Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration at College of the Desert
serving 8,900 students in Palm Desert, CA.
Program Analysis
Graduates of College of the Desert's Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration program earn $91,848/yr in their first year — 32% above the $69,474 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.
With a 450.9x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 20% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.
College of the Desert ranks #15 among 947 Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.
A 26% earnings increase from $91,848 to $115,416 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.
For students considering alternatives, 4 registered apprenticeship programs align with Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration careers — offering paid training instead of tuition costs.
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
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