Practical Nursing at Amarillo College
with a mid-sized student body of 7,347 in Amarillo, TX.
Program Analysis
At $42,037/yr, Practical Nursing graduates from Amarillo College land near the $44,151 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.
The 258.9x 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 21% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Practical Nursing graduates.
The median debt load of $13,003 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.
Ranked #76 out of 703 programs, Amarillo College's Practical Nursing program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.
The five-year earnings trajectory from $42,037 to $53,341 shows 27% 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.
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 Amarillo College
How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?
Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.