Practical Nursing at Virginia Western Community College
a smaller institution with 3,777 students in Roanoke, VA.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $48,420 at Virginia Western Community College come in 10% above the national median of $44,151 for Practical Nursing programs.
With a 96.4x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 0% spread between best and worst-case AI scenarios signals strong resilience. Most careers in Practical Nursing involve physical, hands-on work that current AI cannot replicate.
With first-year pay of $48,420 far exceeding the $19,039 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
Virginia Western Community College ranks #120 among 703 Practical Nursing programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.
The limited growth from $48,420 to $48,637 over five years suggests earnings in this trade plateau relatively early in one's career.
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 Virginia Western Community College
Explore the Degree Alternative
Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.