Practical Nursing at Northshore Technical Community College

Lacombe, LA · Public · Certificate · Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants

with a smaller student body of 2,156 in Lacombe, LA.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $38,643/yr, roughly in line with the $44,151 national median for Practical Nursing. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

The 104.1x 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 8%. Career paths for Practical Nursing are among the more automation-resistant trades we analyze.

With first-year pay of $38,643 far exceeding the $13,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Ranked #178 out of 703 programs, Northshore Technical Community College's Practical Nursing program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

Earnings growth is modest: $38,643 to $43,184 over five years (12% gain). This trade may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

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

76 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
74
Low End
76
Score
77
High End
Earnings $38,643/yr (-12% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (82% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (258,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$439K
2.8% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
104.5x
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
$4,203
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,000
4.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$43,184
12% 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

What can you do with a Practical Nursing credential from Northshore Technical Community College? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Practical Nursing career guide →

Compare & Explore

Practical Nursing Overview

Practical Nursing at Other Schools

Other Majors at Northshore Technical Community College

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Northshore Technical Community College's Practical Nursing program score?
At 76/100, this is a high-performing trade program. The TradeSchoolOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
How AI-proof is a career in Practical Nursing?
AI resilience is a strength here. Only 18% of Practical Nursing tasks overlap with AI capabilities, and 2 of 2 career paths remain viable even in our most conservative scenario.
What makes Northshore Technical Community College's Practical Nursing program stand out?
The #178 ranking out of 703 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable, and the job market supports this trade.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Practical Nursing program at Northshore Technical Community College?
The DOL recognizes 2 apprenticeship pathways related to Practical Nursing. For students weighing Northshore Technical Community College's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
Will Practical Nursing graduates from Northshore Technical Community College find jobs?
The very large job market (258,500 annual openings) works in favor of Practical Nursing graduates. The national outlook is driven by an aging population and expanding healthcare access, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →