Nursing at McDowell Technical Community College

Marion, NC · Public · Associate Degree · Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

a smaller institution with 614 students in Marion, NC.

Program Analysis

McDowell Technical Community College's Nursing program produces graduates earning $62,167/yr — within striking distance of the $69,474 national average for this trade.

The 171.5x 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 3% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Nursing graduates.

Ranked #148 out of 947 programs, McDowell Technical Community College's Nursing program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

Nursing connects to 4 apprenticeship options. The earn-while-you-learn model can be a strong alternative or complement to a certificate program.

88 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
82
Low End
88
Score
88
High End
Earnings $62,167/yr (-11% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (61% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (292,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$673K
1.8% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
171.8x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
6 of 6
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)
$3,916
Out-of-state: $13,132
Reported Earnings (4 Year)
$70,204
13% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Nursing 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%
Nurse anesthetists
$223,210
+8.6% growth 83% AI-proof
Nurse practitioners
$129,210
+40.1% growth 52% AI-proof
Nurse midwives
$128,790
+11.1% growth 61% AI-proof

View all 6 career paths with full salary data →

Nursing Career Guide

What can you do with a Nursing credential from McDowell Technical Community College? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Nursing career guide →

Compare & Explore

Nursing Overview

Nursing at Other Schools

Other Majors at McDowell Technical Community College

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 88/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Nursing at McDowell Technical Community College?
A score of 88/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. McDowell Technical Community College's Nursing graduates fare well on earnings, job market size, and return on investment.
How vulnerable is Nursing to AI automation?
AI won't eliminate Nursing careers, but it may reshape them. At McDowell Technical Community College, a score of 88/100 already accounts for the 39% task exposure — the ROI calculation factors in reduced employment probability.
Why does McDowell Technical Community College rank so high for Nursing?
Among 947 Nursing programs, McDowell Technical Community College's #148 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Can I learn Nursing through an apprenticeship instead of McDowell Technical Community College?
There are 4 registered apprenticeships connected to Nursing occupations, such as Home Health Director and Long Term Care Nurse Management. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
How many job openings are there for Nursing graduates?
The career paths mapped to Nursing have roughly 292,500 combined annual openings nationally, making this a very large job market. Demand is driven by an aging population and expanding healthcare access.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →