2024 - Best LPN Programs in Illinois

Last Updated/Verified: Oct 31, 2023

If you’re interested in entering the healthcare field as a licensed practical nurse (LPN), you’d be hard pressed to find a better state than Illinois to obtain your education in. The state boasts many schools with accredited LPN programs, giving potential students a variety of options to choose from. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), practical nursing is slated to grow by 9% through the year 2029. LPNs in Illinois earn approximately $28.29 per hour, which equates to an average annual salary of $58,840. This is roughly $2,980 per year more than the national average.

38
10

Are you looking to become a licensed practical nurse in Illinois? The school you choose is important when it comes to getting your license. Approved programs in Illinois are offered at community colleges, technical centers, and private career schools - we list 38 schools across the state. After careful review of NCLEX-PN exam first-time pass rates over the past several years, we have ranked the top 10 programs. For more information on our LPN program rankings, see our Methodology page.

To see all the top ranked LPN programs in Illinois click here.

Details on Illinois LPN Schools & Classes

LPN programs can be found at several types of schools in Illinois, including community colleges, vocational schools, and more. Students can usually opt for full-time or part-time attendance, which will dictate the duration of the program. Most programs can be completed in 1-2 years from start to finish, allowing students to enter the LPN workforce relatively quickly. LPN programs in Illinois consist of a mix of medical nursing courses and labs, which may include titles such as:

  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Fundamentals of Nursing
  • Adult/Geriatric Nursing
  • Medical-Surgical Nursing
  • Pharmacology

Accreditation

With all the LPN program choices in the state, it’s important for prospective students to ensure that they are choosing a quality school. Accreditations show that the school and program are properly vetted. Accreditations from national organizations like the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing are good to look for, as are ones from regional accrediting agencies. The Illinois Board of Nursing also maintains a list of approved LPN programs for students to peruse.

Admission Requirements

Once you’ve narrowed down a school, you’ll need to make sure that you meet all admissions requirements. While requirements will vary by school, most request the following:

  • High school diploma or GED from a state-approved school
  • High school GPA of 2.5 or higher
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Current CPR certification
  • Valid CNA certification may be required
  • Must pass a background check and drug test

Tuition and Costs

Tuition, fees, and other expenses can run the gamut, depending on the school. Aside from those expenses, students must also factor in the cost of course materials, lab fees, uniforms, and room and board if applicable. As an example, the total cost of the LPN program at Shawnee Community College in Ullin is approximately $8,590 - not including books. Many schools also offer financial aid and other financing options to well-qualified applicants.

For those interested in advancing their nursing career, see our Illinois LPN to RN/BSN programs page.

Illinois LPN Licensing Requirements

Attending an approved nursing program is the main requirement to become an LPN in Illinois. But, once the program is complete, the applicant must also complete the following for licensing:

  • Written application for licensure.
  • Certificate of completion from an approved nursing program.
  • Pass licensing exam (NCLEX).
  • Pass a criminal background check.

The graduate has 3 years after finishing the nursing program to acquire licensure—if not done in this time, another educational program will be required. Illinois LPN licenses must be renewed every 2 years, and the license holder is responsible for 20 hours of continued education each renewal period—every 2 years.

NCLEX Exam Information

The process of becoming an LPN doesn’t end after graduating from a program. Students are required to take and pass the NCLEX-PN exam in order to officially gain licensure. You can learn more about the NCLEX-PN exam here. Taking an NCLEX-PN practice test is also a good idea to fully prepare for the exam.

LPN Reciprocity and NLC

Illinois is not a state that currently follows the Nurse Licensure Compact; however, the state is currently pending NLC legislation. Nurses from states that are part of the NLC are able to work in other NLC states without obtaining additional licensure. Otherwise, licensure by endorsement will be necessary to practice in a new state. If seeking a license by endorsement in the state of Illinois, the applicant must:

  • Hold a valid license in another state.
  • Submit a written application to the Board.
  • Have completed a board-approved nursing education equivalent to the state of Illinois’.
  • Complete a criminal background check.

Nurses licensed in a country other than the U.S. must verify educational equivalence based on the Commission of Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) evaluation, as well as pass the Test for English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam. For detailed information about LPN endorsement by application and examination in Illinois check out the online endorsement application.

2024 IL NCLEX-PN Pass Rates and Statistics

  • Total Number of State Approved LPN Schools: 38
  • Total Number of Test Takers in 2022: 1,193
  • 2022 Average Statewide Illinois NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 77.5%

Top Ranked Illinois LPN Programs

1

Ambria College of Nursing

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

Ambria College of Nursing, located in Hoffman Estates, offers a quality LPN program that can be completed in as little as 12 months. Students are also able to choose between day and evening schedules, and full or part-time options are available. Students also have access to financial aid and scholarship opportunities.

Overall Score: 100.00 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
2

Black Hawk College

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

Black Hawk College, located in Moline, offers students a career-oriented practical nursing certificate program. Students can complete this 40-credit program in just two semesters of study, during which they take courses including Pharmacology in Practical Nursing, Adult Health Nursing, and others.

Overall Score: 97.11 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
3

Southeastern Illinois College

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

Southeastern Illinois College is a public two-year comprehensive community college located in Harrisburg, Illinois, with several extension sites located throughout the district. Southeastern Illinois College encourages student success by providing a quality practical nursing program that accepts 60 applicants annually into its traditional option, and 20 students annually into its part-time option.

Overall Score: 97.03 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
4

Carl Sandburg College

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

Carl Sandburg College, located in Illinois, is a well-regarded community college. It offers a diverse array of academic programs, vocational training, and a supportive learning environment to help students achieve their educational and career goals in the heart of the Midwest.

Overall Score: 97.02 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
5

Spoon River College

23235 N. County Highway 22, Canton, IL 61520 - (309) 647-4645 - Visit Homepage

Spoon River College (SRC) is located in Canton, Illinois, with additional locations in Havana, Macomb, and Rushville. SRC is dedicated to providing a learning environment that offers a broad range of educational programs, activities, and promotes economic development that also empowers students. The school's 38.5 credit-hour practical nursing program produces skilled and compassionate graduates.

Overall Score: 96.76 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
6

Joliet Junior College

1215 Houbolt Road, Joliet, IL 60431 - (815) 729-9020 - Visit Homepage

Joliet Junior College is located in Joliet, Illinois, with additional campuses located in Romeoville, Frankfort, and Morris. Joliet Junior College prepares students for lifelong learning, embracing diversity and encouraging personal growth throughout the practical nursing curriculum. The LPN program utilizes classroom, lab, and clinical learning opportunities to give students the knowledge and skills needed for entry-level practice.

Overall Score: 96.64 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
7

Kaskaskia College

27210 College Road, Centralia, IL 62801 - (618) 545-3000 - Visit Homepage

Kaskaskia College (KC) has been educating licensed practical nurses since 1980. Students enrolled in the 11-month LPN program learn to care for patients in a variety of healthcare settings including nursing homes, clinics, home health, and more. The program admits new students twice per year, and students learn through classroom lectures as well as high-tech simulation labs.

Overall Score: 96.53 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
8

CALC, Institute of Technology

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

CALC, Institute of Technology's 15-month Practical Nursing program in Alton combines theory, lab, and clinical experience to give graduates the required knowledge and skill base to prepare for the NCLEX-PN examination. This intensive program is delivered full-time, and students attend classes 30 hours per week.

Overall Score: 94.33 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
9

Rend Lake College

468 N. Ken Gray Parkway, Ina, IL 62846 - (618) 437-5321 - Visit Homepage

Rend Lake College (RLC), located in Ina, Illinois, with an additional campus in Pinckyneyville, provided educational opportunities across cultural and economic boundaries. RLC students enjoy small class sizes and personalized instruction with more than 100 high-quality programs of study offered at affordable rates.

Overall Score: 94.15 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
10

Illinois Central College

1 College Drive, East Peoria, IL 61635 - 309-6945 - Visit Homepage

Illinois Central College (ICC) is a two-year community college located in East Peoria, Illinois, with additional campuses in Peoria and Pekin. ICC seeks to enable students to reach their educational potential encouraging them to change the world through learning and applied knowledge.

Overall Score: 94.07 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools

Continued List of All Programs in Illinois

RankedProgramScore
#11 City Colleges of Chicago - Malcolm X
1900 West Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 850-7350
93.86
#12 Shawnee Community College
8364 College Road, Ullin, IL 62992
(618) 634-3200
92.54
#13 Harper College
1200 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine, IL 60067
(847) 925-6707
92.34
#14 John A. Logan College
700 Logan College Road, Carterville, IL 62918
(618) 985-3741
92.14
#15 College of DuPage
425 Fawell Blvd, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
(630) 942-2800
91.34
#16 CAAN Academy of Nursing
4747 Lincoln Mall Drive, Suite 420, Matteson, IL 60443
(708) 983-1645
90.80
#17 Verve College - Chicago
216 W. Jackson Blvd., Suite 900, Chicago, IL 60606
(312) 920-8822
90.14
#18 Sauk Valley Community College
173 Illinois Route 2, Dixon, IL 61021
(815) 288-5511
88.17
#19 Kankakee Community College
100 College Drive, Kankakee, IL 60901
(815) 802-8100
86.00
#20 Capital Area School of Practical Nursing
2201 Toronto Rd, Springfield, IL 62712
(217) 585-1215
83.13
#21 Great Paragon Healthcare, Inc.
2640 W Touhy Ave., Suite 206, Chicago, IL 60645
(773) 274-7694
82.57
#22 Richland Community College
One College Park, Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 875-7200
81.70
#23 Illinois Valley Community College
815 N Orlando Smith St, Oglesby, IL 61348
(815) 224-2720
81.34
#24 Lincoln Land Community College
5250 Shepherd Road, Springfield, IL 62794
(217) 786-2200
77.61
#25 Americare Technical School
505 Busse Highway, Park Ridge, IL 60068
(847) 825-8773
76.30
#26 New Lake College
1300 Greenbrook Blvd., Suite 102, Hanover Park, IL 60133
(888) 388-1759
75.50
#27 Illinois College of Nursing
55 22nd St, Lombard, IL 60148
(630) 495-7968
74.39
#28 North Shore College
1400 S. Wolf Road – Suite 104, Wheeling, IL 60090
(847) 850-5700
73.28
#29 ATS Institute of Technology
325 Alpha Dr, Highland Heights, IL 44143
(440) 449-1700
72.26
#30 Career Center of Central Illinois - Beck School of Practical Nursing
6137 Beck Rd, Red Bud, IL 62278
(618) 473-2222
71.88
#31 Parkland College
2400 West Bradley Ave, Champaign, IL 61821
(217) 351-2200
69.80
#32 Aquarius Institute
1011 E Touhy Ave, , Des Plaines, IL 60018
(847) 296-8870
62.31
#33 State Career College
2770 Grand Ave, Waukegan, IL 60085
(847) 693-3838
62.10
#34 Genesis Healthcare Institute
25 Alexander Cir # 3, Romeoville, IL 60446
(815) 439-3970
37.25

Programs Not Included In Rankings

Program
Rockford Career College
1130 S Alpine Rd #100, Rockford, IL 61108
(815) 965-8616
Scott School of Careers
3328 W 159th St, Markham, IL 60428
(708) 566-4237
Southwestern Illinois College
2500 Carlyle Ave, Belleville, IL 62221
(618) 235-2700
Verve College - Oak Brook
2625 Butterfield Rd. Suite 102E, Oak Brook, IL 60523
(630) 705-9999

Are we missing your school's program or need to make changes to the information listed? Please contact us.

Additional IL Nursing Resources

LPN Salary in Illinois

The table below lists career information retrieved from the BLS for licensed practical nurses in Illinois. The table is sorted by total employment, with the largest metropolitan areas listed first.

AreaTotal EmploymentAverage Hourly WageAverage Annual Salary
Chicago, Naperville, Elgin10,880$30.01$62,410
Peoria750$26.57$55,270
Springfield540$25.11$52,220
Rockford530$27.50$57,190
Carbondale, Marion500$23.53$48,940
Champaign, Urbana230$26.61$55,350
Kankakee220$27.52$57,240
Bloomington210$26.81$55,770
Decatur190$27.35$56,890
Danville100$26.80$55,730

Table data sourced from 2022 BLS (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292061.htm)