What Is It Known For?
The Capital Area School of Practical Nursing began in December 1957 as the Springfield School of Practical Nursing, following Illinois’ standards for nursing education. Its first class started on March 10, 1958, marking the beginning of its mission to train skilled nurses. In 1977, the program moved to the Capital Area Vocational Center, now known as the Capital Area Career Center, and adopted its current name.
Today, the school offers a nine-month LPN program divided into four quarters. Around 100 students enroll each year, learning through classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training. Graduates earn a certificate and are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN exam for state licensure. Known for its quality, the program ranks first among 36 practical nursing schools in Illinois. With a strong history and focus on real-world skills, it continues to prepare students for successful nursing careers.
Degrees & Certifications
The Capital Area School of Practical Nursing offers two main programs:
- A nine-month Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program
- An Adult Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program.
Class Schedules
Since its founding, the school has maintained a weekday-only schedule. Classes for the LPN program run from 8:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., blending classroom instruction, lab practice, and clinical rotations at healthcare facilities. Clinical hours vary based on placements Notably, the school has never offered evening, weekend, or online classes, focusing instead on in-person, hands-on learning.
Is It Legit?
Yes. The school has been accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) since its early years.
Acceptance Rate
With a 100% acceptance rate, the school has always aimed to be accessible to students who meet its admission requirements.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition and fees at Capital Area School of Practical Nursing are $13,972.50. This covers the core program, but additional costs—such as books, uniforms, supplies, and NCLEX application fees—will add to your overall expenses.
The Adult Certified Nursing Assistant Program is priced at $1,138.00. This fee, payable at registration online, includes tuition, textbooks, and CPR certification. Since the school’s net price calculator is not available right now, please contact the admissions office for more details about costs and payment options.
Programs & Courses
Healthcare
- CNA
- Nursing
- CPR
Campus Locations
Springfield 2201 Toronto Road, Springfield, IL 62712
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, Capital Area School of Practical Nursing has a mixed reputation with a low overall rating. The reviews are sharply divided, with some graduates praising the school’s rigorous nature and others accusing it of being a “scam” that unfairly dismisses students.
Overall Score: 3.3/5 Stars
Common Praises
Discipline and Career Preparedness: Graduates credit the school with teaching them the discipline and skills needed to be a successful nurse. Some say the program is very hard, but that the difficulty makes them better professionals.
Supportive Instructors: A number of reviews mention that some teachers and instructors are appreciated for their knowledge and guidance.
Positive Experiences: A recent review praised the school and a staff member, and a reviewer from several years ago highly recommended the CNA program.
Common Criticisms
Financial and Administrative Concerns: A recurring and serious theme is the accusation that the school’s goal is to take students’ money and then find reasons to kick them out, particularly in the second semester. Reviews use terms like “scam” and “disgrace.”
Unprofessional and Unfair Staff: Many negative reviews complain about rude administrators and staff. One reviewer claimed the school exhibited clear bias against a specific demographic, and others felt they were unfairly dismissed without proper investigation.
Poor Learning Environment: Some students feel the classes are too large, making it difficult to learn due to noise and disruptions.
Momentum
The momentum of the reviews is mixed. While there is a very recent positive review, there is also a cluster of negative reviews from about a year ago that echo the same serious complaints found in much older reviews. This indicates that the core criticisms regarding administrative practices and student dismissal are a recurring issue for the school. There is no evidence of the school publicly responding to any of the reviews.