Practical Nursing at Pima Medical Institute-Tucson

Tucson, AZ · Private for-profit · Certificate · Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants

a smaller institution with 2,619 students in Tucson, AZ.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $28,834 place Pima Medical Institute-Tucson below the $44,151 national median for Practical Nursing — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

AI risk is moderate — 18% task exposure — and the 27% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Practical Nursing graduates.

With first-year pay of $28,834 far exceeding the $8,894 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #661 out of 703 programs, Pima Medical Institute-Tucson's financial outcomes for Practical Nursing trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $28,834 to $38,847 shows 35% 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.

57 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
54
Low End
57
Score
57
High End
Earnings $28,834/yr (-35% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (82% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (258,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$413K
7.7% 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
$8,894
3.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$38,847
35% 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 Pima Medical Institute-Tucson

Explore the Degree Alternative

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Pima Medical Institute-Tucson's Practical Nursing program score?
A score of 57/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but Pima Medical Institute-Tucson trails the majority of Practical Nursing programs on relative rankings. Context matters more than the raw number.
How safe is Practical Nursing from automation?
Practical Nursing rates as "AI-Proof" for AI resilience. With only 18% of tasks exposed to automation, the trade's physical demands provide a natural shield against AI displacement.
Can you still earn well with Practical Nursing from Pima Medical Institute-Tucson?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Are there apprenticeship options for Practical Nursing?
There are 2 registered apprenticeships connected to Practical Nursing occupations. 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?
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 →