Practical Nursing at Hartnell College

Salinas, CA · Public · Certificate · Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants

with a mid-sized student body of 7,153 in Salinas, CA.

Program Analysis

At $63,321 per year, Practical Nursing graduates from Hartnell College significantly outpace the $44,151 national average for this trade, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 471.9x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Practical Nursing programs nationally.

AI disruption models show minimal impact on this program's career paths. The gap between optimistic and pessimistic scenarios is just 0% — this trade's hands-on core resists automation.

Ranked #2 of 703 Practical Nursing programs nationally, Hartnell College sits in the top 1% — one of the strongest programs in the country by financial outcomes.

There are 2 registered apprenticeship pathways mapped to Practical Nursing, including Nurse, Licensed Practical (median $62,340/yr). Apprenticeships offer an alternative route that combines paid work with structured training.

88 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
85
Low End
88
Score
88
High End
Earnings $63,321/yr (43% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (82% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (258,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$662K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
471.9x
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)
$1,404
Out-of-state: $8,994

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

What can you do with a Practical Nursing credential from Hartnell College? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Practical Nursing career guide →

Compare & Explore

Practical Nursing Overview

Practical Nursing at Other Schools

Other Majors at Hartnell College

How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 88/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Practical Nursing at Hartnell College?
This program scores 88/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Practical Nursing nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, hands-on AI resilience, and solid financial return.
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. Hartnell College's score of 88/100 reflects this durability.
Is Hartnell College one of the best schools for Practical Nursing?
Ranked #2 of 703 programs nationally, Hartnell College lands in the top 1%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Practical Nursing program at Hartnell College?
There are 2 registered apprenticeships connected to Practical Nursing occupations, such as Nurse, Licensed Practical and Nurse, Licensed Practical. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
Is there demand for Practical Nursing workers?
Job availability for Practical Nursing is strong — 258,500 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For Hartnell College graduates specifically, local market conditions in CA may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →