Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Marian Health Careers Center-Los Angeles Campus

Marian Health Careers Center places graduates into some of the best-paying nursing assistant positions in the country—graduates earn $58,726 in their first year, dramatically outpacing the national median of $44,134 and landing at the 95th percentile nationally. Yet within California's competitive landscape, where nursing assistant wages run higher across the board, this program sits closer to the middle of the pack at the 60th percentile. The modest $12,333 debt load, well below California's typical $17,421, translates to a very manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.21.

The downside here is real: earnings decline 15% by year four to $50,050. This likely reflects the reality of LVN/LPN career trajectories—many graduates use these positions as stepping stones to RN programs or shift to less physically demanding roles. Still, even that four-year number exceeds what most nursing assistants earn nationally right out of school. With 42% of students receiving Pell grants, this program clearly serves working-class Angelenos who need quick workforce entry.

For a parent considering this investment, the math works: low debt, strong initial earnings, and a credential that opens doors to healthcare employment immediately. Just understand that unlike many healthcare careers, this one doesn't typically reward experience with growing paychecks—the value lies in fast entry and future advancement opportunities.