Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Baptist Health College Little Rock

Baptist Health College Little Rock's practical nursing program stands out in Arkansas—graduates earn nearly $10,000 more than the typical LPN in the state, ranking in the 80th percentile statewide. At $48,332 in first-year earnings, this program also exceeds the national median and lands just shy of the top quartile nationally. The debt load of $22,750 sits above both state and national averages, but the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47 means graduates owe less than half their first-year salary, a manageable threshold by any standard.

The challenge lies in what happens next. Earnings dip slightly to $47,687 by year four, suggesting limited room for advancement in LPN roles—a common pattern in this field where career growth often requires returning to school for an RN license. Still, Baptist Health graduates start strong and maintain solid earning power, likely benefiting from the institution's direct healthcare system connections in Little Rock. Among Arkansas programs, only Northwest Technical Institute posts higher first-year earnings.

For families willing to take on moderate debt for immediate earning potential in healthcare, this program delivers. Your child will graduate with manageable debt and earnings that outpace most Arkansas LPNs from day one. Just understand that this certificate represents a stable income floor rather than a steep upward trajectory—which may be exactly what some students need.