Practical Nursing at Pickens Technical College

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

a smaller institution with 646 students in Aurora, CO.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $53,360 at Pickens Technical College come in 21% above the national median of $44,151 for Practical Nursing programs.

With a 113.2x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 0% 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.

At #60 of 703 programs, this Practical Nursing program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

For students considering alternatives, 2 registered apprenticeship programs align with Practical Nursing careers — offering paid training instead of tuition costs.

82 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
81
Low End
82
Score
83
High End
Earnings $53,360/yr (21% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (82% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (258,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$558K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
113.2x
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)
$4,930
Out-of-state: $8,330

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 Pickens Technical 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 Pickens Technical College?
At 82/100, this is a high-performing trade program. The TradeSchoolOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
How safe is Practical Nursing from automation?
Highly resilient. Practical Nursing careers are fundamentally hands-on — they require physical presence and manual skill that AI cannot replicate. Pickens Technical College graduates retain 2 of 2 viable career paths even under conservative assumptions.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Practical Nursing graduates?
Yes — 2 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Practical Nursing career paths, including Nurse, Licensed Practical. Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to a program at Pickens Technical College.
Will Practical Nursing graduates from Pickens Technical College find jobs?
With approximately 258,500 annual openings across mapped careers, Practical Nursing offers a very large employment pool. Pickens Technical College graduates enter a market shaped by an aging population and expanding healthcare access.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →