There's a nationwide nursing shortage and it's affecting patient care in Illinois as much as anywhere else. Reasons for the shortage are varied, including an aging population and lack of qualified nurses ready to replace the older, soon-to-retire baby boomers. In fact, a 2014 State of Illinois survey found that 40 percent of the Illinois RN respondents were 55-65 years of age or older, and that of this group, one-third intended to retire within the next five years. The shortage of RNs in Illinois is likely to have a ripple effect on other types of nurses, including LPNs. This makes now a great time to pursue a practical nursing career, and there are a number of excellent LPN programs in Illinois to choose from.
If you think an LPN career might be for you, read on to explore programs, learn more about specific licensure requirements for Illinois, and get detailed information on employment and salary for the state's LPNs.
Top LPN Programs in Illinois
These rankings include
#1 Best LPN Programs in Illinois
Southeastern Illinois College
Harrisburg, IL - 2 years
- Online + Campus
With associate and certificate programs in nursing, Southeastern Illinois College is a public institution. While the school's campus is located in Harrisburg, students can complete online programs from anywhere. Online learning eliminates the need to relocate and allows learners the flexibility to maintain full-time employment.
Associate and certificate programs in nursing feature coursework covering crucial theories and practical knowledge. Immediately after graduation, many individuals use their training to secure entry-level nursing roles. Graduates can also transfer to a bachelor's program to advance their education and qualify for higher-level positions in the field.
Southeastern Illinois College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 19
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 4
Number of Certificate Programs: 29
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 10
#2 Best LPN Programs in Illinois
Shawnee Community College
Ullin, IL - 2 years
- Campus
A public school in Illinois, Shawnee Community College delivers associate degrees and certificates in nursing. While completing an associate or certificate program, students undergo technical training and gain the nursing-specific skills employers value. In addition to pursuing employment, graduates can transfer into a bachelor's program.
While enrollees located near Ullin can study on campus, others may pursue the school's programs online. This can also be a great option for students who wish to work in nursing but require more flexibility than a traditional in-person program provides. The institution's admissions counselors can help applicants select the best program for their goals and interests.
Shawnee Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 19
Number of Certificate Programs: 25
#3 Best LPN Programs in Illinois
Sauk Valley Community College
Dixon, IL - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Learners can earn an associate degree or certificate from Sauk Valley Community College, a public school delivering online and in-person programs from its Illinois campus. Associate degrees and certificate programs help prepare graduates for entry-level positions in nursing requiring modest technical training. An associate degree can also prepare graduates for advanced study, such as bachelor's programs.
The school's online programs eliminate costs associated with transportation and relocation. Online learning also benefits working professionals, who need to schedule their studies around full-time employment. Before selecting a program, applicants should research the education requirements for positions they plan to pursue.
Sauk Valley Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 22
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 3
Number of Certificate Programs: 27
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 4
#4 Best LPN Programs in Illinois
Kankakee Community College
Kankakee, IL - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Learners can earn an associate degree or certificate in nursing from Kankakee Community College. While physically located in Illinois, many of the school's programs are available online for students living anywhere to take advantage of. With flexible scheduling options, online learning is an excellent choice for working professionals and learners with personal responsibilities.
In addition to delivering practical training, associate and certificate programs in nursing help participants gain a breadth of relevant knowledge. The skills gained during these programs can be applied directly to entry-level work in nursing and related fields. To qualify for higher salaries and leadership roles, graduates of associate or certificate programs can pursue a bachelor's degree.
Kankakee Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 33
Number of Certificate Programs: 48
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 1
#5 Best LPN Programs in Illinois
Saint Xavier University
Chicago, IL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
A private institution, Saint Xavier University provides nursing-specific career preparation through associate and certificate programs. Many of the school's programs are available in on-campus and online formats. The flexibility of online learning often appeals to busy learners, working professionals, and individuals with families.
Associate degree-seekers explore basic concepts related to nursing. With the knowledge and skills developed during their training, individuals can enter the workforce immediately after graduation. Many graduates of nursing associate or certificate programs pursue bachelor's studies, often transferring their credits to reduce degree completion time.
#6 Best LPN Programs in Illinois
John Wood Community College
Quincy, IL - 2 years
- Online + Campus
With online and on-campus options, John Wood Community College delivers associate and certificate programs from its campus in Illinois. Associate and certificate programs in nursing foster the field-specific skills graduates need to impress prospective employers. Additional education, such as a bachelor's degree, can help graduates qualify for more advanced positions in the field.
The school's online programs allow enrollees not located near Quincy to pursue studies without relocating or commuting. Additionally, online programs allow students to maintain employment while pursuing their degree. Before enrolling, prospective applicants should ensure the institution offers a program that aligns with their professional goals.
John Wood Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 27
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 2
Number of Certificate Programs: 32
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 1
#7 Best LPN Programs in Illinois
Spoon River College
Canton, IL - 2 years
- Campus
A public institution, Spoon River College delivers nursing programs at various academic levels. Students can enroll online or on campus in Canton, Illinois. Online programs typically feature flexible scheduling options, allowing busy learners to complete coursework around other responsibilities.
Coursework in nursing programs covers theories and practical knowledge that participants need to succeed in the field. After earning their degree or certificate, many individuals enter the workforce and apply their training to entry-level nursing positions. Graduates can also transfer their credits into a four-year program and obtain a bachelor's degree before seeking employment.
Spoon River College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 9
Number of Certificate Programs: 25
#8 Best LPN Programs in Illinois
Richland Community College
Decatur, IL - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Richland Community College is a public institution enrolling learners in associate and certificate programs. The school provides on-campus and online programming to support students located in Illinois and throughout the country. The flexibility of online learning often appeals to working professionals who prefer not to relocate.
Nursing programs at the associate and certificate levels help participants develop foundational knowledge and practical skills in the field. With the knowledge and skills developed during their training, individuals can enter the workforce immediately after graduation. Many graduates of associate or certificate programs pursue bachelor's studies, often transferring their credits to reduce degree completion time.
Richland Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 39
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 2
Number of Certificate Programs: 71
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 2
#9 Best LPN Programs in Illinois
Illinois Valley Community College
Oglesby, IL - 2 years
- Campus
Learners interested in pursuing an associate degree or certificate in nursing can consider Illinois Valley Community College, a public institution. With online and on-campus options, the school educates students in the state and other parts of the country. Studying remotely allows learners to attend class without commuting or adjusting their schedule to attend day classes.
Nursing programs at the associate and certificate levels provide coursework and training that allow participants to develop a strong foundation in the field. After completing their associate or certificate program, individuals can apply for entry-level positions relevant to their training. Graduates can also transfer their credits into a four-year program and obtain a bachelor's degree before seeking employment.
Illinois Valley Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 26
Number of Certificate Programs: 37
#10 Best LPN Programs in Illinois
Danville Area Community College
Danville, IL - 2 years
- Campus
A public school in Illinois, Danville Area Community College delivers associate degrees and certificates in nursing. Through coursework and technical training, associate and certificate programs in nursing prepare students to secure employment and succeed in entry-level roles. In addition to pursuing employment, graduates can transfer into a bachelor's program.
Enrollees not based near the Danville campus can pursue the school's programs online. Online programs typically offer more flexible scheduling options than on-campus programs, which can benefit busy students and working professionals. Before enrolling, prospective applicants should ensure the institution offers a program that aligns with their professional goals.
Danville Area Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 33
Number of Certificate Programs: 41
#11 Best LPN Programs in Illinois
Kaskaskia College
Centralia, IL - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Learners pursuing an associate degree or certificate in nursing should consider Kaskaskia College, a public institution. In addition to on-campus programs in Centralia, Illinois, the school delivers online classes students can attend remotely. Studying online allows learners to attend class without commuting or adjusting their schedule to attend day classes.
Coursework in nursing programs covers theories and practical knowledge that participants need to succeed in the field. After completing their associate or certificate program, individuals can apply for entry-level positions relevant to their training. Along with applying for positions, graduates can transfer their credits into a bachelor's program and advance their education before entering the workforce.
Kaskaskia College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 46
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 4
Number of Certificate Programs: 67
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 1
#12 Best LPN Programs in Illinois
Lincoln Land Community College
Springfield, IL - 2 years
- Online + Campus
A public institution, Lincoln Land Community College offers associate and certificate programs in nursing. Students located in Illinois can attend classes at the school's Springfield campus, while others can enroll online. Online programs typically feature flexible scheduling options, allowing busy learners to complete coursework around other responsibilities.
In addition to coursework, associate and certificate programs in nursing feature practical training opportunities to prepare participants for work in the field. After completing their program, individuals can qualify for entry-level jobs related to nursing. To increase their earning potential, graduates can pursue bachelor's studies after earning their associate degree or certificate.
Lincoln Land Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 34
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 4
Number of Certificate Programs: 46
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 6
#13 Best LPN Programs in Illinois
Lake Land College
Mattoon, IL - 2 years
- Campus
With associate and certificate programs in nursing, Lake Land College is a public institution. The Mattoon-based school delivers courses online and on campus, providing opportunities for students located in Illinois and elsewhere. The flexibility of online programs often appeals to working professionals and learners with personal responsibilities.
While earning a nursing associate degree or certificate, participants complete field-specific coursework and gain important training. With the skills gained from their training, individuals can apply for entry-level nursing roles. To qualify for higher salaries and leadership roles, graduates of associate or certificate programs can pursue a bachelor's degree.
Lake Land College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 45
Number of Certificate Programs: 68
#14 Best LPN Programs in Illinois
William Rainey Harper College
Palatine, IL - 2 years
- Online + Campus
A public institution, William Rainey Harper College helps learners prepare for the workforce through associate and certificate programs in nursing. While physically located in Palatine, Illinois, many of the school's programs are available online for students living anywhere to take advantage of. With flexible scheduling options, online learning is an excellent choice for working professionals and learners with personal responsibilities.
Associate and certificate programs in nursing feature coursework covering crucial theories and practical knowledge. Many individuals apply their training to entry-level positions in nursing immediately after graduation. Many graduates of associate or certificate programs pursue bachelor's studies, often transferring their credits to reduce degree completion time.
William Rainey Harper College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 38
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 1
Number of Certificate Programs: 73
#15 Best LPN Programs in Illinois
Illinois Central College
East Peoria, IL - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Learners can earn an associate degree or certificate from Illinois Central College, a public school delivering online and in-person programs from its main campus. Featuring crucial technical training, associate and certificate programs help students gain nursing-specific skills necessary for entry-level positions. To improve their job prospects and earning potential, graduates can continue their education and earn a bachelor's degree.
Enrollees not located near East Peoria can pursue the school's programs remotely, without relocating. In addition, online learning allows students to continue earning an income while pursuing their education. Before selecting a program, applicants should research the education requirements for positions they plan to pursue.
Illinois Central College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 58
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 4
Number of Certificate Programs: 66
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 6
#16 Best LPN Programs in Illinois
John A. Logan College
Carterville, IL - 2 years
- Online + Campus
A public school, Illinois-based John A. Logan College provides online and on-campus associate and certificate programs. After earning an associate degree or certificate in nursing, graduates can apply for entry-level positions in the field. Graduates often transfer their certificate or associate credits into a bachelor's program to qualify for more advanced roles.
The school's online programs allow enrollees not located near Carterville to pursue studies without relocating or commuting. Online learning also benefits working professionals who need to schedule their studies around full-time employment. For specific information about the institution's programs, prospective applicants can consult an admissions counselor.
John A. Logan College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 41
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 1
Number of Certificate Programs: 36
#17 Best LPN Programs in Illinois
Carl Sandburg College
Galesburg, IL - 2 years
- Online + Campus
With nursing programs at various academic levels, Carl Sandburg College provides learners with field-specific career preparation. Students located anywhere can enroll in the school's online programs. The flexibility of online programs often appeals to working professionals and learners with personal responsibilities.
Associate degree-seekers explore basic concepts related to nursing. Immediately after graduation, many individuals apply to nursing positions. In addition to entering the workforce, graduates can continue their studies by earning a bachelor's degree.
Carl Sandburg College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 17
Number of Certificate Programs: 24
#18 Best LPN Programs in Illinois
South Suburban College
South Holland, IL - 2 years
- Campus
To qualify for nursing careers, learners can pursue South Suburban College's associate or certificate programs. Based in South Holland, Illinois, the school delivers many programs in online and on-campus formats. With flexible scheduling options, online programs allow learners to maintain full-time employment while completing their program.
Associate degrees and certifications introduce participants to the basic ideas and practices used in nursing. Immediately after graduation, many individuals use their training to secure entry-level nursing roles. To increase their earning potential, graduates can pursue bachelor's studies after earning their associate degree or certificate.
South Suburban College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 35
Number of Certificate Programs: 53
#19 Best LPN Programs in Illinois
Black Hawk College
Moline, IL - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Learners who plan to pursue careers in nursing can earn an associate degree or certificate from Black Hawk College, a public institution. Although the school's campus is in Moline, Illinois, students can attend classes online from any location with internet access. Online learning eliminates the need to relocate and allows learners the flexibility to maintain full-time employment.
