Practical Nursing at Fortis College-Norfolk
a compact campus enrolling 431 students in Norfolk, VA.
Program Analysis
Graduates earn $50,451/yr, edging above the $44,151 national average for Practical Nursing — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand for this trade.
With a 40.6x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 8% spread between best and worst-case AI scenarios signals strong resilience. Most careers in Practical Nursing involve physical, hands-on work that current AI cannot replicate.
At $15,161 in median debt against $50,451 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.
A #289 ranking among 703 Practical Nursing programs places Fortis College-Norfolk in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.
The limited growth from $50,451 to $56,442 over five years suggests earnings in this trade plateau relatively early in one's career.
For students considering alternatives, 2 registered apprenticeship programs align with Practical Nursing 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 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
Other Majors at Fortis College-Norfolk
Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?
Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.