Practical Nursing at Chattanooga State Community College
a smaller institution with 4,689 students in Chattanooga, TN.
Program Analysis
At $36,350 per year, Practical Nursing graduates from Chattanooga State Community College earn below the $44,151 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.
With a 115.6x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 28% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Practical Nursing career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.
The median debt load of $7,704 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.
A #197 ranking among 703 Practical Nursing programs places Chattanooga State Community College in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.
A 37% earnings increase from $36,350 to $49,840 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.
For students considering alternatives, 2 registered apprenticeship programs align with Practical Nursing careers — offering paid training instead of tuition costs.
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 Chattanooga State Community College
How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?
Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.