Practical Nursing at Delgado Community College

New Orleans, LA · Public · Certificate · Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants

with a mid-sized student body of 11,182 in New Orleans, LA.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $42,416 track close to the $44,151 national median for Practical Nursing programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

The 124.7x 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.

AI risk is moderate — 18% task exposure — and the 25% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Practical Nursing graduates.

The $27,150 debt-to-$42,416 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

Ranked #132 out of 703 programs, Delgado Community College's Practical Nursing program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $42,416 to $55,816 shows 32% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

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

79 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
76
Low End
79
Score
80
High End
Earnings $42,416/yr (-4% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (82% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (258,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$589K
7.1% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
125.9x
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
$4,678
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,150
7.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$55,816
32% 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

Practical Nursing Career Guide

Practical Nursing opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

Read the full Practical Nursing career guide →

Compare & Explore

Practical Nursing Overview

Practical Nursing at Other Schools

Other Majors at Delgado Community College

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Practical Nursing at Delgado Community College?
This program scores 79/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Practical Nursing nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, hands-on AI resilience, and solid financial return.
Will AI replace Practical Nursing jobs?
This is one of the more automation-resistant trades. Practical Nursing work requires physical skill and on-site presence — qualities AI cannot provide. Delgado Community College's score of 79/100 reflects this durability.
Why does Delgado Community College rank so high for Practical Nursing?
The #132 ranking out of 703 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable, and the job market supports this trade.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Practical Nursing graduates?
The DOL recognizes 2 apprenticeship pathways related to Practical Nursing. For students weighing Delgado Community College's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
Is there demand for Practical Nursing workers?
At 258,500 annual openings, Practical Nursing has a very large employment base. Delgado Community College graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given an aging population and expanding healthcare access.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →