Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Institute of Technology

At $58,518 in first-year earnings, Institute of Technology's nursing program launches graduates into a financial stratosphere—earning 33% more than the national median and cracking the 95th percentile nationwide. This is one of the highest-paying practical nursing programs in the country. Even within Oregon, where nursing salaries run higher than most states, these graduates outperform 60% of comparable programs. The debt load of $16,154 is entirely manageable at just 3.4 months of first-year salary.

The significant concern here is what happens next. Earnings drop 11% by year four to $51,896, which still pays well but suggests graduates may hit a ceiling quickly—perhaps reflecting the inherent limits of LPN roles versus RN positions. This pattern is common in practical nursing, where early career pay can rival or exceed entry-level RN salaries but advancement opportunities remain limited. Still, even at the four-year mark, graduates earn well above the national median for the field.

For a parent weighing a short-term certificate against a longer nursing degree, this program delivers immediate returns that justify the investment. The debt is modest, the starting salary is exceptional, and even with earnings softening over time, graduates maintain strong earning power. If your child needs to start working quickly or wants to test healthcare before committing to a bachelor's degree, this represents a low-risk, high-reward entry point.