Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Ashtabula County Technical and Career Campus

Graduates from Ashtabula County Technical and Career Campus's nursing assistant program face an unusual challenge: their earnings actually decline over time, dropping from $42,717 in the first year to $37,186 by year four—a 13% decrease. This runs counter to the typical career trajectory and suggests graduates may struggle to advance into better-paying positions. While the initial earnings sit near Ohio's median for these programs, they lag behind top performers in the state by $10,000 or more. The program ranks around the 40th percentile among Ohio's 77 nursing assistant programs, meaning roughly 60% of comparable programs deliver stronger outcomes.

The manageable debt of $16,535 keeps the immediate financial burden reasonable—you'd owe just 39 cents for every dollar earned in that first year. However, that ratio becomes less favorable as earnings slide in subsequent years. For context, Cincinnati State's similar program produces graduates earning nearly $54,000, suggesting location and institutional resources may significantly impact outcomes in this field.

The bottom line: This program offers affordable entry into healthcare work, but the declining earnings pattern raises questions about long-term career prospects. If your child can access programs at Cincinnati State or other top-performing Ohio schools, the $10,000+ earnings advantage would likely justify any additional effort or commute. If this is the most practical local option, plan for your graduate to actively pursue advancement opportunities or additional credentials to reverse that downward earnings trend.