Practical Nursing at Riverside College of Health Careers
Admission to Riverside College of Health Careers is competitive, with 17% of applicants accepted, a compact campus enrolling 325 students in Newport News, VA.
Program Analysis
At $46,106/yr, Practical Nursing graduates from Riverside College of Health Careers land near the $44,151 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.
With a 33.1x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 2% 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.
The median debt load of $9,500 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.
A #435 ranking among 703 Practical Nursing programs places Riverside College of Health Careers in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.
The limited growth from $46,106 to $48,889 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 Riverside College of Health Careers
How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?
Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.