Practical Nursing at University of Arkansas Community College Rich Mountain

Mena, AR · Public · Certificate · Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants

with a smaller student body of 475 in Mena, AR.

Program Analysis

At $36,179 per year, Practical Nursing graduates from University of Arkansas Community College Rich Mountain earn below the $44,151 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

The 145.3x 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.

AI risk is moderate — 18% task exposure — and the 27% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Practical Nursing graduates.

Ranked #161 out of 703 programs, University of Arkansas Community College Rich Mountain's Practical Nursing program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $36,179 to $48,773 shows 35% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

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

77 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
73
Low End
77
Score
77
High End
Earnings $36,179/yr (-18% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (82% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (258,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$518K
7.8% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
146.8x
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)
$3,528
Out-of-state: $4,104
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$48,773
35% 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 University of Arkansas Community College Rich Mountain

How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?

Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Practical Nursing at University of Arkansas Community College Rich Mountain?
At 77/100, this is a high-performing trade program. The TradeSchoolOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
How safe is Practical Nursing from automation?
This is one of the more automation-resistant trades. Practical Nursing work requires physical skill and on-site presence — qualities AI cannot provide. Our model rates it "AI-Proof" overall.
Why does University of Arkansas Community College Rich Mountain rank so high for Practical Nursing?
The #161 ranking out of 703 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable, and the job market supports this trade.
Can you still earn well with Practical Nursing from University of Arkansas Community College Rich Mountain?
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?
Practical Nursing connects to 2 apprenticeship pathways. These DOL-registered programs combine structured training with paid employment — a strong alternative for students who prefer hands-on learning over classroom instruction.
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 →