Practical Nursing at City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College

Chicago, IL · Public · Certificate · Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants

serving 5,847 students in Chicago, IL.

Program Analysis

City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College's Practical Nursing graduates start at $36,493/yr, trailing the $44,151 national average by 17%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

The 87.2x 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.

Ranked #221 out of 703 programs, City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College's Practical Nursing offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

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

73 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
72
Low End
73
Score
74
High End
Earnings $36,493/yr (-17% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (82% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (258,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$382K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
87.2x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
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.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$4,380
Out-of-state: $14,430

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

Practical Nursing Career Guide

From day-one roles to senior positions, Practical Nursing careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering healthcare.

Read the full Practical Nursing career guide →

Compare & Explore

Practical Nursing Overview

Practical Nursing at Other Schools

Other Majors at City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Practical Nursing at City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College?
A score of 73/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College's Practical Nursing graduates fare well on earnings, job market size, and return on investment.
How safe is Practical Nursing from automation?
For City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College graduates, AI risk is minimal. Practical Nursing rated "AI-Proof" — 82% of the work involves hands-on skills that current AI simply can't perform.
Can you still earn well with Practical Nursing from City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College?
Starting salary is one data point. If City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Practical Nursing program at City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College?
The DOL recognizes 2 apprenticeship pathways related to Practical Nursing. For students weighing City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
Is there demand for Practical Nursing workers?
Job availability for Practical Nursing is strong — 258,500 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College graduates specifically, local market conditions in IL may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →