Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at North Georgia Technical College

North Georgia Technical College's practical nursing program graduates earn above both the Georgia median ($42,152) and national median ($44,134) right out of the gate, ranking in the 60th percentile statewide. The debt load of about $15,000 translates to a manageable 0.32 debt-to-earnings ratio—meaning graduates earn more than three dollars for every dollar borrowed. That's a reasonable starting point for anyone pursuing a credential that takes less than two years to complete.

The concern here is the earnings trajectory. While most nursing grads see modest income growth as they gain experience, earnings from this program dip slightly by year four, dropping from $47,416 to $45,521. This might reflect the realities of LPN work in North Georgia, where advancement often requires returning to school for an RN degree rather than climbing within the same credential. It's worth noting that top-performing LPN programs in Georgia, like Augusta Tech, show first-year earnings above $51,000, suggesting geography and employer networks matter significantly within the state.

For families looking at affordable healthcare training, this program offers a solid entry point with minimal debt risk. Just understand that the ceiling for LPN earnings appears relatively fixed, and your child may need additional education later if they want meaningful income growth in nursing.