Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration at Catawba Valley Community College
a compact campus enrolling 3,517 students in Hickory, NC.
Program Analysis
Graduates earn $64,707/yr, roughly in line with the $69,474 national median for Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 150.1x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration programs nationally.
Some AI exposure exists in Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration's career paths, with 39% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 5% gap from the optimistic case.
With first-year pay of $64,707 far exceeding the $5,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
At #144 of 947 nationally, this is a top-5% Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.
Five-year earnings of $70,336 are relatively flat compared to the $64,707 starting salary — typical of trades with stable but capped salary bands.
There are 4 registered apprenticeship pathways mapped to Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration, including Home Health Director (median $117,960/yr). Apprenticeships offer an alternative route that combines paid work with structured training.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
Top Career Paths
Top career paths for Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration graduates by median salary.
| Career Path | Median Salary | Growth | AI-ProofAI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nurse anesthetists | $223,210 | +8.6% | 83% |
| Nurse practitioners | $129,210 | +40.1% | 52% |
| Nurse midwives | $128,790 | +11.1% | 61% |
About Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration Careers
Your career begins on the front lines as a Registered Nurse. You’ll work in fast-paced hospitals or clinics, monitoring patient vitals on EKG machines, administering medications, and updating electronic health records. After gaining experience, your path can branch. You might pursue advanced clinical practice to become a Nurse Practitioner, where you’ll diagnose conditions, prescribe treatments, and manage your own patient caseload. Alternatively, you could move into leadership as a Health Services Manager, where your day involves managing staff schedules, overseeing budgets, and ensuring your department runs smoothly.
Read the full Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration career guide →
Compare & Explore
Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration Overview
Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration at Other Schools
Other Majors at Catawba Valley Community College
Explore the Degree Alternative
Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.