Practical Nursing at Mountain Empire Community College
with a smaller student body of 1,240 in Big Stone Gap, VA.
Program Analysis
At $35,693 per year, Practical Nursing graduates from Mountain Empire Community College earn below the $44,151 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.
With a 81.5x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 6% 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.
A #241 ranking among 703 Practical Nursing programs places Mountain Empire Community College in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.
The limited growth from $35,693 to $39,206 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 Mountain Empire Community College
How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?
Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.