Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Fortis College-Norfolk

Fortis College-Norfolk's practical nursing program graduates earn more than 87% of similar programs nationally, but there's a puzzling twist: earnings actually slip slightly over the first four years of work. First-year graduates earn $50,451—well above both the national median ($44,134) and Virginia's median ($44,528)—yet by year four, that figure drops to $49,631. This pattern is unusual in nursing, where experience typically increases earning power.

The debt picture partially offsets concerns about that earnings plateau. At $20,455, graduates carry more debt than the typical Virginia nursing program ($16,182), but the 0.41 debt-to-earnings ratio remains manageable—less than half a year's salary. With two-thirds of students receiving Pell grants, this program clearly serves working-class families seeking quick healthcare credentials. The moderate earnings decline might reflect shift differentials available to new grads that phase out, or graduates moving from hospital to clinic settings as they gain experience and seek better hours.

Within Virginia, this program ranks solidly in the 60th percentile for earnings, trailing community colleges like Piedmont Virginia ($61,566) but competitive with ECPI and Fortis's Richmond campus. For families prioritizing faster entry into nursing over extended degree programs, the strong starting salary and reasonable debt load create a workable path—just don't expect significant salary growth in those critical early career years.