Practical Nursing at ATA College
with a smaller student body of 337 in Louisville, KY.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $41,553 track close to the $44,151 national median for Practical Nursing programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 38.7x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Practical Nursing programs nationally.
Some AI exposure exists in Practical Nursing's career paths, with 18% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 20% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $22,917 represents roughly 7 months of the $41,553 starting salary — a manageable burden by trade school standards.
Ranked #500 of 703 Practical Nursing programs, ATA College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Earnings grow from $41,553 to $52,095 over five years — a 25% increase that's moderate and in line with typical trade career progression.
There are 2 registered apprenticeship pathways mapped to Practical Nursing, including Nurse, Licensed Practical (median $62,340/yr). Apprenticeships offer an alternative route that combines paid work with structured training.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
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% |
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.
Compare & Explore
Practical Nursing Overview
Practical Nursing at Other Schools
Other Majors at ATA College
Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?
Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.