Practical Nursing at Ozarks Technical Community College
serving 8,194 students in Springfield, MO.
Program Analysis
At $39,101/yr, Practical Nursing graduates from Ozarks Technical Community College land near the $44,151 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.
With a 123.6x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 22% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Practical Nursing career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.
The median debt load of $10,360 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.
Ozarks Technical Community College ranks #151 among 703 Practical Nursing programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.
A 27% earnings increase from $39,101 to $49,840 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 Ozarks Technical Community College
How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?
Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.