Practical Nursing at Trinity Valley Community College

Athens, TX · Public · Associate Degree · Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants

with a smaller student body of 4,793 in Athens, TX.

Program Analysis

Trinity Valley Community College's Practical Nursing program produces graduates earning $39,356/yr — within striking distance of the $44,151 national average for this trade.

The 80.5x 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.

With only 18% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, the scenario spread is tight at 3%. Career paths for Practical Nursing are among the more automation-resistant trades we analyze.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $10,500 in median debt clears fast against $39,356 in annual earnings.

Ranked #218 out of 703 programs, Trinity Valley Community College's Practical Nursing offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

Earnings growth is modest: $39,356 to $42,192 over five years (7% gain). This trade may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

Practical Nursing connects to 2 apprenticeship options. The earn-while-you-learn model can be a strong alternative or complement to a certificate program.

74 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
72
Low End
74
Score
74
High End
Earnings $39,356/yr (-11% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (82% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (258,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$426K
1.8% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
80.7x
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)
$5,280
Out-of-state: $11,940
Median Debt at Graduation
$10,500
3.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$42,192
7% 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 Trinity Valley Community 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 74/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Practical Nursing at Trinity Valley Community College?
This program scores 74/100 — 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 safe is Practical Nursing from automation?
For Trinity Valley Community College graduates, AI risk is minimal. Practical Nursing rated "AI-Proof" — 82% of the work involves hands-on skills that current AI simply can't perform.
How affordable is Practical Nursing at Trinity Valley Community College?
At $10,500 in median debt, Practical Nursing graduates from Trinity Valley Community College carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.3x is well below the trade program average.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Practical Nursing graduates?
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.
Will Practical Nursing graduates from Trinity Valley Community College find jobs?
With approximately 258,500 annual openings across mapped careers, Practical Nursing offers a very large employment pool. Trinity Valley Community 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 →