Practical Nursing at Front Range Community College
serving 11,132 students in Westminster, CO.
Program Analysis
Starting salaries of $29,021/yr fall 34% below the $44,151 national median for Practical Nursing. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.
The 105.7x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.
AI exposure is significant at 18% of job tasks, producing a 40% spread between best and worst-case decade earnings. The field isn't immune to disruption.
At $9,500 in median debt against $29,021 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.
Ranked #280 out of 703 programs, Front Range Community College's Practical Nursing offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.
Earnings growth from $29,021 to $59,680 over five years (106% increase) indicates that graduates in this trade see meaningful salary progression.
Practical Nursing connects to 2 apprenticeship options. The earn-while-you-learn model can be a strong alternative or complement to a certificate program.
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 Practical Nursing graduates by median salary.
| Career Path | Median Salary | Growth | AI-ProofAI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses | $62,340 | +2.6% | 75% |
| Nursing assistants | $39,530 | +2.3% | 90% |
About Practical Nursing Careers
Your career begins on the front lines of patient care as a nursing assistant. In a hospital or long-term care facility, your active days will be spent helping patients with essential tasks like bathing, eating, and moving safely. You’ll be a vital part of the medical team, taking blood pressure and temperature and serving as the eyes and ears for the supervising nurses.
Compare & Explore
Practical Nursing Overview
Practical Nursing at Other Schools
Other Majors at Front Range Community College
Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?
Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.