Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Schuyler Steuben Chemung Tioga Allegany BOCES

The downward earnings trajectory here demands attention: graduates at this BOCES program earn $40,826 in their first year but see that drop to $35,597 by year four—a 13% decline when most careers show growth. Among New York's 49 practical nursing programs, this ranks at the 40th percentile, falling well short of the state median of $45,021 and dramatically below top performers like Transitions Career Institute ($66k) or AMG School of Nursing ($65k).

The debt load of $12,784 offers some relief—it's manageable at just 31% of first-year earnings and below both state and national averages. With two-thirds of students receiving Pell grants, many may face minimal out-of-pocket costs after aid. However, lower debt doesn't compensate for earnings that trail most nursing assistant programs and actually decrease over time, which could signal workforce challenges like part-time hours, limited advancement, or regional wage pressures in the Southern Tier.

For families in the Elmira area seeking immediate healthcare employment, this program offers accessible entry to the field. But compare carefully against other NY options—even SUNY community colleges deliver significantly stronger earnings outcomes. The combination of below-average starting pay and declining wages suggests this certificate may work best as a stepping stone rather than a long-term career endpoint.