Practical Nursing at Front Range Community College

Westminster, CO · Public · Certificate · Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants

serving 11,132 students in Westminster, CO.

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $29,021/yr fall 34% below the $44,151 national median for Practical Nursing. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

The 105.7x 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 exposure is significant at 18% of job tasks, producing a 40% spread between best and worst-case decade earnings. The field isn't immune to disruption.

At $9,500 in median debt against $29,021 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.

Ranked #280 out of 703 programs, Front Range Community College's Practical Nursing offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

Earnings growth from $29,021 to $59,680 over five years (106% increase) indicates that graduates in this trade see meaningful salary progression.

Practical Nursing connects to 2 apprenticeship options. The earn-while-you-learn model can be a strong alternative or complement to a certificate program.

70 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
64
Low End
70
Score
71
High End
Earnings $29,021/yr (-34% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (82% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (258,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$509K
12.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
107.4x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
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.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$4,740
Out-of-state: $16,974
Median Debt at Graduation
$9,500
3.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$59,680
106% 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

Practical Nursing at Other Schools

Other Majors at Front Range Community College

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Front Range Community College's Practical Nursing program score?
A score of 70/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. Front Range Community College's Practical Nursing graduates fare well on earnings, job market size, and return on investment.
Is Practical Nursing from Front Range Community College a future-proof career choice?
This is one of the more automation-resistant trades. Practical Nursing work requires physical skill and on-site presence — qualities AI cannot provide. Front Range Community College's score of 70/100 reflects this durability.
Is Front Range Community College a good choice for Practical Nursing despite lower starting pay?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Are there apprenticeship options for Practical Nursing?
Beyond Front Range Community College's classroom route, 2 registered apprenticeships map to Practical Nursing careers — including Nurse, Licensed Practical. Apprenticeships trade shorter program length for longer on-the-job training, typically 2-4 years.
What's the job market like for Practical Nursing from Front Range Community College?
At 258,500 annual openings, Practical Nursing has a very large employment base. Front Range Community College graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given an aging population and expanding healthcare access.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →