~$5K
Avg. Program Cost
10–12
Months (Fastest)
$68K+
Avg. IL LPN Salary
NCLEX-PN
Licensure Exam
How Community College LPN Programs Work in Illinois
Illinois's community college LPN programs run 10–14 months depending on full-time or part-time enrollment. Here's what to expect:
- Accelerated full-time: Classes and clinicals 4–5 days/week, 10–12 month completion
- Hybrid/online theory: Study lectures at home, attend clinicals on set days — still 11–14 months
- Evening/weekend tracks: Designed for working adults, typically 14–18 months
Community colleges in Illinois offer some of the most affordable paths — often under $8,000 total tuition for in-district students. Private nursing schools cost more but sometimes offer faster schedules and more flexible clinical placement.
Accredited LPN Schools in Illinois
All schools listed are accredited and approved by the Illinois Board of Nursing. Verify current enrollment status directly with each school.
City Colleges of Chicago – Malcolm X
📍 Chicago
Length: 12 months
Format: Online theory + local clinicals
Cost: ~$5,200
Clinical: Cook County hospitals
Heartland Community College
📍 Normal
Length: 12 months
Format: Online theory + local clinicals
Cost: ~$5,800
Clinical: McLean County facilities
Lewis and Clark CC
📍 Godfrey
Length: 11 months
Format: Online theory + local clinicals
Cost: ~$5,600
Clinical: Metro East partners
Illinois LPN Licensure Requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Governing Body | Illinois Board of Nursing |
| Program Accreditation | Must be state board-approved |
| Minimum Clinical Hours | 400 hours |
| Licensure Exam | NCLEX-PN (Pearson VUE) |
| Background Check | Required prior to clinical placement |
| CPR Certification | Required before clinical start |
| Drug Screening | Required by most clinical partner facilities |
| Immunizations | Per program/facility requirements |
LPN Salary in Illinois
Licensed Practical Nurses in Illinois earn an average of $68,450/year ($32.91/hour) according to the BLS. Salaries vary by city, experience, and work setting.
- Chicago: $72,400/year
- Rockford: $66,200/year
- Springfield: $64,200/year
- Top employers: Skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, hospitals, physician offices
After gaining experience, many Illinois LPNs advance through bridge programs. Explore Illinois LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs →
Frequently Asked Questions
Community colleges cost a fraction of private programs, deliver the same Board-approved curriculum and clinical hours, and often have equal or better NCLEX-PN pass rates. They also place you at local hospitals where you'll likely work after graduation. The only downside: waitlists and limited start dates. If you can get a seat, a community college is almost always the best choice.
The fastest accredited programs run about 10–12 months for full-time students. Some accelerated tracks at technical colleges can get close to 10 months, but you'll be in class and clinicals nearly every day. Part-time or hybrid programs typically take 14–18 months.
Community college programs often run $4,000–$12,000 for in-district students. Private and nationally accredited programs can range from $18,000–$35,000. Financial aid, grants, and employer tuition assistance may be available.
After graduating from an approved program and applying through the Illinois Board of Nursing, you schedule your NCLEX-PN exam through Pearson VUE. Testing centers are located in major Illinois cities.
Hybrid programs that combine online theory with in-person clinicals are legitimate and approved by state boards. However, any program claiming to be 100% online with no clinical requirement is not accredited and will not qualify you for NCLEX-PN or licensure.
⚠️ Data Disclaimer: Salary figures, tuition costs, program lengths, and school information are gathered from publicly available sources and intended as general guidance. Program availability, accreditation, and tuition are subject to change — verify details with the school and Illinois Board of Nursing before enrolling. This page may contain affiliate links.