools. The curriculum of these programs is approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), ensuring that students receive a quality education that aligns with the state’s standards for nursing practice.
Types of LPN Programs in Illinois
There are several types of LPN programs in Illinois, designed to cater to the diverse needs and career aspirations of students. Traditional LPN programs, offered by community colleges and vocational schools, typically take one year to complete and involve a combination of classroom instruction, research, and clinical practice.
- Fast track and 6-month LPN programs are designed for students who want to start their nursing careers quickly. These programs are intensive and require a significant time commitment, but they allow students to enter the workforce sooner than traditional programs.
- Online LPN programs offer the flexibility to balance studies with other commitments. Students can access course materials, participate in discussions, and complete assignments at their convenience, making these programs suitable for working individuals and those with family responsibilities.
- LPN bridge programs, such as CNA to LPN programs and LPN to RN or LPN to BSN programs, are designed for nurses who want to advance their professional careers. These programs build on the skills and knowledge already acquired by the nurses, allowing them to upgrade their qualifications without starting from scratch.
Fast Track and 6-month LPN Programs in Illinois
Fast Track and 6-month LPN programs are ideal for students eager to join the nursing profession in the shortest time possible. These programs condense the standard LPN courses into a shorter time frame, making them more intensive than a traditional LPN program. Students enrolled in these programs must be prepared to dedicate significant time to their studies.
Despite their intensity and schedule, Fast Track programs offer several benefits. They allow students to enter the workforce quickly after graduation, making them an attractive option for those who want to start earning as soon as possible. Additionally, faculty in these programs often have fewer students per class, allowing for personalized attention from instructors.
However, it’s important to note that Fast Track and 6-month programs require a strong commitment from students. The accelerated pace of these programs means that students must keep up with a heavy workload and manage their time effectively. Despite these challenges, many students find that the rewards of fast-tracking their nursing careers outweigh the demands of these programs.
Online LPN Programs in Illinois
Online LPN programs offer a flexible schedule and convenient alternative to traditional, on-campus programs. They allow students to complete their coursework and assignments at their own pace and any time that suits them, making them ideal for those with work or family commitments.
These online programs typically follow the same curriculum as their on-campus counterparts, covering subjects such as nursing theory, patient care, medical ethics, and more. However, the content is delivered via an online platform, with class lectures, readings, and assignments all accessible online.
Despite the online nature of these programs, students are still required to complete clinical rotations in healthcare settings. The educational institution arranges these hands-on experiences and is necessary to ensure that students gain practical skills and exposure to real-world nursing scenarios.
LPN Bridge Programs in Illinois
LPN Bridge Programs in Illinois allow nursing professionals to advance their careers. They are designed to build upon the existing skills and knowledge of practical nurses, enabling them to transition to higher-level nursing roles.
- CNA to LPN programs are designed for certified nursing assistants who wish to become a licensed practical nurse. These programs consider the experience and training already acquired by CNAs, allowing them to earn a practical nursing certificate in less time than traditional students.
- LPN to RN Bridge programs provide a pathway for licensed practical nurses to become registered nurses. These programs typically take one to two years to complete and help LPNs deepen their understanding of basic nursing care, health assessment, and patient management.
- LPN to BSN programs allow LPNs to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing. These programs take around two to three years to complete and prepare graduates for leadership roles within nursing.
Accelerated LPN Programs in Illinois
Accelerated LPN programs allow students to fast-track their nursing careers. These programs are designed for individuals who have completed some college-level coursework or hold a degree in another field. They leverage the student’s previous education, enabling them to complete the nursing program in less time than traditional nursing students.
An accelerated practical nurse program provides a rapid, immersive learning experience that demands a substantial time investment from students. However, the reward is a faster entry into the field of nursing. They present a fantastic opportunity for individuals to start a nursing career quickly.
However, it’s important to note that accelerated practical nursing programs are only suitable for certain individuals. They demand a high level of dedication and discipline from students. But for those who can manage the intensity, these programs offer a swift and efficient pathway to a rewarding nursing career.
List of Approved Illinois LPN Programs
Thirty-four licensed practical nursing programs have been granted official state program approval in Illinois. These programs are designed to provide comprehensive training and education for individuals aspiring to become practical nurses. State nursing program approval indicates that these programs meet the rigorous educational, financial and professional regulation of the Illinois Board of Nursing (BON).
The BON periodically evaluates instructors, their courses, facilities, clinical training sites, and other crucial components to maintaining the quality of education in these programs. If these standards are not upheld, the program approval status can be revoked, highlighting the significance of maintaining high standards.
| Program | Address | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Ambria College of Nursing | 5210 Trillium Blvd. Hoffman Estates, IL 60192 | Private Business and Vocational School |
| Americare Technical School | 505 Busse Hwy, Park Ridge, IL 60068 | Private Business and Vocational School |
| Aquarius Institute | 1011 East Touhy Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 60018 | Private Business and Vocational School |
| ATS Institute of Technology | 25 East Washington Street, Chicago, IL 60602 | Private Business and Vocational School |
| Beck School of Practical Nursing | 6137 Beck Road, Red Bud IL 62278 | Nursing School |
| Black Hawk College | 6600 34th Avenue, Moline, IL 61265 | Community College |
| CAAN, Coalition of African American Nurses, Inc. | 4747 Lincoln Mall Drive, Matteson, IL 60443 | Private Business and Vocational School |
| CALC Institute of Technology | 200 North Center Drive, Alton, Illinois. 62002 | Private Business and Vocational School |
| Capital Area School of Practical Nursing | 2201 Toronto Road, Springfield, IL 62712 | Nursing School |
| Carl Sandburg College | 2400 Tom L. Wilson Blvd. Galesburg, IL 61401 | Community College |
| CCC-School of Nursing at Malcolm X | 1900 West Jackson Blvd. Chicago , IL 60612 | Community College |
| First Step to Excellence Academy | 1639 East 87th Street, Chicago, IL 60617 | Private Business and Vocational School |
| Genesis Healthcare Institute | 25 Alexander Circle, Romeoville, IL 60446 | Private Business and Vocational School |
| Great Paragon Healthcare, Inc. | 2640 W Touhy Avenue, Chicago, IL 60645- | Private Business and Vocational School |
| Harper College | 1200 West Algonquin Road, Palatine, IL 60067 | Community College |
| Illinois Central College | 1 College Drive, East Peoria, IL 61635 | Community College |
| Illinois College of Nursing | 10400 S Roberts Road, Palos Hills, IL 60465 | Private Business and Vocational School |
| Illinois Valley Community College | 815 North Orlando Smith Road, Oglesby, Illinois 61348 | Community College |
| John A Logan Community College | 700 Logan College Drive, Carterville, IL 62918 | Community College |
| Kankakee Community College | 100 College Drive, Kankakee, IL 60901 | Community College |
| Kaskaskia College | 27210 College Road, Centralia, Illinois 62801 | Community College |
| Lake Land College | 5001 Lake Land Blvd, Mattoon, IL 61938 | Community College |
| Lincoln Land Community College | 5250 Shepherd Road, Springfield, IL 62703 | Community College |
| New Lake College | 1300 Greenbrook Blvd, Hanover Park, IL 60133 | Private Business and Vocational School |
| Northshore College | 1400 S. Wolf Road, Wheeling, IL 60090 | Private Business and Vocational School |
| Parkland College | 2400 West Bradley Avenue, Champaign, IL 61821 | Community College |
| Richland Community College-AD | 1 College Park, Decatur, IL 62521 | Community College |
| Scott School of Careers | 5120 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60644 | Private Business and Vocational School |
| Shawnee Community College | 8364 Shawnee College Road, Ullin, IL 62992 | Community College |
| Southeastern Illinois College | 3575 College Road. Harrisburg, IL 62946 | Community College |
| Southwestern Illinois College Granite City | 601 James R. Thompson Blvd., East St. Louis, IL 62201 | Community College |
| State Career College | 3575 Grand Avenue, Gurnee, Illinois 60031 | Private Business and Vocational School |
| Suak Valley College | 173 IL Rt. 2 Dixon, IL 61021 | Community College |
| Verve College | 2625 Butterfield Road, Oak Brook, IL 60523 | Private Business and Vocational School |
Licensed Practical Nurse Career Prospects in Illinois
After completing a practical nursing program, graduates have several career opportunities in various healthcare settings. A practical nurse can work in hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient care centers, home healthcare, and private practices. LPNs are responsible for providing basic nursing care, monitoring patient health, administering medications, and assisting with medical procedures.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of licensed practical nurses is projected to grow 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, which is equally as fast as other occupations. This equates to approximately 54,400 new job opportunities per year, on average, for the next decade. This growth is driven by the increasing healthcare needs of the aging population and the need to replace workers who transfer to different professions or exit the workforce.
