How to Get Your LPN License in Illinois (2026)

## How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Illinois Illinois is home to one of the country's most robust healthcare markets, anchored by Chicago's academic medical centers and a dense network of skilled nursing facilities across Cook, DuPage, and Lake counties. Illinois LPNs enjoy strong employment options from downtown Chicago to rural Downstate communities, and the state's membership in the eNLC compact opens doors to multistate practice. ### Step 1: Complete an Accredited Practical Nursing Program Enroll in an ACEN-accredited or Illinois-state-approved practical nursing program. Programs typically run 12 to 18 months and are offered at community colleges such as Triton College, Olive-Harvey College, Prairie State College, and Illinois Central College. Curriculum includes pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, maternal-newborn care, mental health nursing, and supervised clinical rotations in hospitals, SNFs, and outpatient clinics. Graduates receive a certificate or diploma qualifying them to sit for NCLEX-PN. ### Step 2: Pass the NCLEX-PN Exam The NCLEX-PN is administered by Pearson VUE at testing sites throughout Illinois including Chicago, Rockford, Springfield, and Peoria. Exam details: - **Format:** CAT — 85 to 150 questions - **Fee:** approximately $200 - **Time limit:** 6 hours - **Pass rate tracking:** Illinois Board publishes annual first-time pass rates by program Schedule your exam through Pearson VUE after the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation (IDFPR) approves your application. Results are typically available within 48 hours via Quick Results. ### Step 3: Apply for Your Illinois LPN License The **Illinois Department of Professional Regulation (IDFPR)** oversees LPN licensure. Apply online at idfpr.illinois.gov. Requirements: - Completed online application and fee (approximately $40–$75) - Official transcripts from an approved nursing program - Criminal background check (fingerprints through IdentoGO) - NCLEX-PN passing scores sent directly from Pearson VUE Endorsement applicants — licensed LPNs from other states — may apply online with verification of current licensure and payment of the endorsement fee. Processing typically takes 4–8 weeks. ### eNLC Compact Membership Illinois is a member of the **enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC)**. Your Illinois LPN license functions as a multistate license, allowing you to practice in any of the 40+ compact member states without a separate license. This is particularly useful for Illinois nurses who cross into Wisconsin (compact), Indiana (compact), or Missouri (compact) for travel or per-diem assignments. Your primary state of residence must be Illinois to hold the compact privilege. ### Continuing Education Requirements Illinois requires **20 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years** for LPN renewal — among the lower CE requirements in the Midwest. Courses are available through ANA, NursingCE.com, and many Chicago-area hospital systems. At least one hour must cover sexual harassment prevention. Renewal fee is approximately $40–$75 and licenses expire on May 31 of even-numbered years. ### Illinois LPN Salary Ranges Illinois LPNs typically earn between **$38,000 and $58,000 annually**. Chicago metro salaries skew higher due to cost of living and market competition. Typical ranges by setting: - **Skilled nursing facilities:** $40,000–$52,000 - **Home health agencies:** $42,000–$56,000 - **Hospitals:** $44,000–$58,000 - **Correctional facilities:** $46,000–$58,000 - **Physician offices:** $38,000–$48,000 Chicago's SNF market is among the most competitive in the country, with large chains and independent operators frequently running sign-on bonuses and shift differentials of $3–$6/hr for evenings and nights. ### Top Employers for LPNs in Illinois - **NorthShore University HealthSystem** — multisite system serving Chicago's North Shore suburbs with clinical LPN roles - **Advocate Aurora Health** — largest health system in Illinois with hospitals and outpatient clinics statewide - **Northwestern Medicine** — Chicago academic center with inpatient and ambulatory LPN positions - **Rush University Medical Center** — Chicago system with strong SNF and medical-surgical LPN demand - **Kindred at Home / Amedisys** — major home health employers across Cook, DuPage, Will, and Lake counties - **Aperion Care / Infinity Healthcare / Alden Network** — SNF chains with dozens of Illinois locations hiring LPNs regularly Downstate Illinois markets — Peoria, Decatur, Champaign-Urbana, and southern Illinois — offer more affordable living with competitive wages relative to regional costs, making them attractive for new graduates.