Practical Nursing at Rappahannock Community College

Glenns, VA · Public · Certificate · Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants

a smaller institution with 1,318 students in Glenns, VA.

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $33,051/yr fall 25% below the $44,151 national median for Practical Nursing. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

The 71.7x 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.

With only 18% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, the scenario spread is tight at 3%. Career paths for Practical Nursing are among the more automation-resistant trades we analyze.

Ranked #322 out of 703 programs, Rappahannock Community College's Practical Nursing offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

Earnings growth is modest: $33,051 to $35,303 over five years (7% gain). This trade may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

Practical Nursing connects to 2 apprenticeship options. The earn-while-you-learn model can be a strong alternative or complement to a certificate program.

69 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
67
Low End
69
Score
69
High End
Earnings $33,051/yr (-25% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (82% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (258,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$356K
1.7% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
71.9x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
2 of 2
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$4,958
Out-of-state: $10,961
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$35,303
7% growth from Year 1

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%
Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses
$62,340
+2.6% growth 75% AI-proof
Nursing assistants
$39,530
+2.3% growth 90% AI-proof

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.

Read the full Practical Nursing career guide →

Compare & Explore

Practical Nursing Overview

Practical Nursing at Other Schools

Other Majors at Rappahannock Community College

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Rappahannock Community College's Practical Nursing program score?
This program scores 69/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Practical Nursing graduates.
How safe is Practical Nursing from automation?
Practical Nursing rates as "AI-Proof" for AI resilience. With only 18% of tasks exposed to automation, the trade's physical demands provide a natural shield against AI displacement.
Why are Practical Nursing earnings lower at Rappahannock Community College?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Practical Nursing graduates?
There are 2 registered apprenticeships connected to Practical Nursing occupations. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
How many job openings are there for Practical Nursing graduates?
The career paths mapped to Practical Nursing have roughly 258,500 combined annual openings nationally, making this a very large job market. Trade careers in this field benefit from consistent replacement demand as workers retire.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →