Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Jefferson Community and Technical College

Jefferson Community and Technical College's practical nursing program earns above-average marks within Kentucky—landing at the 60th percentile statewide—but the first-year earnings of $33,594 lag significantly behind the national median of $44,134. That initial gap matters when you're carrying $14,187 in debt, though the debt load itself is reasonable and falls just below the national median.

The compelling case here is the earnings trajectory. By year four, graduates see their income jump 48% to $49,671, reaching near the national 75th percentile and closing most of that early gap. This strong growth pattern suggests graduates are gaining valuable experience and potentially moving into better-paying positions or specialties. Within Kentucky's nursing certificate market, JCTC sits solidly in the middle tier—behind private schools like Galen and Beckfield that command higher starting salaries, but ahead of most community college options.

For families prioritizing affordability and upward mobility, this program makes sense. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 is manageable, and the moderate cost paired with strong growth potential creates a workable path into nursing. Just recognize your child will likely start at a lower salary than national peers but should catch up within a few years if they stay in the field.