Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration at Central Lakes College-Brainerd
a smaller institution with 1,486 students in Brainerd, MN.
Program Analysis
Central Lakes College-Brainerd's Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration program produces graduates earning $68,032/yr — within striking distance of the $69,474 national average for this trade.
With a 59.3x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 4% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.
Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $19,391 in median debt clears fast against $68,032 in annual earnings.
A #588 ranking among 947 Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration programs places Central Lakes College-Brainerd in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.
The limited growth from $68,032 to $73,046 over five years suggests earnings in this trade plateau relatively early in one's career.
For students considering alternatives, 4 registered apprenticeship programs align with Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration careers — offering paid training instead of tuition costs.
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 Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration graduates by median salary.
| Career Path | Median Salary | Growth | AI-ProofAI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nurse anesthetists | $223,210 | +8.6% | 83% |
| Nurse practitioners | $129,210 | +40.1% | 52% |
| Nurse midwives | $128,790 | +11.1% | 61% |
About Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration Careers
Your career begins on the front lines as a Registered Nurse. You’ll work in fast-paced hospitals or clinics, monitoring patient vitals on EKG machines, administering medications, and updating electronic health records. After gaining experience, your path can branch. You might pursue advanced clinical practice to become a Nurse Practitioner, where you’ll diagnose conditions, prescribe treatments, and manage your own patient caseload. Alternatively, you could move into leadership as a Health Services Manager, where your day involves managing staff schedules, overseeing budgets, and ensuring your department runs smoothly.
Read the full Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration career guide →
Compare & Explore
Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration Overview
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Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree
Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.