LPN Programs Hoffman Estates, IL

With a projected shortage of 1.2 million nurses by 2030, there are numerous positions open for new and existing nurses in all areas of healthcare. If you’re eager to make an impact at the bedside of patients, entry as a licensed practical nurse will get you there in just 12 months. The LPN program is a popular choice for those who do not want to invest two or four years to complete the Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in nursing to become a registered nurse. According to the figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for LPNs are projected to increase 12 percent by 2026 – that is faster than the national average for all occupations.

LPN programs prepare adults for this versatile role where they will care for the sick or injured in collaboration with registered nurses. Although RNs have a broader scope of practice, due to their advanced education and clinical training, LPNs can typically perform many of the same duties that RNs perform. Recent hiring trends place new LPN graduates in nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and home health care. If you’re interested in working in a hospital setting, you should enroll in a program that will prepare you for a career as a registered nurse. In long-term care settings, LPNs care primarily for elderly patients and duties include monitoring patients’ health, perform simple tests and procedures, developing care plans with the support of a registered nurse, take patient histories, wound care, catheter care, and supervise nursing assistants.

Ambria College of Nursing

The practical nursing program at Ambria College of Nursing prepares students to provide nursing skills and care for patients with common health problems. Graduates will receive a Practical Nursing Certificate and will be eligible to sit the NCLEX-PN exam for licensure as a practical nurse. At the conclusion of the training, students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the LPN’s scope of practice, contribute to the development of patient care plans, evaluate patients under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician, display cultural sensitivity, use verbal and non-verbal communication effectively, and demonstrate basic nursing principles. Students must complete a total of 1,121 to be eligible for the certificate. Course modules include Anatomy and Physiology, Fundamentals of Nursing, Nursing Pharmacology, Adult Nursing, Maternal Child Nursing, Nursing of Children, and PN Role Transition. Interested persons must attend a scheduled information session to learn more about the program’s requirements and expectations.

Admission criteria:

  • Submit all the application documents by the deadline
  • Complete FAFSA
  • Complete and provide background check and drug screen results
  • Be at least 18 years
  • Have a high school diploma or GED
  • Achieve 50 percent or higher on the TEAS entrance exam
  • Achieve 70 percent on the Reading exam
  • Provide proof of valid CNA licensure
  • Enroll in Dosage Calculation
  • Sign the Enrollment Agreement

Tuition costs $18,600, not including the costs of completing the prerequisite requirements. Students must also budget for the one-time application fee, uniforms, supplies, student services fee, and standardized exam fees.

Aquarius Institute

Aquarius Institute’s Licensed Practical Nurse program will prepare adults to use fundamental nursing skills to care for the sick, injured, convalescent, disabled, and terminal patients. The curriculum is guided by the role of the practical nurse in accordance with the Illinois Nurse Practice Act. Throughout the one-year program, students will learn how to measure vital signs, such as temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure, administer enemas, apply dressings, collect urine samples, and perform simple laboratory tests. Graduation from the program requires completion of 1008 clock hours: 488 hours of lectures, 16 hours skills lab, and 504 hours of supervised clinical. Classes meet 3 to 4 times a week in the evenings, from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Apart from classroom lectures, students will complete clinical rotations in medical surgical nursing, pediatrics, mental health nursing, and maternal child nursing. The theory, lab, and clinical rotations are designed to equip students with the skills to provide compassionate and responsible patient care, use effective oral and written communication, use critical thinking and problem solving, and pass the NCLEX-PN licensure.

Admission criteria:

  • Be 18 years or older
  • Proof of high school diploma or equivalent
  • Pass the pre-admission exam
  • Submit official high school transcripts
  • Complete a personal interview
  • Provide documentation of immunization records showing immunity to MMR and Varicella and Hepatitis B vaccination
  • Complete a 2-step TB test
  • Possess liability student insurance and health insurance
  • Provide a current national and Illinois criminal background check report
  • Have valid American Health Association CPR/BLS Healthcare Provider Certification

Tuition, books, materials, and supplies cost $19,700. Other estimated expenses total $1,792.

Adonis College of Nursing

The practical nursing program at Adonis College of Nursing comprises of a total of 744 hours theory lab, and clinical hours. Students must complete 296 hours in the classroom, 168 hours of lab, and 280 of supervised clinical experiences in a medical setting. Morning, evening, and weekend schedules are available. Morning classes meet daily from 8:30 am to 12:30, evening classes meet from 3:30 pm to 7:30 pm, and weekend classes meet on Saturday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Course topics include anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, nursing pharmacology, nursing fundamentals, mental health nursing, obstetrics and gynecology nursing, pediatric nursing, and medical surgical nursing.

Admission criteria:

  • Have a high school diploma or GED
  • Have current certification as a CNA
  • Pass the HESI exam
  • Provide a state driver’s license and social security card
  • Pass a state criminal background check
  • Two letters of reference
  • A physical and TB skin test
  • Submit a 400-word essay on nursing
  • CPR certification
  • A completed application and fee of $75.

Tuition costs $25 per clock hour. Applicants must cover the cost of the HESI admission assessment exam ($150).

  • Website: http://www.acon.edu/
  • Address: 1313 East Sibley Blvd., Dolton, Illinois 60419
  • Toll-Free: 1-888-308-3892
  • Fax: 708 880-1871
  • Email: info@acon.edu
  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 18%

Joliet Junior College

Joliet Junior College hosts a Practical Nursing Certificate of Achievement program designed to prepare students to become Practical Nurses. The curriculum requires participation on campus as well as in community health care facilities. Graduates receive a Certificate of Achievement and will be eligible to sit the NCLEX-PN for licensure as a practical nurse. The rigorous program requires a commitment of at least 18 hours of classroom theory and practical experiences plus an additional 20 hours of reading and study time. Students are selected through a selective admissions process.

Admission criteria:

  • Have a high school diploma
  • Complete a physical exam with titers and immunizations
  • Annual TB testing
  • Current American Health Association Basic Life Support Healthcare Provider CPR card
  • Annual flu shot
  • A criminal background check and drug screen
  • A completed application form

In-state tuition costs $6,048. Books and supplies cost an additional $1,300.

  • Website:  https://www.jjc.edu/
  • Address: 1215 Houbolt Road, Joliet IL, 60431
  • Phone: 815-729-9020
  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 98%

JRenee College

J´Reneé College prepares practical nursing students to care for patients with normal and common health problems under the direction of a registered nurse or physician. The program includes classroom instruction, simulation lad, and supervised clinical experiences in hospitals, long-term care settings, and other health care facilities. Graduates will receive a certificate in Practical Nursing and Pharmacology and will be eligible to sit the NCLEX-PN to become a Licensed Practical Nurse. The curriculum covers 688 hours of classroom and clinical experiences in 52 weeks of full-time attendance. Evening classes are also available. Schedules are available at the Admissions Office. Course topics include pharmacology, adult health nursing, medical surgical nursing, gerontological nursing, professional nursing perspectives, pediatric nursing, mental health nursing, obstetrical nursing, transition to practice, and licensure preparation.

Selective admission criteria:

  • Have a high school diploma or GED
  • Completed Basic Nursing Assistant Training and have active certification as a CNA
  • Complete the prerequisite courses with a minimum grade C or better – Human Anatomy and Physiology, English composition, and Algebra for Healthcare Professions
  • Submit a completed application and non-refundable fee of $45
  • Official high school and applicable college transcripts
  • Sign up and pass the HESI entrance exam in Reading, Math, Science, and English
  • Attend a mandatory Nursing Orientation
  • Submit documentation of health and immunization records

Tuition and fees cost $24,215.

CAAN Academy of Nursing

CAAN Academy of Nursing prepares practical nursing students to assume entry-level positions in long-term and ambulatory care settings. Graduates will receive a Certificate of Completion and will be eligible to sit the NCLEX-PN to become a practical nurse. The curriculum covers 1180 clock hours in 59 weeks. Classes meet five days a week. Areas of study include fundamentals of nursing, medical surgical nursing, mental health nursing, maternal child nursing, pediatric nursing, geriatric nursing, and trends in nursing.

Admission criteria:

  • A high school diploma or GED
  • Have no disqualifying convictions
  • Complete an evaluation exam for admission
  • Obtain a passing grade on the prerequisite courses – medical terminology, basic computer training, psychology, English, math, and anatomy and physiology
  • A completed application and fee of $35
  • A 500-word essay on nursing
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Attend an admissions interview

Tuition and fees cost $21,000.

Crystal is a certified Registered Nurse (RN) with a passion for writing about nursing education. Through her articles, Crystal shares insights and tips to help fellow nurses enhance their skills and stay updated with the latest developments in the field. With a focus on practical advice and relevant topics, Crystal's writing is a valuable resource for nursing professionals seeking to advance their careers.