Practical Nursing at Butte College
enrolling 8,384 students in Oroville, CA.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $65,467 put Butte College's Practical Nursing program 48% above the national median of $44,151 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.
The 256.3x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.
With only 18% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, the scenario spread is tight at 0%. Career paths for Practical Nursing are among the more automation-resistant trades we analyze.
With first-year pay of $65,467 far exceeding the $11,824 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
A #1 ranking out of 703 programs puts Butte College in the top 1% for Practical Nursing. By our composite measure, very few programs deliver stronger results.
Practical Nursing connects to 2 apprenticeship options. The earn-while-you-learn model can be a strong alternative or complement to a certificate program.
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 Butte College
Explore the Degree Alternative
Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.