Practical Nursing at Manhattan Area Technical College
a compact campus enrolling 328 students in Manhattan, KS.
Program Analysis
At $32,624 per year, Practical Nursing graduates from Manhattan Area Technical College earn below the $44,151 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.
With a 60.7x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
Career paths for Practical Nursing carry above-average AI exposure (18% of tasks). The 40% scenario spread means the difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes is substantial.
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.
A #467 ranking among 703 Practical Nursing programs places Manhattan Area Technical College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.
The $32,624-to-$62,156 earnings arc over five years reflects a 91% gain — well above average career growth for trade school graduates.
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 Manhattan Area Technical College
How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?
Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.