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West Kentucky Community and Technical College
Paducah, Kentucky · Public technical college · Training programs available:
Address: 4810 Alben Barkley Drive, Paducah, KY 42001 · Phone: (270) 554-9200 · School website ↗ · Verify on College Scorecard ↗
No accreditor sanctions in the last 36 months
West Kentucky Community and Technical College is a public trade and career school in Paducah, KY offering LPN/LVN, welding, and electrician programs, accredited by multiple bodies including the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Per the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, this campus has a 49.8% completion rate versus a 55.5% state average, with graduates carrying median debt of $8,986 and median earnings of $34,891 ten years after entry.
Annual cost of attendance is not reported in federal data for this campus; however, it participates in federal financial aid (Title IV), and about 33.1% of students receive Pell Grants.
What these trades pay once you're working
| Occupation | Starting (10th pct) | Median | Experienced (75th) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses | $48,420 | $60,460 | $65,090 |
| Welders, cutters, solderers and brazers | $39,300 | $51,470 | $59,900 |
| Electricians | $37,110 | $59,720 | $77,920 |
| Construction laborers | $33,770 | $45,710 | $50,040 |
| Automotive service technicians and mechanics | $30,210 | $44,890 | $59,990 |
| Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists | $38,250 | $55,480 | $63,740 |
| HVAC and refrigeration mechanics and installers | $38,790 | $58,620 | $67,540 |
| Chefs and head cooks | $31,550 | $48,070 | $66,770 |
| Machinists | $39,070 | $58,660 | $71,530 |
| Hairdressers, hairstylists and cosmetologists | $22,580 | $29,840 | $42,220 |
| Radiologic technologists and technicians | $51,740 | $69,670 | $81,370 |
| Emergency medical technicians | $29,800 | $36,800 | $44,380 |
| Medical assistants | $32,950 | $39,270 | $45,940 |
| Pharmacy technicians | $31,760 | $39,200 | $46,470 |
| Dental hygienists | $61,280 | $78,830 | $91,800 |
| Surgical technologists | $41,440 | $60,490 | $66,630 |
| Nursing assistants | $30,390 | $38,370 | $44,120 |
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics wages for everyone employed in the occupation in Kentucky (May 2025; national where the state figure is not published). The program table below shows what this campus's own graduates earned in their first year, whatever job they took.
Trade programs at this campus
| Program | Credential | Grads / yr | Earnings, yr 1 | Earnings, yr 2 | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants | Certificate, under 300 hours | 296 | $37,413 | $36,134 | $6,025 |
| Precision Metal Working | Certificate, under 300 hours | 146 | not reported | not reported | $5,625 |
| Precision Metal Working | Certificate, 300–899 hours | 99 | not reported | not reported | $5,625 |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers | Certificate, 300–899 hours | 93 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Carpenters | Certificate, 300–899 hours | 74 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians | Certificate, 300–899 hours | 44 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR) | Certificate, 300–899 hours | 29 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions | Certificate, under 300 hours | 27 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants | Certificate, 1–2 years | 27 | $37,413 | $36,134 | $6,025 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians | Certificate, under 300 hours | 26 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services | Certificate, 1–2 years | 25 | not reported | $14,935 | not reported |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers | Certificate, under 300 hours | 23 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Precision Metal Working | Certificate, 1–2 years | 23 | not reported | not reported | $5,625 |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services | Certificate, 300–899 hours | 21 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers | Associate degree | 21 | not reported | $28,212 | not reported |
| Precision Metal Working | Certificate, 300–899 hours | 19 | not reported | not reported | $5,625 |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers | Certificate, 1–2 years | 17 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions | Associate degree | 16 | $39,911 | $43,798 | $9,618 |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services | Certificate, 1–2 years | 14 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR) | Certificate, 1–2 years | 14 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians | Certificate, 1–2 years | 13 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions | Associate degree | 11 | $39,911 | $43,798 | $9,618 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services | Associate degree | 10 | not reported | $36,852 | not reported |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions | Certificate, 1–2 years | 9 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services | Certificate, 300–899 hours | 8 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Carpenters | Certificate, 1–2 years | 8 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Precision Metal Working | Certificate, 1–2 years | 8 | not reported | not reported | $5,625 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions | Associate degree | 7 | $39,911 | $43,798 | $9,618 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians | Certificate, 300–899 hours | 6 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants | Certificate, 300–899 hours | 5 | $37,413 | $36,134 | $6,025 |
| Precision Metal Working | Associate degree | 4 | not reported | $30,771 | not reported |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services | Associate degree | 3 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians | Associate degree | 3 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services | Certificate, 1–2 years | 2 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services | Certificate, 300–899 hours | 2 | not reported | $14,935 | not reported |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians | Certificate, 1–2 years | 1 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
Earnings are median wages and self-employment income reported to the IRS (W-2 and Schedule SE) for graduates who received federal aid and were working and not enrolled, measured in the calendar year after finishing. They are pay only: health insurance, retirement contributions and other benefits are not included.
