Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Oneida-Huntsville

This Tennessee College of Applied Technology estimates point to a relatively affordable entry into nursing, but the earnings lag considerably behind what peer programs in the state actually report. Similar Tennessee nursing certificate programs suggest first-year earnings around $39,500 with typical debt near $9,500—a manageable 0.24 debt-to-earnings ratio that looks reasonable on paper. The challenge is that other TCAT campuses in the state are reporting actual outcomes that substantially exceed these estimates, with some producing graduates earning $45,000 to $51,000 their first year out.

The gap matters because nursing is fundamentally a standardized credential—LPNs perform similar work regardless of which Tennessee community college trained them. When comparable schools report earnings 15-30% higher, it raises questions about whether this campus connects graduates to the same employment opportunities. The modest debt estimate works in the program's favor, keeping financial risk low even if earnings disappoint. But at 31% Pell enrollment, many students here are counting on those first-year paychecks to recoup their investment quickly.

Before committing, contact the school directly for their actual graduate outcomes and job placement specifics. The state has nearly 30 nursing certificate programs, several with proven track records of placing graduates into higher-paying positions. If this campus can't provide concrete data showing competitive results, choose a TCAT location with documented outcomes instead.