Practical Nursing at Pima Community College
enrolling 13,869 students in Tucson, AZ.
Program Analysis
Pima Community College's Practical Nursing graduates start at $47,205/yr — above the $44,151 national average, though not by a wide margin.
With a 324.3x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
Career paths for Practical Nursing carry above-average AI exposure (18% of tasks). The 37% scenario spread means the difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes is substantial.
Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $9,500 in median debt clears fast against $47,205 in annual earnings.
Pima Community College ranks #20 among 703 Practical Nursing programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.
The $47,205-to-$71,022 earnings arc over five years reflects a 50% gain — well above average career growth for trade school graduates.
For students considering alternatives, 2 registered apprenticeship programs align with Practical Nursing careers — offering paid training instead of tuition costs.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
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% |
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.
Compare & Explore
Practical Nursing Overview
Practical Nursing at Other Schools
Other Majors at Pima Community College
Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree
Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.