Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Manatee Technical College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
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.
Where Manatee Technical College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants certificate's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Manatee Technical College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Manatee Technical College graduates earn $47k, placing them in the 63th percentile of all practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants certificate programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants certificate's programs at peer institutions in Florida (110 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manatee Technical College | $47,102 | — | $11,500 | 0.24 |
| Florida State College at Jacksonville | $57,579 | — | $19,000 | 0.33 |
| Meridian College | $54,072 | — | — | — |
| Herzing University-Orlando | $47,310 | $55,934 | $22,586 | 0.48 |
| Herzing University-Tampa | $47,310 | $55,934 | $22,586 | 0.48 |
| Pinellas Technical College-St. Petersburg | $47,306 | — | $17,485 | 0.37 |
| National Median | $44,134 | — | $14,803 | 0.34 |
Other Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants Programs in Florida
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Florida schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida State College at Jacksonville Jacksonville | $2,878 | $57,579 | $19,000 |
| Meridian College Sarasota | — | $54,072 | — |
| Herzing University-Orlando Winter Park | $13,420 | $47,310 | $22,586 |
| Herzing University-Tampa Tampa | $13,420 | $47,310 | $22,586 |
| Pinellas Technical College-St. Petersburg Saint Petersburg | — | $47,306 | $17,485 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Manatee Technical College, approximately 28% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 49 graduates with reported earnings and 27 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.