Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Franklin Technology Center Adult Education

Franklin Technology Center's practical nursing program produces graduates earning nearly $48,000 in their first year—solidly above both Missouri's median ($43,355) and the national benchmark ($44,134) for this credential. At the 60th percentile among Missouri programs, it outperforms about two-thirds of competing schools in the state, though it falls short of top-tier programs like North Central Missouri College, where graduates earn $60,000.

The debt picture looks manageable: $14,959 borrowed translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31, meaning graduates owe roughly four months of salary. This aligns closely with typical borrowing for practical nursing programs, and the numbers suggest most graduates should be able to handle repayment while working in this field. With 55% of students receiving Pell grants, the program clearly serves working-class families looking for a direct path to stable healthcare employment.

The main limitation here is sample size—fewer than 30 graduates means these numbers could shift with a larger cohort. That said, practical nursing remains one of the more reliable vocational credentials, and Franklin Technology Center's results suggest it's delivering what it promises: a relatively quick, affordable route to middle-class earnings in a field with persistent demand.