Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration at Des Moines Area Community College
enrolling 10,406 students in Ankeny, IA.
Program Analysis
Graduates earn $59,181/yr, roughly in line with the $69,474 national median for Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
The 58.5x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.
AI risk is moderate — 39% task exposure — and the 5% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration graduates.
With first-year pay of $59,181 far exceeding the $15,075 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
At #654 out of 947 programs, Des Moines Area Community College's financial outcomes for Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth is modest: $59,181 to $64,288 over five years (9% gain). This trade may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.
Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration connects to 4 apprenticeship options. The earn-while-you-learn model can be a strong alternative or complement to a certificate program.
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
Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration at Other Schools
Other Majors at Des Moines Area Community College
Explore the Degree Alternative
Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.