Practical Nursing at Ivy Tech Community College

Indianapolis, IN · Public · Certificate · Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants

with 54,926 students enrolled in Indianapolis, IN.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $50,081 at Ivy Tech Community College come in 13% above the national median of $44,151 for Practical Nursing programs.

The 121.5x 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.

With only 18% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, the scenario spread is tight at 13%. Career paths for Practical Nursing are among the more automation-resistant trades we analyze.

With first-year pay of $50,081 far exceeding the $8,325 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #65 ranking out of 703 Practical Nursing programs nationally puts Ivy Tech Community College in the top 10% — a strong but not elite position.

Earnings growth is modest: $50,081 to $58,478 over five years (17% gain). This trade may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

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

82 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
79
Low End
82
Score
83
High End
Earnings $50,081/yr (13% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (82% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (258,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$600K
4.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
122.1x
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)
$4,912
Out-of-state: $9,465
Median Debt at Graduation
$8,325
2.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$58,478
17% 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

Practical Nursing opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

Read the full Practical Nursing career guide →

Compare & Explore

Practical Nursing Overview

Practical Nursing at Other Schools

Other Majors at Ivy Tech Community College

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 82/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Practical Nursing at Ivy Tech Community College?
A score of 82/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. Ivy Tech Community College's Practical Nursing graduates fare well on earnings, job market size, and return on investment.
How AI-proof is a career in Practical Nursing?
For Ivy Tech Community College 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.
How affordable is Practical Nursing at Ivy Tech Community College?
At $8,325 in median debt, Practical Nursing graduates from Ivy Tech Community College carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.2x is well below the trade program average.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Practical Nursing program at Ivy Tech Community College?
There are 2 registered apprenticeships connected to Practical Nursing occupations, such as Nurse, Licensed Practical and Nurse, Licensed Practical. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
What's the job market like for Practical Nursing from Ivy Tech Community College?
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 →