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Practical Nursing at University of Arkansas Community College Rich Mountain

Mena, AR · Public · Certificate · Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants

with a smaller student body of 475 in Mena, AR.

Program Analysis

At $36,179 per year, Practical Nursing graduates from University of Arkansas Community College Rich Mountain earn below the $44,151 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

The 145.3x 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 — 18% task exposure — and the 27% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Practical Nursing graduates.

Ranked #161 out of 703 programs, University of Arkansas Community College Rich Mountain's Practical Nursing program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $36,179 to $48,773 shows 35% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

Practical Nursing connects to 2 apprenticeship options. The earn-while-you-learn model can be a strong alternative or complement to a certificate program.

TradeSchoolOutlook Score

Low End

Score

High End

Earnings $36,179/yr (-18% vs median)

AI-Proof AI-Proof (82% shielded)

Job Market Very Large (258,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings

$518K

7.8% annual growth

Earnings Multiple (In-State)

146.8x

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)

$3,528

Out-of-state: $4,104

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$48,773

35% growth from Year 1

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 University of Arkansas Community College Rich Mountain

How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?

Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Practical Nursing at University of Arkansas Community College Rich Mountain?

At 77/100, this is a high-performing trade program. The TradeSchoolOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.

How AI-proof is a career in Practical Nursing?

For University of Arkansas Community College Rich Mountain graduates, AI risk is minimal. Practical Nursing rated "AI-Proof" — 82% of the work involves hands-on skills that current AI simply can't perform.

Why does University of Arkansas Community College Rich Mountain rank so high for Practical Nursing?

The #161 ranking out of 703 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable, and the job market supports this trade.

Can you still earn well with Practical Nursing from University of Arkansas Community College Rich Mountain?

First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.

Can I learn Practical Nursing through an apprenticeship instead of University of Arkansas Community College Rich Mountain?

If University of Arkansas Community College Rich Mountain's tuition gives you pause, consider that 2 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for Practical Nursing. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.

How many job openings are there for Practical Nursing graduates?

At 258,500 annual openings, Practical Nursing has a very large employment base. University of Arkansas Community College Rich Mountain graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given an aging population and expanding healthcare access.

Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →