Practical Nursing at Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology

Wichita, KS · Public · Certificate · Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants

a smaller institution with 2,778 students in Wichita, KS.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $38,356 track close to the $44,151 national median for Practical Nursing programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

The 82.7x 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 20% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Practical Nursing graduates.

At $9,500 in median debt against $38,356 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.

Ranked #206 out of 703 programs, Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology's Practical Nursing offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $38,356 to $48,113 shows 25% 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.

74 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
70
Low End
74
Score
74
High End
Earnings $38,356/yr (-13% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (82% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (258,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$502K
5.8% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
83.3x
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)
$6,018
Out-of-state: $6,928
Median Debt at Graduation
$9,500
3.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$48,113
25% 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

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.

Read the full Practical Nursing career guide →

Compare & Explore

Practical Nursing Overview

Practical Nursing at Other Schools

Other Majors at Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Practical Nursing at Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology?
A score of 74/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology's Practical Nursing graduates fare well on earnings, job market size, and return on investment.
Will AI replace Practical Nursing jobs?
This is one of the more automation-resistant trades. Practical Nursing work requires physical skill and on-site presence — qualities AI cannot provide. Our model rates it "AI-Proof" overall.
What's the typical debt for Practical Nursing graduates from Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology?
At $9,500 in median debt, Practical Nursing graduates from Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.2x is well below the trade program average.
Can I learn Practical Nursing through an apprenticeship instead?
There are 2 registered apprenticeships connected to Practical Nursing occupations. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
How many job openings are there for Practical Nursing graduates?
With approximately 258,500 annual openings across mapped careers, Practical Nursing offers a very large employment pool. Physical trades tend to have steady demand driven by infrastructure and construction cycles.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →