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Practical Nursing at Western Iowa Tech Community College

Sioux City, IA · Public · Certificate · Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants

a compact campus enrolling 2,589 students in Sioux City, IA.

Program Analysis

At $29,348 per year, Practical Nursing graduates from Western Iowa Tech Community College earn below the $44,151 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

The 100.5x 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 exposure is significant at 18% of job tasks, producing a 40% spread between best and worst-case decade earnings. The field isn't immune to disruption.

The median debt load of $8,931 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.

Ranked #282 out of 703 programs, Western Iowa Tech Community College's Practical Nursing offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

Earnings growth from $29,348 to $53,424 over five years (82% increase) indicates that graduates in this trade see meaningful 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.

70 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
63
Low End
70
Score
70
High End
Earnings $29,348/yr (-34% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (82% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (258,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$515K
12.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
102.1x
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)
$5,042
Out-of-state: $5,186
Median Debt at Graduation
$8,931
3.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$53,424
82% 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 Western Iowa Tech Community College? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Practical Nursing career guide →

Compare & Explore

Practical Nursing Overview

View all 703 schools offering Practical Nursing →

Practical Nursing at Other Schools

Harmony Health Care Institute ($85,953) Schoolcraft Community College District ($75,104) Saint Michael College of Allied Health ($74,782) Otero College ($74,405) Beal University ($72,467) Unitek College ($72,368) Shawsheen Valley School of Practical Nursing ($72,230) Southern Worcester County Regional Vocational School District ($67,498)

Other Majors at Western Iowa Tech Community College

Nursing ($63,214) Criminal Justice ($43,547) Allied Health Professions ($43,254) Precision Metalworking ($41,613) Vehicle Repair Technology ($37,520) Medical Assisting ($37,483) HVAC Technology ($36,401) Electrical Installation ($35,556)

How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?

Compare Practical Nursing degree programs on DegreeOutlook →

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Western Iowa Tech Community College's Practical Nursing program score?
This program scores 70/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Practical Nursing nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, hands-on AI resilience, and solid financial return.
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. Western Iowa Tech Community College's score of 70/100 reflects this durability.
Can you still earn well with Practical Nursing from Western Iowa Tech Community College?
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.
Are there apprenticeship options for Practical Nursing?
If Western Iowa Tech Community College'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?
Job availability for Practical Nursing is strong — 258,500 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For Western Iowa Tech Community College graduates specifically, local market conditions in IA may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →