Numerous schools in Illinois offer a certificate or degree as an LPN.
A licensed practical nurse (LPN) can work in places such as a hospital, physician's office or nursing home providing direct patient care. There are numerous schools in Illinois that offer a certificate or degree as an LPN, but generally an applicant must have a high school diploma or GED before applying, pass a criminal background check and already be a certified nursing assistant. As of September 2010 there were 47 approved Illinois LPN programs (See Resources), and once you graduate from an Illinois LPN program, you will be allowed to take the NCLEX PN exam. (See reference 3) Passing the NCLEX PN exam will make you an LPN and able to find work as an LPN within Illinois. Each school will have its own application requirements, and you need to meet the prerequisites necessary for acceptance to that specific LPN program.
Instructions
1. Complete a certified nursing assistant course and become a licensed CNA in Illinois if you have not already done so.
2. Contact the LPN program in which you would like to apply for the specific application process and requirements.
3. Contact any previous colleges and universities you've attended and arrange to have an official transcript sent to the LPN school to which you will be applying.
4. Complete all necessary prerequisite courses necessary to apply for the LPN program. Some of the typical prerequisite courses needed are English composition, basic nutrition and anatomy and physiology. (See reference 2/page 3)
5. Complete all classroom and clinical courses once enrolled in an LPN program. Some of the specific classes generally required during an LPN program are gerontology, pharmacology and clinical development. (See reference 2/page 3)
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