Practical Nursing at Capital Area Career Center
With 100% of applicants admitted, Capital Area Career Center prioritizes broad access, with a smaller student body of 115 in Springfield, IL.
Program Analysis
Graduates earn $52,517/yr, edging above the $44,151 national average for Practical Nursing — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand for this trade.
Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 47.1x 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 0% — this trade's hands-on core resists automation.
At $9,500 in median debt against $52,517 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.
At #243 of 703 Practical Nursing programs, Capital Area Career Center scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.
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
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
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