
Best LPN Programs in Illinois
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 11% through the year 2028. LPNs in Illinois earn approximately $24.56 per hour, which equates to an average annual salary of $51,080. This is roughly $4,030 per year more than the national average.
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 36 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 or 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 the Adonis College of Nursing in Dolton is approximately $20,150. Many schools also offer financial aid and other financing options to well-qualified applicants.
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 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 Nursing Licensure Compact; however, as of April 2020 IL is pending NLC legislation. 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’s.
- Submit of a criminal background check.
Nurses licensed in a country other than the US 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.
LPN Salary in Illinois By Area
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.
Area | Total Employment | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
---|---|---|---|
Chicago, Naperville, Elgin | 12,970 | $26.51 | $55,140 |
Peoria | 940 | $21.10 | $43,890 |
Springfield | 630 | $21.21 | $44,120 |
Rockford | 580 | $23.44 | $48,750 |
Decatur | 410 | $20.96 | $43,590 |
Champaign, Urbana | 390 | $20.98 | $43,640 |
Carbondale, Marion | 370 | $19.43 | $40,410 |
Kankakee | 250 | $24.17 | $50,270 |
Bloomington | 200 | $22.94 | $47,700 |
Danville | 110 | $24.30 | $50,550 |
For those interested in advancing their nursing career, see our Illinois LPN to RN/BSN programs page.
Top Ranked Illinois LPN Programs
Spoon River College

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.
CALC, Institute of Technology

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.
Heartland Community College

Heartland Community College is the youngest community college in Illinois, founded in 1990, located in Normal, with additional locations in Lincoln and Pontiac. Heartland Community college is a two-year open admission source of higher education, offering practical nursing certificate as a part of their AAS in Nursing curriculum - students can take the NCLEX-PN after the first year of study.
Kankakee Community College

Kankakee Community College’s LPN program is specifically designed to prepare individuals for the rewarding and demanding career that is practical nursing. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be ready to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam for licensure, and will have the skills and tools necessary to find successful employment as an LPN.
Ambria College of Nursing

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.
Harper College

Harper College is a comprehensive community college located in Palatine, Illinois, providing excellent education at affordable costs that not only promotes personal growth but also enriches the local community. Harper College provides numerous educational opportunities, including a 38 credit-hour practical nursing certificate to train aspiring nurses to deliver safe care to patients from all walks of life.
Southeastern Illinois College

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 lifelong learning by providing a quality practical nursing program as well as opportunities to support economic development.
Joliet Junior College

Joliet Junior College is located in Joliet, Illinois, with additional campuses located in Romeoville, Frankfort, and Morris. Joliet Junior College provides associates degrees, transfer and career preparation, as well as workforce development and lifelong learning, embracing diversity and encouraging personal growth throughout the practical nursing curriculum.
Shawnee Community College

Shawnee Community College (SCC) is located in Ullin, Illinois, with additional locations is Anna, Cairo, and Metropolis. SCC meets student needs by providing high-quality practical nursing education, community engagement, training, and services that are affordable and promote life-long learning.
John A. Logan College

Carterville's John A. Logan College is home to a practical nursing program that equips students with nursing knowledge through classroom theory, lab practice, and clinical experiences. Students can complete this certificate course in just 3 semesters of study, and the school's open admission policy means that aspiring LPNs can get started ASAP.
Continued List of All Programs in Illinois
Ranked | Program | Score | Details |
---|---|---|---|
#11 |
College of DuPage
425 Fawell Blvd, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
| 97.93 | Visit Website |
#12 |
City Colleges of Chicago - Malcolm X
1900 West Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60612
| 97.40 | Visit Website |
#13 |
Carl Sandburg College
2400 Tom L. Wilson Blvd, Galesburg, IL 61401
| 96.96 | Visit Website |
#14 |
Kaskaskia College
27210 College Road, Centralia, IL 62801
| 96.27 | Visit Website |
#15 |
Black Hawk College
6600 34th Ave, Moline, IL 61265
| 95.86 | Visit Website |
#16 |
Illinois Valley Community College
815 N Orlando Smith St, Oglesby, IL 61348
| 93.71 | Visit Website |
#17 |
Illinois Central College
1 College Drive, East Peoria, IL 61635
| 93.49 | Visit Website |
#18 |
Rend Lake College
468 N. Ken Gray Parkway, Ina, IL 62846
| 93.45 | Visit Website |
#19 |
Lincoln Land Community College
5250 Shepherd Road, Springfield, IL 62794
| 93.16 | Visit Website |
#20 |
Sauk Valley Community College
173 Illinois Route 2, Dixon, IL 61021
| 93.07 | Visit Website |
#21 |
Verve College - Chicago
216 W. Jackson Blvd., Suite 900, Chicago, IL 60606
| 91.78 | Visit Website |
#22 |
Capital Area School of Practical Nursing
2201 Toronto Rd, Springfield, IL 62712
| 91.50 | Visit Website |
#23 |
CAAN Academy of Nursing
4747 Lincoln Mall Drive, Suite 420, Matteson, IL 60443
| 91.33 | Visit Website |
#24 |
Great Paragon Healthcare, Inc.
2640 W Touhy Ave., Suite 206, Chicago, IL 60645
| 89.21 | Visit Website |
#25 |
North Shore College
1400 S. Wolf Road – Suite 104, Wheeling, IL 60090
| 89.17 | Visit Website |
#26 |
Career Center of Central Illinois - Beck School of Practical Nursing
6137 Beck Rd, Red Bud, IL 62278
| 88.23 | Visit Website |
#27 |
Americare Technical School
505 Busse Highway, Park Ridge, IL 60068
| 81.41 | Visit Website |
#28 |
Aquarius Institute
1011 E Touhy Ave, , Des Plaines, IL 60018
| 81.15 | Visit Website |
#29 |
Illinois College of Nursing
55 22nd St, Lombard, IL 60148
| 80.83 | Visit Website |
#30 |
Richland Community College
One College Park, Decatur, IL 62521
| 78.50 | Visit Website |
#31 |
ATS Institute of Technology
325 Alpha Dr, Highland Heights, IL 44143
| 72.17 | Visit Website |
#32 |
Parkland College
2400 West Bradley Ave, Champaign, IL 61821
| 65.49 | Visit Website |
#33 |
J´Reneé College
415 Airport Rd, Elgin, IL 60123
| 60.08 | Visit Website |
#34 |
Adonis College of Nursing
1313 East Sibley Blvd. , Dolton, IL 60419
| 48.20 | Visit Website |
Programs Not Included In Rankings
Program | Details |
---|---|
New Lake College
1300 Greenbrook Blvd., Suite 102, Hanover Park, IL 60133
| Visit Website |
Verve College - Oak Brook
2625 Butterfield Rd. Suite 102E, Oak Brook, IL 60523
| Visit Website |
Are we missing your school's program or need to make changes to the information listed? Please contact us.
Additional IL Nursing Resources
- Illinois Center for Nursing (ICN) James R. Thompson Center 100 W. Randolph Street , Suite 9 - 300 Chicago , Illinois 60601 (888) 687-7307
- Illinois Nurses Association 910 W. Van Buren Street, Suite 502 Chicago, IL 60607 (312) 419-2900
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