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

About Practical Nursing Careers

Your career begins on the front lines of patient care as a nursing assistant. In a hospital or long-term care facility, your active days will be spent helping patients with essential tasks like bathing, eating, and moving safely. You’ll be a vital part of the medical team, taking blood pressure and temperature and serving as the eyes and ears for the supervising nurses.

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 safe is Practical Nursing from automation?
This is one of the more automation-resistant trades. Practical Nursing work requires physical skill and on-site presence — qualities AI cannot provide. Our model rates it "AI-Proof" overall.
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?
Practical Nursing connects to 2 apprenticeship pathways. These DOL-registered programs combine structured training with paid employment — a strong alternative for students who prefer hands-on learning over classroom instruction.
How many job openings are there for Practical Nursing graduates?
With approximately 258,500 annual openings across mapped careers, Practical Nursing offers a very large employment pool. Physical trades tend to have steady demand driven by infrastructure and construction cycles.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →