Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Tennessee College of Applied Technology Nashville

Tennessee College of Applied Technology Nashville's practical nursing program ranks in the 80th percentile statewide—the second-highest earning nursing program in Tennessee—with graduates earning $51,085 in their first year. That's nearly $12,000 more than the state median and $7,000 above the national average. The program costs about double the state median debt ($19,966 versus $9,500), but this still translates to a manageable 0.39 debt-to-earnings ratio, well below the warning threshold. Within four months, graduates typically earn enough to cover their entire loan balance.

The higher cost appears justified by superior outcomes. While Tennessee has 29 practical nursing programs, only one (Chattanooga College Medical Dental and Technical Careers) produces higher earners. Graduates maintain steady earnings around $52,000 through year four, which is typical for entry-level nursing roles where compensation is largely determined by experience level and union contracts rather than individual performance.

For families focused on fast, affordable entry into healthcare, this program delivers strong returns despite its premium price tag among Tennessee options. The combination of top-tier state earnings and relatively modest debt makes the investment substantially less risky than most vocational programs nationally.