Best Online LPN Programs in Illinois
Ready to launch a rewarding career in the field of allied healthcare? Our guide can give you the insights you need to get started. Keep reading to explore the best online LPN programs in Illinois.
Do you have a passion for helping others? Are you interested in the allied healthcare field? If so, a career as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) might be the perfect fit for you!
LPNs play a vital role in healthcare by providing basic patient care under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN). They take vital signs, assist with personal care, administer medications, and make a real impact in the lives of patients of all ages and backgrounds.
The first step to becoming an LPN is completing an approved practical nursing program from an accredited university. Choosing the right LPN program is imperative to your success. Fortunately, Illinois has many options to choose from, including in-person, online, and hybrid programs.
If you’re looking to maximize flexibility and convenience, exploring online LPN programs in Illinois is a great start. Typically, online LPN programs in Illinois allow you to attend classes virtually but require you to complete clinicals in person, making it easier to work education and training into your busy schedule. If this sounds like the right format for you, then you’re in luck — in this guide, we’ll explore online LPN programs in Illinois and take a deeper look into the profession. Keep reading to get started.
Profiling Popular LPN Programs Online in Illinois
With so many great online LPN programs in Illinois, you may find yourself asking “Which is right for me?” While your best option will depend on personal factors like schedule, budget, and career goals, there are several popular online LPN programs in Illinois that stand out. Let’s take a look at a few below.
Illinois Valley Community College
In as few as three semesters, Illinois Valley Community College’s Licensed Practical Nursing Certificate program will empower you with the hands-on experience to thrive in a rewarding healthcare role. With tuition that’s a fraction of the cost of state universities, the online LPN program makes it affordable to get an excellent education and prepare to take the NCLEX. The program boasts a 100% pass rate in the last three years. Plus, you’ll learn from highly experienced and qualified nursing educators in a small, modern healthcare environment, allowing for personalized attention to help you develop the skills you need to provide holistic patient care. Most of the program’s general education requirements can be completed online to maximize flexibility for busy professionals like yourself.
- Tuition and Fees: $4,330
- Financial Aid Options: In addition to accepting federal financial aid, Illinois Valley Community College also offers several scholarships to help with the program costs.
- Accreditation: Illinois Valley Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Verve College
Through a blended learning methodology, Verve College’s Online Hybrid Practical Nursing (PN) Program prepares you to provide exceptional patient care in just 12-24 months. The comprehensive program includes lectures, discussions, clinical rotations, and hands-on learning opportunities to ensure you’re prepared to sit for the relevant nursing exams, including the ATI Exit Exam and NCLEX-PN State Licensure Exam. With a hybrid learning environment, you’ll attend theory classes via Zoom and complete clinicals in person. Clinicals will rotate weekly between clinical and campus at both the Chicago and Oakbrook campuses. The program is broken down into several sections that cover key nursing skills and knowledge including the nursing process, documentation, anatomy, pediatrics, senior care, and more.
- Tuition and Fees: $23,995
- Financial Aid Options: Verve College accepts federal financial aid.
- Accreditation: Verve College is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education and the Accrediting Bureau of Health Educational Schools (ABHES).
A Closer Look at LPN Licensing Requirements in Illinois
Completing an online LPN program in Illinois is just one part of the process of becoming an LPN. The state of Illinois requires you to complete several other steps before you’re able to care for patients. You’ll also need to complete specific activities to renew your license and remain in good standing. To help you better understand the requirements for becoming an LPN, we’ve outlined the most common ones below.
Background Check
Before starting your new career, you’ll need to pass a background check to help employers verify your identity, past employment, education, and criminal history. Typically, your employer will use a certain provider and system for handling background checks, but it’s important to be as honest as possible to ensure the process goes smoothly. Here are a few tips to prepare for a background check:
- Be honest: Lying on a background check can disqualify you from a job entirely.
- Gather documents: Keep copies of transcripts, paystubs, and license information close by to help you complete the necessary paperwork.
- Address any discrepancies: Be prepared to explain any issues or discrepancies in your credit report.
Education and Training
To become a licensed LPN in Illinois, you’ll need to complete an approved practical nursing program from an accredited institution. In just 1-2 years, you’ll develop the knowledge and skills to provide high-quality patient care to individuals of diverse ages, backgrounds, and needs. To succeed in an LPN program, it’s crucial to find the right fit. Before enrolling in a program, ask yourself:
- What type of schedule will I need?
- Do I prefer online or in-person classes?
- What’s my budget for the program?
- What kind of support services do I need to be successful?
- Does this program match my career aspirations?
Professional Nursing Examination
Once you’ve completed your LPN program, you’ll need to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) exam. The online exam will assess your knowledge and skills in four categories: Safe and Effective Care Environment, Health Promotion and Maintenance, Psychosocial Integrity, and Physiological Integrity. While the NCLEX-PN exam isn’t a walk in the park, being well-prepared can help you pass. Here are a few ways to prepare:
- Develop a study plan and stick to it.
- Utilize the wide range of free study materials available online.
- Ask for help from peers andmentors who have already taken the exam.
- Take practice tests.
Renewal of Licensure and Continuing Education
The Illinois Nursing Board requires LPNs to renew their license every two years. To remain in good standing, you must complete 20 contact hours, which are hours spent on continuing education. All LPNs must complete a one-hour state-mandated sexual harassment training. These requirements not only allow you to renew your license, but they’ll also ensure you’re up to date on best practices for quality patient care. There are many online courses available to help you complete the contact hours requirement, here are a few examples of approved courses:
Career and Earning Potential for Illinois LPNs
Now that you have learned what it takes to become a licensed practical nurse in Illinois, it’s time to look at what to expect upon graduation. The growth rate for LPN positions in Illinois is 2.7% from 2022 to 2032, which is lower than the national growth rate of 5.3%. This presents a strong opportunity for LPNs to specialize in order to stand out in the competitive job market. For instance, those who choose to specialize in pediatrics, geriatrics, or oncology (among other concentrations) might find greater job opportunities than others in the field.
The median salary for LPNs in Illinois is $62,600, with the lower 10% of workers earning $49,160 and the upper 90th percentile earning $79,440. Those who work in metro areas can expect to earn more, while those in rural areas can expect less. For example, those in the Chicago area earn a median of $65,970, while those in the Carbondale area earn $53,200. Read on to discover more about what LPNs can expect to earn in Illinois.
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 655,000 | 689,900 | 34,900 | 5.30% | 54,400 |
| Illinois | 18,960 | 19,480 | 520 | 2.70% | 1,510 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $49,160 | $62,600 | $79,440 |
| Bloomington, IL | $48,260 | $60,350 | $74,070 |
| Carbondale-Marion, IL | $42,050 | $53,200 | $64,920 |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL | $49,520 | $60,470 | $75,500 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI | $49,570 | $65,970 | $80,610 |
| Danville, IL | $48,440 | $60,550 | $72,650 |
| Decatur, IL | $49,240 | $60,730 | $75,440 |
| Kankakee, IL | $48,870 | $61,860 | $74,590 |
| Peoria, IL | $48,020 | $62,460 | $76,110 |
| Rockford, IL | $47,940 | $60,570 | $76,320 |
| Springfield, IL | $47,870 | $52,310 | $70,390 |
Source: Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Resources for Illinois LPN Students and Professionals
- American Nurses Association-Illinois: The American Nurses Association-Illinois serves as an advocate for nursing across the state and ensures nursing priorities are integrated into laws and regulations. The organization holds regular virtual and in-person events that touch on popular nursing topics. They also hold a training academy for nurses who are interested in running for elected office.
- Illinois Nurses Foundation: With a goal to inspire and elevate nursing and healthcare, the Illinois Nurses Foundation provides grants, scholarships, and professional development opportunities to nurses across the state and recognizes their contributions to their community. The organization annually celebrates the contributions of young and emerging nurses through their “40 under 40” initiative.
- Illinois Nursing Workforce Center: A resource for current nurses and nursing students, the Illinois Nursing Workforce Center aims to bring quality and affordable healthcare to Illinois residents. The organization provides data and reports on the current state of nursing as well as helpful resources for nursing education, licensure, and rules and regulations.
- Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC): The Illinois Student Assistance Commission provides resources and support to help you pursue advanced education. The organization’s website offers an abundance of free resources for nursing licensure and certification, scholarship and fellowship programs, and loan repayment programs to ensure you have all the support you need to pursue a nursing education.
- Learning Nurse Resources Network: As a platform for informal nurse education and professional development, the Learning Nurse Resources Network provides resources for nurses of all levels. The organization’s website features assessment resources that enable nurses to better understand where they need to improve, eLearning opportunities to enhance knowledge, and a library featuring articles, research reports, and papers.
- Nursing Education Scholarship Program: With a mission to help increase the number of nurses in Illinois, the Nursing Education Scholarship program helps students overcome financial barriers to launching a nursing career. The scholarships offered by the organization can be used to pursue a certificate in practical nursing, an associate degree in nursing, a hospital-based diploma in nursing, a bachelor’s degree in nursing, or a graduate degree in nursing.
