Practical Nursing at Black River Technical College
a compact campus enrolling 938 students in Pocahontas, AR.
Program Analysis
At $30,491 per year, Practical Nursing graduates from Black River Technical College earn below the $44,151 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.
Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 114.8x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Practical Nursing programs nationally.
The 40% 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.
The median debt load of $10,605 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.
At #230 of 703 Practical Nursing programs, Black River Technical College scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.
Five-year earnings of $52,827 show a 73% jump from the $30,491 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% |
Practical Nursing Career Guide
What can you do with a Practical Nursing credential from Black River Technical College? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.
Compare & Explore
Practical Nursing Overview
Practical Nursing at Other Schools
Other Majors at Black River Technical College
How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?
Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.