Training Programs to Become an LPN in Illinois
Nursing is a very demanding profession, but one that brings great rewards for those who have the passion and desire to care for those who are ill or injured.
In the state of Illinois, 17% of the nursing force is made up of LPNs.
LPN Education and Training for Illinois Students
The path to becoming an LPN begins with the desire to become a nurse. The next step is to choose a school and nursing program that helps the student achieve the goal of becoming an LPN. The Illinois State Board of Nursing regulates the nursing profession and mandates all schools and programs be accredited and recognized by the board. This assures the student and future employers the programs train the LPN’s in the most up to date methods of nursing.
The LPN education process takes 12 to 18 months, 2 or 3 semesters, to complete. The programs include class work and clinical training. Students must pass both the class work and clinical training in order to complete the program and graduate. Schools offer a certificate, diploma or Associate’s degree at the successful completion of the program. Students who plan to continue their nursing education beyond that of an LPN may want to consider an Associate’s degree program.
Course work included in an LPN program includes medical terminology, nursing fundamentals, nutrition, pharmacology, obstetric, pediatric and geriatric patient care, microbiology and physiology. Clinical training includes hands on instruction in a health care facility and students will spend time in a variety of units performing the tasks associated with that unit.
LPN License Requirements in Illinois
The state of Illinois mandates all LPN’s be licensed in order to work as an LPN. Licensing assures employers, patients and the general public the LPN has received the proper training necessary to undertake the tasks at hand. The NCLEX-PN exam is a national exam and the graduate must apply to take the exam. Upon successful completion of the exam the LPN candidate must apply for licensing. The graduate has up to one year after passing the exam to apply for licensing. If the graduate does not apply for licensing within three years, they will be required to complete another LPN program.
Before receiving an LPN license in Illinois, LPN’s must undergo a criminal background check; provide documentation of completing an approved LPN program and documentation of passing the NCLX-PN exam.
Pearson VUE administers the NCLEX-PN exam and graduates must register with Pearson in order to schedule an exam day and time. The graduate has 90 days to take the exam once registered with Pearson. Keep in mind, Pearson will not grant an extension of time if the exam is not taken within the 90 day time frame. The graduate will be notified of the results within 30 days of taking the exam. Applicants that pass the test will receive their license via postal mail. Students that do not pass the test will have the opportunity to retake the test in 90 days.
LPNs are required to renew their license every two years. The renewal process includes submitting the renewal application with the appropriate fee and documentation of 20 hours of continuing education.
Average Salary for an LPN in Illinois
LPNs earn an average salary of $40,800 annually in Illinois. LPN’s employed in metropolitan areas will see a slightly higher average salary, while non-metropolitan areas will see salaries 1 to 2 % the national average. An entry level LPN can expect to earn $28,000 annually. LPN salaries in Illinois top out at $60,000, depending on years of experience and level of responsibility. Included in the employment package, LPN’s can expect benefits such as healthcare, pension contribution, disability, vacation and sick time.
The duties of an LPN in Illinois include dispensing and administering medication, track vital signs, perform diagnostic tests and track results, monitor patients for medication reaction, track food input, dress wounds, assist with establishing, implementing and maintaining a care plan, perform basic care tasks, performing emergency care measures and relaying information to the patient and the patient’s family. An LPN works under the direction of a registered nurse and takes direction from the charge nurse or unit manager, physicians and nurse practitioner. LPN’s may, at times, supervise the certified Nursing Assistant staff.
The future employment outlook for LPNs in Illinois is bright and expected to grow 20% through the year 2020. As health care expands so will the role of nurses, especially qualified LPN’s. Care facilities that employ LPNs are hospitals, long and short term care facilities, outpatient facilities, occupational treatment centers, private practice facilities such as doctor’s offices and private duty opportunities.
LPN Training Classes in Illinois
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List of Approved IL Practical Nursing Schools
All American Nursing School
12250 S. Cicero Avenue
Alsip, IL 60803
708-396-8409
Ambria College of Nursing
5210 Trillium Boulevard
Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
847-397-0300
Americare Technical School
505 Busse Highway
Park Ridge, IL 60068
847-825-8773
ATS Institute of Technology
25 E. Washington, Suites 200 & 55
Chicago, IL 60602
312-419-7419
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