Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Manatee Technical College

Manatee Technical College's practical nursing program produces graduates earning $47,102 in their first year—nearly $6,200 above Florida's state median for this credential. While it doesn't match the state's absolute top performers (Florida State College at Jacksonville graduates earn $57,579), it sits comfortably in the 60th percentile among Florida's 110 practical nursing programs, a meaningful distinction given the field's crowded landscape.

The debt picture requires some context. At $11,500, graduates carry slightly above Florida's typical $10,379 for this program, but the 0.24 debt-to-earnings ratio remains manageable—borrowers would dedicate about three months of gross income to repay their loans. This is a reasonable investment for a credential that produces immediate employability in healthcare. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) suggests consistent outcomes rather than statistical anomalies.

For Florida families seeking practical nursing training, this program offers solid middle-tier performance without the premium cost of private institutions like Herzing or Meridian College. Graduates earn 15% more than the state median while taking on debt that's only marginally higher. That's a workable equation for students prioritizing quick entry into nursing with earnings that exceed what most Florida LPN programs deliver.