Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Laredo College

In Texas, practical nursing programs vary dramatically in what graduates earn, and Laredo College's outcomes fall toward the middle of the pack. Similar certificate programs across the state suggest first-year debt around $14,250—a manageable figure that represents about 32% of first-year earnings. That's a reasonable starting point for a healthcare credential, especially when the national median for practical nursing sits at $44,134.

The concern here is what happens after that first year. While graduates start near the state and national averages at $44,745, earnings drop to $36,500 by year four—an 18% decline that runs counter to typical career progression. This pattern could reflect workforce dynamics in Laredo's healthcare market, shifts to part-time schedules, or other local factors that affect LPN earning potential over time. Top-performing nursing programs in Texas like Alvin Community College produce graduates earning $65,000, suggesting significant variation in how these credentials translate to long-term income depending on where you train and work.

For families weighing this investment, the debt load appears manageable if those first-year earnings hold steady, but the downward earnings trajectory raises questions about career stability or advancement opportunities. Understanding why earnings decline—whether it's a regional labor market issue or something else—matters before committing to this path in Laredo specifically.