Any suggestions for LPN programs in the Chicago land area?

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Aug 18, 2012

moving to IL State Nursing Program Forum to elicit further response.

Jasel, BSN, RN · Aug 19, 2012

I'm just getting started in my journey towards my nursing degree. In looking into schools that offer an LPN degree with a bridge to RN in Chicago.. any suggestions? I wonder if becoming a PCT/CNA will be waste of time or will that help understanding the medical world before getting started. Thanks

Being a PCT/CNA will help you with patient care (I was never a PCT/CNA and wish I had done it to get some experience before I started nursing). And get you familiar with nursing homes and dealing with patients. As for LPN in the chicagoland area I'd try google because I know there are some but the only one that comes to mind POSSIBLY is the Everest College in Evergreen Park. Although last time I checked they didn't have an LPN program but they might have gotten one started. As for bridge you'd have to look at other programs unless the one you're in offers a bridge program for it's students.

ALICE K · Aug 23, 2012

Thank u for that info. I think being in a hospital working around doctors and nurses will really help, ur right! I'm actually looking into becoming a pct or dialysis tech, just to get my foot in the door. Do u know if I need a certificate to work as a pct? I don't want to go off course and take any extra time getting certified...I wonder if hospitals train u. And do u have any tips on the anatomy and physiology course? I hear its a challenge.

Jasel, BSN, RN · Aug 28, 2012

Thank u for that info. I think being in a hospital working around doctors and nurses will really help, ur right! I'm actually looking into becoming a pct or dialysis tech, just to get my foot in the door. Do u know if I need a certificate to work as a pct? I don't want to go off course and take any extra time getting certified...I wonder if hospitals train u. And do u have any tips on the anatomy and physiology course? I hear its a challenge.

Sorry for the late reply. Yes you have to be certified with the state but you usually get that after you take a course. Some hospitals might but I'm not sure about that. I got mine at an 8 week course at my local community college. For the A&P I'd look at amazon and see if they have any A&P Made Easy or A&P for Dummies book. The ones I had for school were extremely dry. But your best bet is looking at local community colleges and maybe get in the habit of reading something on a daily basis.

Barbiem2 · Sep 7, 2012

CNA programs around here are from 6 to 16 weeks (no kidding) and they cost about 1000-2000

The pay will be around 8.50 to 12hr starting off - Yes I think it helps, I was a CNA/Medical Assistant before becoming a LPN - I started off at 23hr for LPN and now make 27hr - I went to phalanx for the CNA program and it took me about 8 weeks to finish (it was free based on income!)

adnrnstudent, ASN, RN · Sep 7, 2012

Chicagoland a big place. Can you be more specific? Any of the community colleges good choices.

ALICE K · Sep 7, 2012

I actually found a 4 week CNA program right around the corner of my house, lol how's that for convenience. It costs $750 not including books and scubs. Im also interested in the LPN BRIDGE TO RN program at Wilbur Wright.. the only prerequisites needed are eng 101 and A&P 1-2. Sounds too good to be true but that's what I've decided on. Thank you all for the advice..looking forward to getting started. Hopefully I'm not the oldest kid in class (32 going on 50)

Jasel, BSN, RN · Sep 9, 2012

Good luck. Just make sure the schools you check out for nursing are NLN accreditted and don't have a bad reputation. It's rare but occasionally you do hear about places that won't hire nurses from certain programs because they've had bad experience with hirees from those programs.