Practical Nursing at Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Dickson

Dickson, TN · Public · Certificate · Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants

with a smaller student body of 622 in Dickson, TN.

Program Analysis

Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Dickson's Practical Nursing program produces graduates earning $42,651/yr — within striking distance of the $44,151 national average for this trade.

The 8% spread between best and worst-case AI scenarios signals strong resilience. Most careers in Practical Nursing involve physical, hands-on work that current AI cannot replicate.

A #520 ranking among 703 Practical Nursing programs places Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Dickson in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $42,651 to $47,640 over five years suggests earnings in this trade plateau relatively early in one's career.

For students considering alternatives, 2 registered apprenticeship programs align with Practical Nursing careers — offering paid training instead of tuition costs.

65 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
63
Low End
65
Score
66
High End
Earnings $42,651/yr (-3% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (82% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (258,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$485K
2.8% annual growth
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.

Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$47,640
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

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 Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Dickson

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Dickson's Practical Nursing program score?
This program scores 65/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Practical Nursing programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
Is Practical Nursing from Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Dickson a future-proof career choice?
For Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Dickson 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.
Are there apprenticeship options for Practical Nursing?
If Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Dickson's tuition gives you pause, consider that 2 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for Practical Nursing. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
What's the job market like for Practical Nursing from Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Dickson?
With approximately 258,500 annual openings across mapped careers, Practical Nursing offers a very large employment pool. Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Dickson graduates enter a market shaped by an aging population and expanding healthcare access.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →