CNA to LPN Programs Chicago, IL

Many nurses will confess that they received their introduction to healthcare while working as a Certified Nursing Assistant. As a CNA you will acquire a foundation in patient care that will serve you for the rest of your life. The position is rewarding, but it requires hard work and may result in injuries. Many CNAs change their jobs to find a place that meets all their expectations related to patient care. If your goal is career advancement, you may enroll in a CNA to LPN program and transfer your prior education and experience as a CNA to reduce the time and cost of becoming a licensed practical nurse. LPNs function between the CNA and RN and have greater autonomy than the former. You can complete the requirements for licensure in less than one year and realize a significant bump in your earnings.

Northshore College

The Practical Nursing program at North Shore College has an entry point for Certified Nursing Assistants to complete the requirements to become a Licensed Practical Nurse. Students will complete the coursework through distance learning via ZOOM and the ATI Exam, Final Exam, Skills Open Lab, and IV Certification exam will be completed on campus. The comprehensive program comprises of 1050 clock hours of theory and hands-on learning. The program is approved by the Illinois Nursing Board, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) and the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE). Course topics include anatomy and physiology, nursing foundation, nursing care of the chronically ill patient, nursing care of the acutely ill, nursing care of the pediatric child, nursing care of the developing family, and leadership and medication administration. Morning and evening schedules are available. Morning classes meet Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm for 42 weeks. Evening classes meet Monday through Friday from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm for 48 weeks.

Admission criteria:

  • Submit a completed application and non-refundable fee of $25
  • Complete the Pre Practical Nursing Program with a minimum of C (74%, 2.0)
  • Pass a PN Entrance Exam ATI-TEAS or HESI A2 ($90 non-refundable)
  • Must be at least 18 years old – or 16 with the consent of a legal guardian
  • Provide proof of identity – state photo ID and social security card
  • Have a high school diploma or GED scores
  • Complete the prerequisite courses with a grade C or better – Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Introduction to Mental Health, Math for Nurses, and Rhetoric Communication
  • Submit official college transcripts if transferring courses
  • Provide documentation of good physical health including PPD skin test
  • Pass a drug test – suspended during the Pandemic
  • Pass a biometrics screen
  • Provide up to date immunization record including COVID vaccination
  • Must have and maintain Incidental Insurance throughout the program
  • CNAs must have active certification on the state registry

Tuition for the program is $16,489. The cost of the prerequisite courses is $3,337. Indirect expenses include physical exam, books, uniforms, background check, NCLEX-PN fee, pinning ceremony fee, and incidental insurance.

Verve College

Certified Nursing Assistants may enroll in the licensed practical nursing program at Verve College to prepare for practice as an LPN. The program follows a blended format, delivering content in the classroom, simulation labs, and externships in local healthcare facilities. Students will also complete some of the requirements online to prepare for the licensure exam. The curriculum covers 1080 clock hours and includes three modules. Course topics include History/Legal Scope of Practical & Delegation, Asepsis & Infection Control, Nutrition, Elimination and Hygiene, Physical Assessment. Vitals, Nursing Process, Critical Thinking, Medical Calculations, Documentation, State and Body Mechanics, Patient Mobility, Lifespan Development, Wound Care, Perioperative Care, IV, Collecting Specimens, Mental Health, Pediatrics, Palliative Care, and Older Adult. Students must complete the practical nursing courses with a minimum grade of B and take and pass the ATI Exit Exam with a 94% or higher to pass the licensure exam on the first attempt. Graduates will receive a Certificate of Achievement and will be eligible to take the NCLEX for Practical Nurses. Day, weekend, and evening classes are available. The duration of the program is 12 to 15 months.

Admission criteria:

  • Must have active CNA certification
  • Submit a completed PN application with the $75 non-refundable application fee
  • Must have a high school diploma or GED
  • Submit official college transcripts for Anatomy & Physiology with a minimum of 6 to 8 credit hours with grade C or better
  • Take and pass the ATI-TEAS Entrance Exam with a score of 45 % or higher – must be taken at Verve College
  • Have a valid state ID or driver’s license and social security card
  • Pass a background check and sanctions check
  • Obtain 10-panel drug screen clearance
  • Submit a completed physical exam signed by a health care provider
  • Submit TB/PPD test – valid within one year of the program start date
  • Provide proof of immunizations/titers – MMRV, Hepatitis B, Tetanus
  • Have a current personal medical insurance card
  • Have current CPR/BLS card – American Heart Association
  • Complete and submit a personal essay – at least 400 to 500 words on the topic “Why I want to be a PN”
  • Provide two professional letters of recommendation
  • Must have and maintain liability insurance throughout the program

The cost of tuition is $22,995. The non-refundable registration fee is $150 and the application fee is $75. The cost of books, supplies, uniforms, background check, and insurance are not included.

  • Website: https://vervecollege.edu/
  • Address: 216 W. Jackson Blvd., Suite 900, Chicago, IL
  • Phone: (312) 920-8822
  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 98%

Great Paragon Healthcare Inc.

