Practical Nursing at Lake Area Technical College
with a smaller student body of 1,710 in Watertown, SD.
Program Analysis
At $42,160/yr, Practical Nursing graduates from Lake Area Technical College land near the $44,151 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.
Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 74.9x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Practical Nursing programs nationally.
AI disruption models show minimal impact on this program's career paths. The gap between optimistic and pessimistic scenarios is just 13% — this trade's hands-on core resists automation.
The median debt load of $9,500 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.
At #217 of 703 Practical Nursing programs, Lake Area Technical College scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.
Five-year earnings of $49,276 are relatively flat compared to the $42,160 starting salary — typical of trades with stable but capped salary bands.
There are 2 registered apprenticeship pathways mapped to Practical Nursing, including Nurse, Licensed Practical (median $62,340/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 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 Lake Area Technical College
How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?
Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.