Practical Nursing at Berkshire Community College
with a smaller student body of 1,100 in Pittsfield, MA.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $49,764 at Berkshire Community College come in 13% above the national median of $44,151 for Practical Nursing programs.
Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 144.3x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Practical Nursing programs nationally.
The 37% gap between optimistic and pessimistic AI scenarios is notable. With 18% of typical tasks exposed to automation, AI adoption could meaningfully shift career outcomes for Practical Nursing graduates.
With first-year pay of $49,764 far exceeding the $10,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
Ranked #46 of 703 programs, Berkshire Community College's Practical Nursing program falls in the top 10%, outperforming most peers on financial outcomes.
Five-year earnings of $74,835 show a 50% jump from the $49,764 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration in this trade.
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.
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 Berkshire Community College
Explore the Degree Alternative
Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.