Overview
Career outlook
Employers hire licensed practical nurses to provide basic patient care such as monitoring vital signs, administering medications, and assisting with daily needs under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians.
Getting in
What Capital Area Career Center asks for, taken from its own admissions page.
What you'll need
- Transcripts
- Background check
- Drug screen
- Immunizations
- CPR certification
LPN program runs as the Capital Area School of Practical Nursing (caspn.edu); 9-month program with August and February entry. In-person proctored TEAS with section minimums (reading 54%, math 54%, science 35%, English 45%; up to 3 attempts per cohort), active Illinois CNA listed with IDPH, official high school/GED transcript, Viewpoint background check and drug screen, physical with immunizations, AHA BLS. February 2027 cohort requirements due December 1, 2026 (class may fill earlier); 2026-27 tuition $14,688 plus $2,564 diagnostic testing; 95% NCLEX pass rate for the last two classes (year not stated).
Checked Oct 2026 on the school's site. Requirements change each cycle, so confirm before you apply.
Paths
Routes into LPN. The first step is where you enroll today.
Medication Aide to LPN
Your medication administration experience counts. Bridge from certified medication aide into practical nursing and full LPN licensure.
CNA to LPN
Step up from nursing assistant to licensed practical nurse. The fastest license upgrade in nursing, and the standard bridge toward RN.
Find your next step.
Getting in starts with a path. Pick one, then follow the people who already did it.