Graduates per year from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2022-23 Completions survey. Earnings and debt are College Scorecard field-of-study medians for graduates of this program at this campus (reported at the 4-digit program level, so closely related programs share a figure); "not reported" means too few graduates were counted to publish a figure.
About this school
West Kentucky Community and Technical College is a public trade and career training campus in Paducah, Kentucky, located in a small city setting. The school participates in federal financial aid programs (Title IV), meaning students may use FAFSA, Pell Grants, and federal loans to help cover costs. It holds accreditation from several bodies depending on program area, including the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation, the American Physical Therapy Association's Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Across 36 program offerings, the campus awards the most completions in LPN/LVN programs, welding, and electrician training.
Federal data shows a completion rate of 49.8%, which is below the Kentucky state average of 55.5%. Graduates carry a median debt of $8,986, and median earnings ten years after entry are $34,891. About 33.1% of students receive Pell Grants. Annual cost of attendance is not reported for this campus in federal data.
This campus may suit students pursuing shorter, hands-on credentials in healthcare and skilled trades rather than longer four-year degrees, though specific program lengths are not detailed here. Career changers considering a switch to nursing, welding, or electrical work may want to review program-level details directly with the school. To verify current accreditation status and detailed outcome data, prospective students can consult the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard or contact the school directly.
Questions students ask
What trade and career programs does this campus offer?
West Kentucky Community and Technical College offers 36 program areas, with the most completions in LPN/LVN programs, welding, and electrician training. Other program families include HVAC, culinary, CNC machining, cosmetology, and various allied health fields.
Is this school accredited, and by whom?
Yes, the school is accredited. Depending on the program, accreditors include the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation, the American Physical Therapy Association's Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Can I use federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) at this school?
Yes, this school participates in Title IV federal financial aid programs, so students can use FAFSA, Pell Grants, and federal loans.
What share of students finish their program here, and how does that compare to the state?
The completion rate is 49.8%, which is below the Kentucky state average of 55.5%, according to federal data.
How much debt do graduates of this school typically carry?
Graduates carry a median debt of $8,986, per federal Scorecard data.
What do graduates of this school earn?
Median earnings ten years after entry are $34,891, per the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
How much does it cost to attend for a year?
Annual cost of attendance is not reported for this campus in federal data; contact the school at (270) 554-9200 or visit its website for current tuition figures.
Is this a public, non-profit, or for-profit school, and why does that matter?
This is a public institution, which often means lower tuition for state residents and eligibility for state-level funding, though specific tuition figures are not reported here.
How long do the programs here take to complete?
Program length is not reported in the available data; contact the school directly or check its website for details on specific program durations.
How do I verify this school's accreditation and outcomes myself?
You can verify accreditation status and review detailed outcome data through the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard at the provided link, or by contacting the school directly.
Is this school a good fit for an adult changing careers?
The data does not specify program formats or schedules tailored to adult learners, so career changers should contact the school directly to discuss fit for their situation.
What license or certification will I need after finishing a program here?
Licensing and certification requirements are not detailed in this data; prospective students should contact the school to learn about requirements for specific programs like LPN, welding, or electrician training.
How do I contact the school or apply?
You can reach West Kentucky Community and Technical College at (270) 554-9200 or through its website at https://westkentucky.kctcs.edu/.
How does this campus compare with other schools offering the same trade nearby?
Comparative data on other nearby schools is not included here; use the College Scorecard link to compare completion rates, costs, and earnings across institutions.
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Data: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2022-23 Completions survey; College Scorecard June 2026; Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP), September 2026. Figures are the U.S. Department of Education's official measures, not Career Training Path's opinion. Tuition, schedules and program availability change — confirm with the school before enrolling.