Great Paragon Healthcare provides Certified Nursing Assistants with theory and practical instruction so that they will be prepared to provide nursing care to patients under the direction of a professional nurse or physician. Applicants to the program must complete the prerequisite courses before applying to the program. Course topics include fundamentals of nursing, care of the adult client, obstetrical nursing, pediatric nursing, and nursing for mental health clients. Graduates will be eligible to take the state exam to become a Licensed Practical Nurse.

Admission criteria:

  • Submit official high school and college transcripts
  • Provide a valid state photo ID and social security card
  • Must have completed high school or GED
  • Complete the prerequisite courses with a passing grade of C or higher – English, Mathematics, Medical Terminology, Pharmacology, Basic Nursing Assistant Training – must have been taken within the last 12 months
  • Pass a criminal background check and drug screen
  • Complete PPD/TB test
  • Provide immunization/titers records
  • Must be listed on the IDPH Nurse Aide Registry

The total program cost of $17,295 includes in registration fee, tuition, books, supplies, and uniforms.

The Aquarius Institute

CNAs can enroll in the practical nursing program at The Aquarius Institute and complete the requirements to become a licensed practical nursing in less than one year. The training includes instruction in the classroom, skills lab, and clinical facilities to help students develop the confidence to care for patients in their new role as an LPN. The curriculum covers 1008 clock hours and includes training in the fundamentals of nursing, anatomy and physiology, critical thinking for nurses, family health nursing, geriatric/mental health nursing, communicating in nursing, adult health nursing, and transition to PN practice. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN licensure as a practical nurse. Day and evening classes are available.

Admission criteria:

  • Must be 18 years of age or older
  • Provide proof of graduating high school or equivalent
  • Submit official high school transcript with a minimum GPA of 2.5 or above
  • Pass an admissions exam with a score of 90% or higher
  • Attend an interview with an admissions representative
  • Complete a background check and drug screen
  • Have current CPR/BLS certification from the American Heart Association or the American Health and Safety Institute
  • Provide three letters of recommendation
  • Submit a completed health assessment and physical exam report – must include indication of a negative TB test or chest x-ray and documentation of immunization

The program cost of $19,700 includes tuition, textbooks, materials, supplies, predictor exams, NCLEX exam fee, and Pearson Vue fee. Other costs include uniforms, immunizations, TB test, background check, CPR certification, urine drug screen, liability insurance, and physical exam.

CAAN Academy of Nursing

CAAN Academy of Nursing prepares nurse aides for their next step on the career ladder. The practical nursing program covers a total of 1180 clock hours of theory, hands-on lab, and clinical externship at local health care facilities. Course topics include fundamentals of nursing, adult nursing, obstetric nursing pediatric nursing, and role synthesis. Students must obtain a minimum grade of C in all courses and achieve a minimum satisfactory score of 70% or higher to complete the program achieve a score of 94% on the NCLEX-PN exam. Graduates will receive a Certificate of Completion and will be eligible to sit the NCLEX-PN to become a practical nurse.

Admission criteria:

  • Complete the prerequisite courses with a grade C or higher before applying for admission – medical terminology, basic computer training, psychology 101, English 101, math 090 or higher, and anatomy and physiology
  • A high school diploma or GED
  • Submit a completed application and the non-refundable fee of $35
  • Submit a one page typed essay regarding desire to be a nurse
  • Submit a copy of an official transcript
  • Must have current CNA certification
  • Provide two letters of recommendation – one personal and one professional
  • Take and pass the entrance exam
  • Attend an admissions interview

The total program cost of $23,006 includes tuition, books, student service charge, uniform, ATI comprehensive package, and NCLEX exam. A flexible payment plan is available for all students.

Americare Technical School

CNAs can continue their nursing education to obtain a license to practice by enrolling the practical nursing program at Americare Technical School. The program provides students with a solid foundation in the art and science of nursing through classroom lectures and supervised patient care experiences at local health care facilities. It covers 1402 clock hours including the clinical externship. Course topics include introduction to health science, medical terminology, introduction to computers, anatomy and physiology, math for the healthcare professionals, introduction to psychology, fundamentals of nursing, nutrition, medical surgical nursing, pharmacology, mental health nursing, maternal newborn nursing, child nursing, and transition to nursing practice. Graduates will receive a practical nursing diploma which will allow them to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam. Morning, evening, and weekend schedules are available.

Admission criteria:

  • Submit a completed Practical Nursing Program Application form
  • Submit a copy of photo ID and social security card
  • Must have a high school diploma or GED certificate
  • Take and pass the TEAS exam
  • Obtain a negative fingerprint-based Health Care Worker Criminal History Records Check
  • Must have current CPR certification
  • Complete a physical exam – immunizations, TB two-step/Quantiferon Test/Chest x-ray
  • Submit to a drug screening test
  • Must have and maintain medical insurance and liability insurance throughout the program
  • Make financial arrangements before the start of the program

The program cost of $18,037 includes tuition, supplemental resources, uniforms, nursing lab kit, application fee, ATI TEAS entrance exam fee, and professional liability insurance.

