Practical Nursing at American Career College-Ontario

Ontario, CA · Private for-profit · Certificate · Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants

a smaller institution with 2,014 students in Ontario, CA.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $52,792 at American Career College-Ontario come in 20% above the national median of $44,151 for Practical Nursing programs.

With only 18% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, the scenario spread is tight at 2%. Career paths for Practical Nursing are among the more automation-resistant trades we analyze.

With first-year pay of $52,792 far exceeding the $17,200 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #397 out of 703 programs, American Career College-Ontario's financial outcomes for Practical Nursing trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth is modest: $52,792 to $56,132 over five years (6% 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.

68 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
66
Low End
68
Score
69
High End
Earnings $52,792/yr (20% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (82% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (258,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$566K
1.6% 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.

Median Debt at Graduation
$17,200
3.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$56,132
6% 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

Explore what Practical Nursing graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 703 programs nationwide.

Read the full Practical Nursing career guide →

Compare & Explore

Practical Nursing Overview

Practical Nursing at Other Schools

Other Majors at American Career College-Ontario

Explore the Degree Alternative

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How does American Career College-Ontario's Practical Nursing program score?
This program scores 68/100 — 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 American Career College-Ontario a future-proof career choice?
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 apprenticeship pathways exist for Practical Nursing graduates?
If American Career College-Ontario'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 American Career College-Ontario?
At 258,500 annual openings, Practical Nursing has a very large employment base. American Career College-Ontario 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 →