Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Carthage R9 School District-Carthage Technical Center

Graduates from this program start strong—earning above both Missouri and national medians for practical nursing—but face a puzzling decline that demands explanation. First-year earnings of $47,524 land in the 60th percentile among Missouri's 33 practical nursing programs, and the debt load of $18,495 is reasonable for healthcare credentials. However, earnings drop to $37,963 by year four, a 20% decline that's unusual in a field with typically stable demand.

This earnings pattern could reflect several realities: graduates may be moving into lower-paying healthcare settings, reducing hours for family reasons, or leaving direct patient care roles. It's worth noting that 94% of students here receive Pell grants, suggesting the program serves a predominantly low-income population who may face different career constraints than typical nursing graduates. The technical center model—focused on quick workforce entry—succeeds at getting students employed fast, but the four-year trajectory raises questions about long-term career progression.

For families needing immediate income with manageable debt, this program delivers on that promise. But compare it to top Missouri performers like North Central Missouri College ($59,889) or Mineral Area College ($55,389), which maintain stronger earnings over time. If your child can access those alternatives without significantly more debt, they're worth serious consideration for better long-term earning potential.