Practical Nursing at Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Knoxville

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

with a smaller student body of 730 in Knoxville, TN.

Program Analysis

At $38,388/yr, Practical Nursing graduates from Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Knoxville land near the $44,151 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

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.

At #594 out of 703 programs, Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Knoxville's financial outcomes for Practical Nursing trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth is modest: $38,388 to $43,041 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.

63 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
60
Low End
63
Score
63
High End
Earnings $38,388/yr (-13% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (82% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (258,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$438K
2.9% 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)
$43,041
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

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 Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Knoxville

How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?

Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Knoxville's Practical Nursing program score?
At 63/100, the score looks reasonable — but Practical Nursing is a high-scoring trade overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Will AI replace Practical Nursing jobs?
For Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Knoxville 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 I learn Practical Nursing through an apprenticeship instead of Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Knoxville?
The DOL recognizes 2 apprenticeship pathways related to Practical Nursing. For students weighing Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Knoxville's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
What's the job market like for Practical Nursing from Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Knoxville?
The career paths mapped to Practical Nursing have roughly 258,500 combined annual openings nationally, making this a very large job market. Demand is driven by an aging population and expanding healthcare access.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →