Practical Nursing at Waynesville Career Center

Waynesville, MO · Public · Certificate · Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants

a compact campus enrolling 21 students in Waynesville, MO.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $36,530 place Waynesville Career Center below the $44,151 national median for Practical Nursing — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

AI exposure is significant at 18% of job tasks, producing a 32% spread between best and worst-case decade earnings. The field isn't immune to disruption.

With first-year pay of $36,530 far exceeding the $9,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #623 out of 703 programs, Waynesville Career Center's financial outcomes for Practical Nursing trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $36,530 to $51,808 shows 42% 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.

62 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
59
Low End
62
Score
62
High End
Earnings $36,530/yr (-17% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (82% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (258,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$558K
9.1% annual growth
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.

Median Debt at Graduation
$9,500
3.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$51,808
42% 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

What can you do with a Practical Nursing credential from Waynesville Career Center? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Practical Nursing career guide →

Compare & Explore

Practical Nursing Overview

Practical Nursing at Other Schools

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Practical Nursing at Waynesville Career Center?
At 62/100, the score looks reasonable — but Practical Nursing is a high-scoring trade overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
How AI-proof is a career in Practical Nursing?
This is one of the more automation-resistant trades. Practical Nursing work requires physical skill and on-site presence — qualities AI cannot provide. Waynesville Career Center's score of 62/100 reflects this durability.
How affordable is Practical Nursing at Waynesville Career Center?
At $9,500 in median debt, Practical Nursing graduates from Waynesville Career Center carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.3x is well below the trade program average.
Is Waynesville Career Center a good choice for Practical Nursing despite lower starting pay?
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.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Practical Nursing graduates?
The DOL recognizes 2 apprenticeship pathways related to Practical Nursing. For students weighing Waynesville Career Center's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
How many job openings are there for Practical Nursing graduates?
The career paths mapped to Practical Nursing have roughly 258,500 combined annual openings nationally, making this a very large job market. Demand is driven by an aging population and expanding healthcare access.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →