Practical Nursing at Arkansas Tech University

Russellville, AR · Public · Associate Degree · Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants

Arkansas Tech University accepts 96% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving 5,993 students in Russellville, AR.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $47,902 at Arkansas Tech University come in 8% above the national median of $44,151 for Practical Nursing programs.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 31.1x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Practical Nursing programs nationally.

AI disruption models show minimal impact on this program's career paths. The gap between optimistic and pessimistic scenarios is just 5% — this trade's hands-on core resists automation.

With first-year pay of $47,902 far exceeding the $22,365 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Ranked #415 of 703 Practical Nursing programs, Arkansas Tech University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $52,338 are relatively flat compared to the $47,902 starting salary — typical of trades with stable but capped salary bands.

There are 2 registered apprenticeship pathways mapped to Practical Nursing, including Nurse, Licensed Practical (median $62,340/yr). Apprenticeships offer an alternative route that combines paid work with structured training.

67 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
66
Low End
67
Score
67
High End
Earnings $47,902/yr (8% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (82% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (258,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$530K
2.2% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
31.2x
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)
$17,016
Out-of-state: $29,004
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,365
5.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$52,338
9% 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

Practical Nursing Career Guide

Explore what Practical Nursing graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 703 programs nationwide.

Read the full Practical Nursing career guide →

Compare & Explore

Practical Nursing Overview

Practical Nursing at Other Schools

Other Majors at Arkansas Tech University

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Practical Nursing at Arkansas Tech University?
This program scores 67/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Practical Nursing programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
How safe is Practical Nursing from automation?
For Arkansas Tech University graduates, AI risk is minimal. Practical Nursing rated "AI-Proof" — 82% of the work involves hands-on skills that current AI simply can't perform.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Practical Nursing program at Arkansas Tech University?
Beyond Arkansas Tech University's classroom route, 2 registered apprenticeships map to Practical Nursing careers — including Nurse, Licensed Practical. Apprenticeships trade shorter program length for longer on-the-job training, typically 2-4 years.
Is there demand for Practical Nursing workers?
The very large job market (258,500 annual openings) works in favor of Practical Nursing graduates. The national outlook is driven by an aging population and expanding healthcare access, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →