Practical Nursing at Carthage R9 School District-Carthage Technical Center

Carthage, MO · Public · Certificate · Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants

with a smaller student body of 17 in Carthage, MO.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $47,524/yr, edging above the $44,151 national average for Practical Nursing — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand for this trade.

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 $14,638 in median debt against $47,524 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.

Ranked #460 of 703 Practical Nursing programs, Carthage R9 School District-Carthage Technical Center falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $48,041 are relatively flat compared to the $47,524 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
65
Low End
67
Score
68
High End
Earnings $47,524/yr (8% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (82% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (258,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$497K
1.0% annual growth
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.

Median Debt at Graduation
$14,638
3.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$48,041
1% 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

From day-one roles to senior positions, Practical Nursing careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering healthcare.

Read the full Practical Nursing career guide →

Compare & Explore

Practical Nursing Overview

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Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 67/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Practical Nursing at Carthage R9 School District-Carthage Technical Center?
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 Carthage R9 School District-Carthage Technical Center 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.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Practical Nursing graduates?
The DOL recognizes 2 apprenticeship pathways related to Practical Nursing. For students weighing Carthage R9 School District-Carthage Technical Center's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
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 →