So You Wanna Be an Illinois Nurse, Eh? Buckle Up for the NCLEX! ?
Congrats, hotshot! You've graduated nursing school, survived countless cups of questionable cafeteria coffee, and now you're ready to conquer the NCLEX, the gateway to becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) in the glorious state of Illinois. But before you unleash your inner Florence Nightingale, there's a little hurdle called the NCLEX fee.
But fear not, my fellow aspiring healthcare hero! This post will break down the NCLEX cost in Illinois like a pro explains basic hygiene to a toddler.
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| How Much Does It Cost To Take The Nclex In Illinois |
The Nitty Gritty: How Much Does This NCLEX Setback Cost?
The main event, the NCLEX exam itself, will set you back a cool $200. That's it! No hidden fees, no membership cards required, just straight-up testing magic. ✨
However, there's a but with the size of Texas (figuratively speaking). Remember, this is just the exam fee. Here's what else you might need to factor in:
Tip: The middle often holds the main point.
- Fingerprinting: This background check is crucial and can cost around $50, depending on the vendor. Think of it as an investment in proving you're not a nurse version of Dr. Evil. ♀️
- State licensing fee: Once you slay the NCLEX dragon, you'll need to apply for your official Illinois RN license. This happy dance with bureaucracy costs around $91.
So, the grand total can range from around $341 to...well, let's just say under $400. Not bad for the chance to wield a stethoscope and wear comfy scrubs, right?
Important Note: These fees can change, so it's always wise to double-check with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) for the latest scoop.
Feeling Fancy? Consider the "Express Lane" Option (for a Price!)
Let's say you're like a superhero with a deadline (think McDreamy needing to save lives, not procrastinate like the rest of us). ⚕️ If you're itching to get your official results faster, you can pay for the NCLEX "quick results" option. This shaves some waiting time off, but it'll also cost you some extra cash.
QuickTip: Focus on what feels most relevant.
Be warned, adventurer! This express lane isn't cheap. It can significantly bump up the total cost, so factor that in when budgeting for your NCLEX journey.
NCLEX in Illinois: FAQ for the Financially Savvy Nurse-to-Be
1. How to register for the NCLEX in Illinois?
Head over to the Pearson VUE website (https://home.pearsonvue.com/Test-takers.aspx) and follow their registration instructions. But don't hit that "pay" button just yet! Wait for your Authorization to Test (ATT) from the IDFPR before scheduling your exam.
Tip: Keep the flow, don’t jump randomly.
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2. How to schedule the NCLEX in Illinois?
Once you have your ATT, you can boogie on over to Pearson VUE again and pick your testing date and location. Act fast, though! Your ATT is only valid for 90 days.
3. How to fingerprint for the NCLEX in Illinois?
QuickTip: Skip distractions — focus on the words.
The IDFPR website (https://idfpr.illinois.gov/) has a list of approved fingerprint vendors. Choose your favorite (or the closest one) and get those prints rolling!
4. How to pay for the NCLEX in Illinois?
The NCLEX fee is paid directly to Pearson VUE when you register. They accept major credit cards, so you can use your plastic friend to conquer this financial foe.
5. How much does it cost to retake the NCLEX in Illinois?
Unfortunately, if you don't conquer the NCLEX on your first try, you'll need to pay the $200 fee again to retake it. But hey, at least you won't have to pay for fingerprints or the state licensing fee again (unless those fees change, of course).
There you have it, future Illinois RNs! The NCLEX fee might seem like a hurdle, but with a little planning and this handy guide, you'll be well on your way to becoming a licensed nurse and saving lives (or at least making a mean cup of coffee for your patients). ☕️ Now go forth and conquer that NCLEX!
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