Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Pinellas Technical College-St. Petersburg

Pinellas Technical College's practical nursing program produces graduates earning about $6,400 more than the typical Florida nursing assistant program—a meaningful advantage in a crowded state market with 110 competing schools. At $47,306 first-year, graduates here earn more than 60% of similar programs statewide, though they fall short of top performers like Florida State College at Jacksonville ($57,579). The $17,485 in debt is higher than Florida's median of $10,379, but the 0.37 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates can realistically pay this off within a year or two of careful budgeting.

The numbers tell a straightforward story: solid earnings with manageable debt. Graduates owe about 4.5 months of salary, which is reasonable for an entry-level healthcare credential that doesn't require a bachelor's degree. The program ranks in the 64th percentile nationally and 60th in Florida—comfortably above average but not elite. For families prioritizing quick workforce entry in a stable field, this represents a lower-risk investment than many four-year degrees.

The takeaway: This program offers above-average earnings for Florida nursing assistants with debt that won't derail your child's financial start. It's not the cheapest option in Florida, but the earnings premium over the state median helps justify the extra borrowing. If your child wants healthcare work without prolonged education, this delivers solid return on investment.