Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Chemeketa Community College

This program carries $9,500 in debt—well below both the state median of $16,500 and national median of $14,803 for practical nursing certificates. With estimated first-year earnings around $55,000 based on comparable Oregon programs, you're looking at a debt load of just three months' salary, which creates meaningful breathing room for a new graduate entering the workforce.

Oregon's practical nursing market appears stronger than most states, with the four peer programs suggesting earnings about $11,000 higher than the national median. Chemeketa's estimated outcomes sit right in the middle of reported Oregon programs, ranging from Lane Community College at $50,569 to Institute of Technology at $58,518. The field offers immediate employment—healthcare facilities across Oregon actively recruit LPNs—and the lower debt burden here matters more than chasing a few thousand dollars in potential earnings difference between schools.

The value proposition depends on whether nursing is the actual career goal. With debt this manageable and earnings estimates based on solid state-level data, the financial risk is contained. But if your child is uncertain about hands-on patient care or might want a different healthcare path, this certificate won't transfer easily to other programs. For students committed to becoming practical nurses, the low debt makes this a defensible choice even with estimated rather than school-specific earnings data.