Practical Nursing at Johnson County Community College
with a mid-sized student body of 10,634 in Overland Park, KS.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $36,404 place Johnson County Community College below the $44,151 national median for Practical Nursing — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.
With a 204.9x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 21% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Practical Nursing career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.
With first-year pay of $36,404 far exceeding the $8,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
Johnson County Community College ranks #148 among 703 Practical Nursing programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.
A 26% earnings increase from $36,404 to $46,046 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.
For students considering alternatives, 2 registered apprenticeship programs align with Practical Nursing 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 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 Johnson County Community College
Explore the Degree Alternative
Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.