Practical Nursing at American Career College-Ontario

Ontario, CA · Private for-profit · Certificate · Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants

a smaller institution with 2,014 students in Ontario, CA.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $52,792 at American Career College-Ontario come in 20% above the national median of $44,151 for Practical Nursing programs.

With only 18% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, the scenario spread is tight at 2%. Career paths for Practical Nursing are among the more automation-resistant trades we analyze.

With first-year pay of $52,792 far exceeding the $17,200 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #397 out of 703 programs, American Career College-Ontario's financial outcomes for Practical Nursing trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth is modest: $52,792 to $56,132 over five years (6% gain). This trade may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

Practical Nursing connects to 2 apprenticeship options. The earn-while-you-learn model can be a strong alternative or complement to a certificate program.

68 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
66
Low End
68
Score
69
High End
Earnings $52,792/yr (20% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (82% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (258,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$566K
1.6% annual growth
Viable Career Paths
2 of 2
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Median Debt at Graduation
$17,200
3.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$56,132
6% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Practical Nursing graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses $62,340 +2.6% 75%
Nursing assistants $39,530 +2.3% 90%
Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses
$62,340
+2.6% growth 75% AI-proof
Nursing assistants
$39,530
+2.3% growth 90% AI-proof

About Practical Nursing Careers

Your career begins on the front lines of patient care as a nursing assistant. In a hospital or long-term care facility, your active days will be spent helping patients with essential tasks like bathing, eating, and moving safely. You’ll be a vital part of the medical team, taking blood pressure and temperature and serving as the eyes and ears for the supervising nurses.

Read the full Practical Nursing career guide →

Compare & Explore

Practical Nursing Overview

Practical Nursing at Other Schools

Other Majors at American Career College-Ontario

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does American Career College-Ontario's Practical Nursing program score?
This program scores 68/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Practical Nursing programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
How AI-proof is a career in Practical Nursing?
Practical Nursing rates as "AI-Proof" for AI resilience. With only 18% of tasks exposed to automation, the trade's physical demands provide a natural shield against AI displacement.
Are there apprenticeship options for Practical Nursing?
Practical Nursing connects to 2 apprenticeship pathways. These DOL-registered programs combine structured training with paid employment — a strong alternative for students who prefer hands-on learning over classroom instruction.
Is there demand for Practical Nursing workers?
The career paths mapped to Practical Nursing have roughly 258,500 combined annual openings nationally, making this a very large job market. Trade careers in this field benefit from consistent replacement demand as workers retire.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →