Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Western Area Career & Technology Center

Western Area Career & Technology Center's practical nursing program sits right at the national median for earnings but notably underperforms within Pennsylvania, landing at the 40th percentile statewide. Given that nursing programs across the state offer similar credentials and job prospects, that gap matters: graduates here earn about $2,700 less in their first year than the typical Pennsylvania program, and roughly $10,000 less than the state's better-performing career centers. The debt load of $16,500 is reasonable and slightly below the state median, but it doesn't offset the earnings difference.

The program serves a heavily low-income population (84% receive Pell grants), and with a 0.37 debt-to-earnings ratio, it's financially manageable—graduates can expect to earn nearly three times their debt in the first year. However, Pennsylvania families have access to over 50 programs offering this same credential, and several nearby options deliver significantly stronger outcomes. Delaware County Technical School's program, for instance, produces graduates earning $21,000 more annually.

For families committed to staying local in the Canonsburg area, this program provides affordable entry into nursing without crushing debt. But if your child can commute to or relocate for a stronger Pennsylvania program, the earnings advantage would likely outweigh any additional cost or inconvenience within the first few years of employment.