Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Franklin County Career and Technology Center

Franklin County Career and Technology Center's practical nursing program starts strong—first-year graduates earn $48,947, which beats the national median by $4,800 and ranks in the 71st percentile nationwide. Among Pennsylvania's 53 programs, it lands in the 60th percentile, performing solidly if not spectacularly. The $14,760 debt load is remarkably close to both national and state medians, translating to a manageable 0.30 debt-to-earnings ratio that students can realistically pay down.

The complication emerges in the earnings trajectory: by year four, median pay drops to $44,237, a 10% decline that suggests graduates may be hitting the ceiling of what practical nursing roles typically pay or facing challenges in the local healthcare job market. This isn't unusual for LPN positions, which often have compressed wage ranges, but it means the strong starting salary may be as good as it gets. Compare this to top Pennsylvania programs like Delaware County Technical School, where graduates earn $66,000, and the gap becomes clear.

For families weighing this program, the value proposition is straightforward: low debt, immediate earning power, and reliable entry into healthcare work. Just understand you're buying a stable floor, not a ladder. If your child wants to maximize nursing income long-term, the better path may be starting here and bridging to an RN program later—or choosing a higher-performing LPN program from the start.