Harper College

The practical nursing program at Harper College is open to nurse aides as well as persons with no experience in health care. The certificate program requires completion of 38 credit hours. Instruction will take place in the classroom and at clinical facilities in the community. Experienced faculty will create opportunities for professional develop and utilize cutting-edge teaching methods to prepare students for employment. Course topics include human anatomy, introduction to physiology, PN fundamentals, advanced pharmacology, medical surgical nursing, mental health nursing, maternity and pediatrics, psychology of human development, and field experience. Graduates will receive a certificate of completion and be eligible to take the NCLEX to practice as a licensed practical nurse. The program is a limited enrollment program.

Admission criteria:

  • Apply for admission to Harper College
  • Submit an application to the Practical Nursing Program
  • Must have completed a CNA program and be active on the Illinois Department of Public Health, Health Care Worker Registry
  • Attend the optional Health Care Careers Information Meeting
  • Review the program and policy information
  • Meet the health requirements including TB test, immunization, and physical exam
  • Take and pass the entrance exam
  • Must have a high school diploma or GED
  • Submit official transcripts from other colleges attended
  • Meet the required English placement
  • Complete the prerequisite courses with a grade C or higher – Biology, Math
  • Pass a criminal background check and drug screen

Tuition costs $133.50 per credit hours for in-district residents.

Adonis College of Nursing

Adonis College of Nursing practical nursing program is open to certified nursing assistants who may receive credit for prior learning and experience. The curriculum covers 808 clock hours in the classroom, lab, and clinical sites. The accelerated program requires full-time attendance for successful completion. Course topics include Anatomy and Physiology, Medical Terminology, Nursing Pharmacology, Nursing Fundamentals, Mental Health Nursing, Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, and Medical Surgical (care of Adult) Nursing. Graduates will earn a certificate of completion and are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN for state licensure. The program may be completed in 11 months.

Admission criteria:

  • Have current certification as a CNA
  • Must be a high school graduate or have a GED
  • Take and pass the HESI exam with a score of 78% or above
  • Submit a completed application with the non-refundable application fee of $75
  • Provide a valid state driver’s license and social security card
  • Provide two reference letters – personal and professional
  • Submit a 400-word essay on Nursing and Emerging Technology
  • Pass a state criminal background check
  • Must have current CPR certification- BLS for Health Care Providers
  • Pass a physical exam and TB skin test (2-step)

Tuition costs $20,200. Financial aid may be available for qualified students.

Illinois College of Nursing

The practical nursing program at Illinois College of Nursing leads to a Practical Nursing Diploma and prepares students for entry-level employment as a practical nurse. Students will acquire knowledge and skills through classroom instruction, lab simulations, and clinical externship that covers biological and social sciences, nursing theory, and evidenced-based practice. Lectures will be supplemented with interactive group discussions, case studies, debates, and community projects to accommodate students with different learning styles. The curriculum covers 1160 clock hours. Course topics include anatomy and physiology, geriatric and mental health nursing, pediatrics, pharmacology, fundamentals, and role transition for the practical nurse. Students must complete all courses and pass the EXIT exam to graduate from the program. Graduates will be eligible to take the NCLEX-PN exam. The duration of the program is 58 weeks.

Admission criteria:

  • Have current certification as a CNA
  • Must be a high school graduate or have a GED
  • Take and pass the school’s entrance exam
  • Submit a completed application with the non-refundable application fee
  • Must have a current state driver’s license and social security card
  • Pass a state criminal background check and drug screen
  • Must have current CPR certification- BLS for Health Care Providers
  • Pass a physical exam and TB skin test (2-step)

Tuition for the program is $18,000. Other costs such as the application fee, drug screen, state licensure, administration fee, graduation fee, books, uniforms, and supplies are not included.

ATS Institute of Technology

The practical nursing program at the ATS Institute of Technology is a career-oriented program that leads to a diploma in Practical Nursing. The program is delivered in blended until the end of the National Emergency Period. It covers 1204 clock hours include classroom, lab, and clinical hours and 52 semester credit hours. Students will be prepared to fill the role of the Licensed Practical Nurse as a part of the health care team. Course topics include anatomy and physiology, nursing fundamentals, clinical judgment, pharmacology, nursing care of the adult, nursing for the family and children, critical thinking lab, care of the other adult and nursing for mental health, transition to practice, and NCLEX Review course.

Admission criteria:

  • Submit a completed application for admission to ATS and pay the non-refundable application fee of $30
  • Take and pass the entrance exam
  • Must have completed high school and GED
  • Submit official transcripts from any colleges attended
  • Pass a background check and drug screen
  • Sign an enrollment agreement and disclosure form
  • Must have valid CPR certification
  • Complete health requirements including immunization records

The program cost of $30,208 includes tuition, application fee, malpractice insurance, graduation fee, nursing tote, drug testing fee, ATI testing, course software fee, and review. Other costs include books, uniforms, software, test monitoring, and TEAS test package. Financial aid may be available for qualified students.

  • Website: http://atsinstitute.edu/wp_chicago/
  • Address: 25 East Washington St, Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60602
  • Phone: 312-214-2000
  • Fax: 312-419-7421
  • Email: ChicagoAdmissions@atsinstitute.edu
  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 85%

 

Crystal G

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.

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