While earning a nursing associate degree or certificate, participants complete field-specific coursework and gain important training. With the knowledge and skills developed during their training, individuals can enter the workforce immediately after graduation. To expand their career options, graduates of associate or certificate programs can complete a bachelor's degree before applying for positions in the field.
Black Hawk College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 28
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 1
Number of Certificate Programs: 26
#20 Best LPN Programs in Illinois
Heartland Community College
Normal, IL - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Heartland Community College is a public institution offering nursing associate and certificate programs. With online and on-campus options, the school educates students in Illinois and other parts of the country. The flexibility of online learning often appeals to working professionals who prefer not to relocate.
While completing an associate or certificate program in nursing, participants develop technical skills and gain broad knowledge in the field. Immediately after graduation, many individuals apply to nursing positions. Graduates can also transfer their credits into a four-year program and obtain a bachelor's degree before seeking employment.
Heartland Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 19
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 3
Number of Certificate Programs: 24
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 3
LPN Licensure in Illinois
In order to legally practice – and find employment – practical nurses must be licensed by a governmental entity, typically the state's board of nursing. Most states have a dedicated Board of Nursing, while others may have a larger organization that oversees all types of licensing. In the case of Illinois, the state's board of nursing falls under the Illinois Department of Professional Regulations (IDFPR). This section takes a look at the requirements that must be met to obtain an LPN license to practice in the state of Illinois.
Basic Eligibility
- Must provide proof of graduation from a licensed practical nursing education program that meets state requirements
- Fill out and submit the Application for Licensure and/or Examination
- Take and achieve a passing grade on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for practical nurses or apply for and be approved for licensure by endorsement (if you already have a current license in another jurisdiction of the US)
Education and Training
There are two basic ways to satisfy the education and training requirements to become a LPN in Illinois: 1) Graduation from an accredited nursing program that satisfies Illinois requirements or 2) Obtaining education, training and licensure from out-of-state that meets Illinois state requirements for licensure through endorsement. In either case, an individual will need to successfully graduate from an approved LPN program.
Specific course and graduation requirements vary from school to school. A typical LPN program in Illinois will take a minimum of one year to complete, but many schools offer extended programs of 16, 18, 20 months or longer to accommodate working students. In addition to specific LPN program requirements, students must normally complete a number of general education courses, which may be taken as part of a community college LPN associate degree or certificate program, or at a community college to satisfy a nursing school admissions prerequisite.
Additional Licensure Requirements
- Submit a verification of fingerprint processing from the Illinois Department of State Police or its designated agent. Fingerprints to be taken within 60 days prior to application.
- Pay the required state fees, including a $50 application fee and additional fee to cover the cost of determining an applicant's eligibility for taking the examination and providing the exam itself
- Verification from the jurisdiction or jurisdictions in which the applicant was originally licensed, current state of licensure and licensure from any other jurisdiction in which the applicant has been actively practicing within the last 5 years
- Official transcripts prepared by an official of the military (for applicants who have received practical nursing education during military service)
- For applicants educated outside the US or its territories: 1) credentials evaluation report of the applicant's foreign nursing education and 2) certification of passage of either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) General Training Module, if English is not the applicant's first language
Keeping an Active License
All Illinois LPN licenses expire on January 31 of each odd-numbered year. License holders may renew their licenses during the month preceding the expiration date by paying the required fee, currently $40, and completing 20 hours of continuing education (CE).
LPNs who have been inactive or had an expired license for more than five years must reapply for their license, submit proof of fitness to practice, and pay a license restoration or renewal fee.
Employment Trends for Illinois LPNs
Five years ago, the state of Illinois was predicting a small but significant surplus of LPNs. And while some studies continue to indicate a surplus of LPNs, those same studies also make clear that these estimates apply to the traditional role of LPNs and do not take into account emerging care delivery models which are expected to contribute to new growth and demand for LPNs.
The data below offers a more detailed look at emerging trends for LPNs in Illinois.
| Area | Total Employment (2014) |
|---|---|
| Chicago-Joliet-Naperville IL-IN-WI | 13,410 |
| Chicago-Joliet-Naperville Metropolitan Division | 10,810 |
| West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area | 1,230 |
| South Illinois nonmetropolitan area | 1,170 |
| Lake County-Kenosha County IL-WI Metropolitan Division | 940 |
| East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area | 860 |
| Springfield | 840 |
| Rockford | 750 |
| Peoria | 670 |
| Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area | 660 |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2014
Employment of LPNs in Illinois
- 2012 - 23,110
- 2022 - 27,710
- Average Annual Openings 1,020
Source: Projections Central