Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Henry/Carroll

This program sits right at Tennessee's median for debt ($9,500) but underperforms on earnings—graduates here earn about $3,000 less annually than the typical Tennessee LPN program graduate. More concerning is the trajectory: earnings drop 7% from year one to year four, falling from $39,112 to $36,367. Meanwhile, top Tennessee programs like TCAT Nashville and Chattanooga College Medical start their graduates at over $50,000 annually.

The debt load itself is quite manageable—at 24% of first-year earnings, it's well below concerning levels. But the earnings decline creates a squeeze over time. Compare this to successful nursing programs where earnings typically hold steady or grow as graduates gain experience and credentials. The reasonable debt doesn't fully offset the reality that graduates here earn about $5,000 less than the national median for practical nursing programs.

For families considering this program, the appeal is clear: low debt and quick entry into healthcare work. But with nearly 30 nursing programs across Tennessee, including several TCAT locations where graduates earn $7,000-$12,000 more annually for similar debt levels, location would need to be a decisive factor. If Paris is home and relocation isn't feasible, this provides affordable healthcare training. If you have flexibility, other Tennessee programs offer substantially better earning potential for the same investment.