Practical Nursing at Palm Beach State College
with 20,532 students enrolled in Lake Worth, FL.
Program Analysis
At $44,422/yr, Practical Nursing graduates from Palm Beach State College land near the $44,151 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.
The 170.0x 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 11%. Career paths for Practical Nursing are among the more automation-resistant trades we analyze.
The median debt load of $6,014 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.
A #63 ranking out of 703 Practical Nursing programs nationally puts Palm Beach State College in the top 10% — a strong but not elite position.
Earnings growth is modest: $44,422 to $50,948 over five years (15% 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.
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 Palm Beach State College
How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?
Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.