Which Illinois Nursing Schools Offer LPN Programs?
Learn about licensed practical nursing (LPN) programs in Illinois. Get information about schools and admission and program requirements to make an informed decision about your education. Schools offering Nursing degrees can also be found in these popular choices.

Are you looking for LPN programs in Illinois? Preview four schools in Illinois with LPN certificate programs below.
What You Need to Know
Completing a certificate program could prepare you to take the licensed practical nursing exam and work in this field. These programs could require as few as 40 credits, or they might require you to be enrolled for up to a year. You'll spend time in the classroom discussing theoretical topics, and you'll also have hands-on learning opportunities in labs or local healthcare facilities.
Certificate Programs in Practical Nursing in Illinois
Black Hawk College
Black Hawk College is located in the relatively small city of Moline, Illinois, and features a student-to-faculty ratio of 20 to 1. It offers a certificate program in practical nursing that could qualify you to take the LPN licensing exam. You can learn about practical nursing theory, basic pharmacology, intergenerational nursing and adult health nursing. About 87% of students who matriculate into this program graduate, according to the Black Hawk College website.
- Program Name: Practical Nursing Certificate
- Program Length: 40 credit-hours
- Tuition and Fees: $4,470 per year for in-district; $7,500 per year for in-state; $7,650 per year for out-of-state (2018-2019)
- Requirements: Physical exam, pre-admission tests
- School Type: 2-year, public; student population of 4,333 (all undergraduate)
Joliet Junior College
Joliet Junior College's Department of Nursing, Allied Health and Emergency Services offers a full-time practical nursing program. You'll learn nursing theory in a classroom environment and gain clinical expertise in local healthcare agencies. You'll study basic nursing procedures, pediatric nursing, human development, psychology, anatomy and physiology, nutrition and pharmacology. This program can prepare you for the Illinois LPN licensure exam.
- Program Name: Certificate of Achievement in Practical Nursing
- Program Length: 41 credit-hours
- Tuition and Fees: $4,380 per year for in-district; $12,360 per year for in-state; $13,140 per year for out-of-state (2018-2019)
- Requirements: Placement tests
- School Type: 2-year, public; student population of 14,726 (all undergraduate)
Illinois Central College
Included in Illinois Central's program are courses in medical terminology, nutrition, medication administration and pharmacology. You'll learn to care for adult, elderly and pediatric patients through clinical experiences at hospitals or other healthcare organizations. The program includes labs and group discussions.
- Program Name: Practical Nursing Certificate
- Program Length: 1 year
- Tuition and Fees: $4,500 per year for in-district; $9,600 per year for in-state; $11,340 per year for out-of-state (2018-2019)
- Requirements: Placement tests, physical exam, immunizations, background check, drug screening
- School Type: 2-year, public; student population of 8,875 (all undergraduate)
Shawnee Community College
At Shawnee Community College, you can choose to complete your certificate on a part- or full-time basis. Your nursing curriculum will include surgical nursing, geriatric nursing, practical nurse growth and development, CPR, newborn nursing care and clinical studies. The school recommends that students take classes in applied mathematics and anatomy before enrolling in the program's core courses.
- Program Name: Practical Nursing Certificate
- Program Length: 1 year
- Tuition and Fees: $4,000 per year for in-district; $5,952 per year for in-state; $6,464 per year for out-of-state (2018-2019)
- Requirements: Drug screening, criminal background check, nursing essential skills test
- School Type: 2-year, public; student population of 1,125 (all undergraduate)
Black Hawk College, Joliet Junior College, Shawnee Community College and Illinois Central College are all Illinois-based universities with LPN certificate programs.
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