Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Orange Technical College-East Campus

Florida's nursing assistant and LPN programs show a wide earnings spread, and Orange Technical College-East Campus sits in the middle of the pack. While comparable programs statewide suggest first-year earnings around $41,000 against estimated debt of $10,500, Florida State College at Jacksonville's graduates earn $57,500—a $16,500 premium that raises questions about what differentiates programs in this crowded field. Several other Florida schools also report outcomes well above the state median.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26 looks manageable on paper, meaning graduates would owe roughly three months of their first-year income. For context, the national median debt for these programs runs higher at $14,800, though national earnings also trend about $3,200 above Florida's typical outcomes. Healthcare support roles offer steady employment, but the salary ceiling becomes apparent quickly in this field.

The catch: these figures come from peer programs across Florida, not from Orange Tech's actual graduates. With only 3% of students receiving Pell grants—unusually low for a technical college—this campus may serve a different demographic than typical community or technical programs. Before enrolling, request placement rates and ask why some Florida programs produce 40% higher earnings. The answer matters when deciding between a $10,500 investment here versus exploring programs with documented stronger outcomes.