Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Centura College-Virginia Beach

Looking at similar nursing assistant and practical nursing certificate programs across Virginia, the typical graduate faces about $20,500 in debt—roughly $4,300 more than the state median—to reach first-year earnings around $44,500. That debt load translates to about six months of gross income, which is manageable compared to many certificate programs, though not exceptional for healthcare training that leads to immediate employment.

The estimated figures here come from peer programs at similar Virginia institutions, and they suggest a workable but not outstanding investment. Year-four earnings of $48,207 show modest salary growth, which is actually typical in licensed practical nursing where wages tend to plateau relatively quickly. What's concerning is that several competing Virginia programs—including nearby community colleges like Piedmont Virginia—report significantly higher outcomes, with some graduates earning $60,000+ in their first year. With 71% of students receiving Pell grants, that debt burden matters more at this school than it might elsewhere.

For families weighing this program, the key question is whether Centura's actual outcomes justify both higher estimated debt and lower potential earnings than top-performing alternatives in the state. Before committing, contact the school directly to ask about their specific graduate outcomes and licensure pass rates, and compare seriously with local community college nursing programs that appear to deliver stronger returns at lower cost.