The Windy City has its Magnificent Mile and Navy Pier, its Museum of Science and Industry and Soldier Field. But if working at none of these places appeals to you, then you may be looking for information on licensing as an LPN in Chicago or information on LPN programs in Chicago. This page may be helpful for you in your search for information on becoming an LPN in Chicago.

This page beings with a section that covers some basic information regarding LPN schooling, following by a section that sheds some light on common Practical Nursing job tasks.  Following that section, you’ll find a another section containing some basic, fundamental information about obtaining a Practical Nursing license in Illinois, and lastly a section listing basic information about schools in Chicago (and greater Illinois) where LPN schooling programs might be available.

Chicago LPN Schooling: Fundamental Information

Whether it’s the schooling in Chicago or in greater Illinois, the aim of LPN schooling is to teach students all of the knowledge and skills that they will need to function as Practical Nurses in the field. Schooling programs typically accomplish this by requiring both classroom and laboratory schooling, as well as clinicals (where a student goes out and works under the supervision of other LPNs in the field to gain real world experience). A student may be required by a school to take a variety of courses, both in fundamental topics (biology, math, etc.) and medical/nursing-specific topics like mental health, pharmacology, nutrition, microbiology, critical care nursing, basic or advanced first aid, and other medical topics. What taught specifically at one college or school may vary from what’s taught at another college or school.

Typical Job Duties – Practical Nurses in Illinois

In Chicago as well as greater Illinois, there are generally a lot of different things that LPNs may do. This includes many common nursing tasks such as wound care, helping patients who are struggling with mobility problems, and other typical nursing duties. The specific setting where an LPN works may determine the amount of time that they are performing certain duties; for example, LPNs working in a hospital setting may spend more time addressing the issue of wound care and changing bandages, while LPNs working in a health care clinic may spend more time addressing the issue of collecting basic health information from patients such as their pulse, blood pressure, height, body temperature, and other information regarding their reason for their visit to the clinic. For example, LPNs may take down information about a patient who is coming in for a routine physical and note that in a chart or information from a patient who is coming in to receive immunizations, etc. This information may be helpful to the doctor so they can read a summary of information about the patient when they come into the room to see them. LPNs may do some administrative tasks as well such as filling out paperwork, organizing supplies, and relaying information to other members of the medical team.

Licensing Information for Practical Nurses in Illinois

To obtain a Practical Nursing license in Chicago or in greater Illinois, a person needs to meet certain requirements and receive a license from the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Basic information about the process of being licensed as an LPN in Illinois is provided below, but for complete and in-depth information, visit the IDFPR’s webpage on LPN licensing.

To be eligible for LPN licensing in Illinois, an applicant must submit to a criminal background check and fingerprinting. An application for a Practical Nursing license must be completed and submitted with the appropriate fees, as well. If the applicant has been licensed in another state as an LPN, it’s possible that they may be approved for a license and may not be have to go through the same testing as someone without a license. However, for first-time LPN applicants, the state of Illinois requires that applicants register for take NCLEX-PN exam and receive a passing score. Applicants must take the exam and pass it in order to receive licensing. If the applicant passes the exam, he or she may practice as a license-pending practical nurse until they receive the LPN license. An applicant who is waiting for their endorsement to be approved may receive a temporary permit to practice as an LPN, as well. Again, for additional information on Illinois’ requirements to obtain a Practical Nursing license, visit the IDFPR’s webpage which hyperlinked linked in the previous paragraph.

Schools Near Chicago and in Greater Illinois

In Chicago (and greater Illinois) there are many different colleges and schools to choose from. The schools in the following list are some places in Illinois that might have programs for people who have an interested in learning to become an LPN.

Spoon River College
23235 County Hwy 22, Canton, IL 61520
(309) 647-4645

Shawnee Community College
8364 Shawnee College Rd, Ullin, IL 62992
(618) 634-3200

City Colleges of Chicago
226 W. Jackson, Chicago, IL 60606
(312) 553-2500

Harold Washington College
30 E Lake St, Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 553-2500

Wilbur Wright College
4300 N. Narragansett Ave, Chicago, IL 60634
(773) 777-7900

Harry S. Truman College
1145 West Wilson Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 907-4000

Elgin Community College
1700 Spartan Dr, Elgin, IL 60123
(847) 697-1000

Kishwaukee College
21193 Malta Rd, Malta, IL 60150
(815) 825-2086

Northwestern Institute of Health and Technology
4641 N. Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 506-2136

Moraine Valley Community College
9000 W. College Pkwy, Palos Hills, IL 60465
(708) 974-4300

Morton College
3801 S. Central Ave, Cicero, IL 60804
(708) 656-8000

Illinois Central College
1 College Dr, East Peoria, IL 61635
(309) 694-5422

Illinois Easter Community Colleges
233 E Chestnut St, Olney, IL 62450
(618) 393-2982

Joliet College
1215 Houbolt Rd, Joliet, IL 60431
(815) 729-9020

Kiswaukee College
21193 Malta Rd, Malta, IL 60150
(815) 825-2086

Lincoln Land Community College
5250 Shepherd Road, Springfield, IL 62794
(217) 786-2200

Oakton Community College
1600 East Golf Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016
(847) 635-1600

Rend Lake College
468 Ken Gray Pkwy, Ina, IL 62846
(618) 437-5321

Richland Community College
1 College Park, Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 875-7200

Sauk Valley Community College
173 IL-2, Dixon, IL 61021
(815) 288-5511

Triton College
2000 5th Ave, River Grove, IL 60171
(708) 456-0300

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