Licensed Practical Nurses

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) play an important role in the healthcare industry by providing direct patient care. In Illinois, becoming an LPN requires completing an accredited LPN program and passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).

In Illinois, there are vocational schools, community colleges, and certain universities that offer LPN programmes that can be completed in 12 to 18 months on average. Topics including pharmacology, anatomy and physiology, nursing foundations, and patient care are covered in the program’s curriculum, which also includes laboratory work and clinical training.

Depending on the school and location, LPN programmes in Illinois can cost anywhere between $8,000 and $15,000. A high school certificate or GED, necessary courses, and passing a standardised entrance exam are frequently needed for admission.

In order to guarantee high standards of instruction and licence eligibility, LPN programmes in Illinois must be accredited. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation must accredit LPN programmes in Illinois.

The U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics predicts that employment of LPNs in Illinois will expand at a pace of 8.8% between 2020 and 2030, which is greater than the national average of 5.6%. Additionally, compared to the national average of $50,090, LPNs in Illinois make an average yearly pay of $51,460.

Illinois had a pass percentage for first-time NCLEX-PN test takers of 87.1% in 2021, which was higher than the 83.6% national average. In Illinois, LPNs can work in a range of healthcare facilities, including clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, and home healthcare organisations.

Every two years, LPNs in Illinois must renew their licences and complete 20 hours of continuing education in order to keep their credentials current.

Illinois LPN Schools & Classes:

Illinois offers a number of LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) schools and programs that provide quality education and training to students.

Accreditation:

Make sure the institution is accredited before selecting an LPN programme. With accreditation, you can be guaranteed that the curriculum satisfies quality requirements and that employers and regulatory organisations will value the education and training you get. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) are the two primary accrediting organisations for LPN programmes in Illinois.

Admission Requirements:

Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED, a minimum GPA, and have finished preparatory courses in subjects like anatomy and physiology, nutrition, and psychology in order to be admitted to an LPN programme in Illinois. However, the entrance requirements for LPN programmes in Illinois vary depending on the school. Additionally, certain programmes could ask applicants to submit letters of recommendation, pass an entrance exam, and/or have job or volunteer experience in the medical field.

Tuition and Costs:

The cost of LPN programs in Illinois can vary widely depending on the school and program. On average, the cost of tuition and fees for an LPN program in Illinois is around $10,000 to $15,000 for in-state residents. However, there are a number of financial aid options available to help students offset the cost of their education, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs. Additionally, some employers may offer tuition reimbursement programs for employees who want to pursue a career in nursing.

Illinois LPN Licensing Requirements:

The following prerequisites must be satisfied in order to become a licenced practical nurse (LPN) in Illinois:

1. Education: The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)-approved practical nursing programme must be completed.
2. Test: The National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) must be passed.
3. History Check: You must submit to a fingerprint-based criminal history check.
4. English Proficiency: You must show that you possess the English language by taking and passing an approved English language test, such as the TOEFL.

NCLEX Exam Information:

The NCLEX-PN is a computerised adaptive test that evaluates the skills necessary to work as a practical nurse safely and successfully. On behalf of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), Pearson VUE administers the exam, which includes of multiple-choice questions.

You must first submit an application for licensure with the IDFPR and pay the relevant costs before you may take the NCLEX-PN exam. You can schedule your exam once Pearson VUE issues you an authorization to test (ATT) once your application is accepted.

LPN Reciprocity and NLC:

Since Illinois is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), LPNs possessing a current, unencumbered licence from another compact state may work there without getting a new licence. Similarly, Illinois LPNs do not need a different licence to practise in other compact states.

You might be qualified for licensure by endorsement in Illinois if you currently have an LPN licence from a non-compact state. This means that in addition to passing a criminal background check, you must fulfil the educational and exam criteria for Illinois LPN licence. You must also meet any additional conditions imposed by the IDFPR and show proof of your active, unencumbered licence in the other state.

1. How do I become a LPN in Illinois?

To become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) in Illinois, you must complete a state-approved practical nursing program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).

2. How long does it take to get an LPN in Illinois?

The length of time it takes to become an LPN in Illinois depends on the program you choose. Most LPN programs take approximately 12-18 months to complete.

3. How do I get my nursing license in Illinois?

You must complete an accredited nursing programme and pass the relevant National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for your field in order to get licenced to practise nursing in Illinois. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) is where you can submit your licence application.

4. Is there a difference between a practical nurse and a licensed practical nurse?

No, there is no distinction between an unlicensed practical nurse and one who is. The phrases are interchangeable.

5. How much do LPN make in Illinois an hour?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage for LPNs in Illinois is $24.06 as of May 2020.

6. What is the shortest time to become LPN?

The majority of LPN programmes last 12 to 18 months, which is the shortest time required to become an LPN. Some programmes, however, can provide accelerated options that can be finished in as little as 6 to 9 months.