Practical Nursing at Clark State College

Springfield, OH · Public · Certificate · Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants

a smaller institution with 3,134 students in Springfield, OH.

Program Analysis

Clark State College's Practical Nursing program produces graduates earning $41,996/yr — within striking distance of the $44,151 national average for this trade.

The 133.3x 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 22% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Practical Nursing graduates.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $13,792 in median debt clears fast against $41,996 in annual earnings.

Ranked #112 out of 703 programs, Clark State College's Practical Nursing program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $41,996 to $53,860 shows 28% 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.

80 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
76
Low End
80
Score
80
High End
Earnings $41,996/yr (-5% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (82% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (258,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$565K
6.4% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
134.4x
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 (In-State)
$4,200
Out-of-state: $7,809
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,792
3.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$53,860
28% 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 Clark State College

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 80/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Practical Nursing at Clark State College?
A score of 80/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. Clark State College's Practical Nursing graduates fare well on earnings, job market size, and return on investment.
How AI-proof is a career in Practical Nursing?
This is one of the more automation-resistant trades. Practical Nursing work requires physical skill and on-site presence — qualities AI cannot provide. Clark State College's score of 80/100 reflects this durability.
What makes Clark State College's Practical Nursing program stand out?
Ranked #112 of 703 programs nationally, Clark State College lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Practical Nursing graduates?
If Clark State College'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.
Is there demand for Practical Nursing workers?
With approximately 258,500 annual openings across mapped careers, Practical Nursing offers a very large employment pool. Clark State College graduates enter a market shaped by an aging population and expanding healthcare access.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →