Best LPN Programs in Chicago 2026

Rend Lake College's Practical Nursing certificate prepares students for a rewarding career as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). The curriculum covers foundational health concepts, pharmacology, and clinical skills through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experiences. Students complete prerequisite courses in CNA and English composition before diving into nursing coursework focused on patient care, family health, and holistic nursing. The program emphasizes critical thinking and collaboration within healthcare teams. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam and can pursue immediate employment in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. A unique LPN to RN bridge allows seamless transition to the associate degree in nursing. With full-time study, small cohorts, and personalized faculty support, students gain the skills needed to provide safe, competent care. The program meets Illinois licensing requirements and offers a clear pathway to further nursing education.

• Entrance exam required
• Exams: HESI
• 37 total credit hours
• Apply by 2026-03-31
• 1 start dates per year
• Starts fall
• Prerequisite courses required
• $0 application fee
• Criminal background check and drug testing required
• Full-time commitment required

Oakton College’s Practical Nursing (LPN) Certificate requires 39 credits and is open only to ADN students. The curriculum covers maternal-child nursing, chronic illness, pharmacology, and microbiology. Coursework includes Human Anatomy and Physiology II, Nursing Concepts, and an LPN option. Students develop skills in therapeutic communication, patient advocacy, and applying the nursing process. The program emphasizes safety, cultural competence, and professional ethics. Graduates are prepared for NCLEX-PN licensure and roles in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care. The one-year pathway includes fall, spring, and summer semesters, combining theory with clinical practice. This certificate provides a strong foundation for LPN practice and a stepping stone toward RN licensure.

• 39 total credit hours
• Only for ADN program students
• Focus on patient advocacy and dignity
• Emphasis on therapeutic communication
• Covers maternal-child nursing
• Covers chronic illness nursing
• Includes nursing pharmacology

The Practical Nursing Certificate at William Rainey Harper College prepares you to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) through a focused curriculum combining anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and nursing fundamentals. Core courses like PN Medical Surgical Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, and Maternity and Pediatrics build clinical reasoning skills. Hands-on experiences in a state-of-the-art simulated hospital and real clinical settings reinforce learning. Graduates are ready for the NCLEX-PN and careers in hospitals, long-term care, schools, and medical offices. The program is ACEN accredited and ranked #1 in Illinois. With small cohorts and expert faculty, you'll receive personalized support. Plus, the certificate stacks into the Nursing AAS degree for career advancement.

• ACEN accredited
• 38 total credit hours
• 2 start dates per year
• Starts fall/spring
• 100% licensure pass rate
• 71% job placement rate
• Prerequisite courses required
• Prepares for NCLEX-PN
• State-of-the-art simulated hospital lab
• Stackable to Nursing AAS degree

The Advanced Certificate in Practical Nursing at Malcolm X College delivers a thorough grounding in nursing theory and clinical skills. You'll explore nursing foundations, perspectives, and care across the lifespan, alongside biology, medical terminology, and math. The program is designed to prepare you for the NCLEX-PN licensure exam, opening doors to a career as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Clinical experiences in diverse healthcare settings build real-world competence. The curriculum also allows credit transfer to higher nursing degrees. Admission is selective, requiring prerequisite courses and the ATI TEAS exam. With part-time study available, the program fits various schedules. Graduates enter a field with strong demand: median earnings exceed $70,000 annually in Cook County, with nearly 1,000 new jobs each year. This program offers a practical, career-focused education.

• Entrance exam required
• Exams: TEAS
• 49 total credit hours
• Full-time and part-time options
• 2.5 GPA minimum
• Prerequisite courses required
• Prepares for NCLEX-PN
• Credit transfer to associate or bachelor's programs
• Selective admissions process
• Background check and drug screening required

CAAN Academy of Nursing offers a comprehensive 59-week Practical Nursing program in Matteson, IL, leading to a Certificate of Completion. This campus-based program prepares graduates for entry-level positions in acute, long-term, and ambulatory care settings. Students complete 1,180 clock hours over five days weekly. Admission requires prerequisites like Medical Terminology, Psychology 101, and Anatomy with a 2.5 GPA minimum. A $60 application fee, essay, transcripts, and letters of recommendation are needed. Financial aid options include FAFSA, employer assistance, and payment plans. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN for licensure as Licensed Practical Nurses.

• 59-week program length.
• 1,180 clock hours total.
• Campus-based in Matteson, IL.
• Certificate of Completion awarded.
• Eligible for NCLEX-PN exam.
• Prepares for LPN licensure.
• Five days weekly schedule.
• Prerequisites include Medical Terminology.
• 2.5 GPA minimum required.
• $60 non-refundable application fee.