Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants, Other.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
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Debt to Income Ratio
Why Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants, Other. stands out: With a debt-to-income ratio of just 41.9%, graduates of this program typically enjoy manageable student loan payments compared to their first-year earnings. This low ratio means that, on average, students who complete Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants, Other. can expect to pay off their student debt faster and with less financial stress than most other fields. Programs with a DTI below 0.5 are considered excellent by financial experts, making this degree a smart investment for your future.
For example, with a median salary of $36797 and average student debt of $15436, the financial outlook for Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants, Other. graduates is especially strong in .
Key Insights
Wondering if Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants, Other. is right for you? This degree is designed for students who want both knowledge and practical experience. Most graduates see starting salaries near $36797, and the average student debt is $15436, with a debt-to-income ratio of 0.42—a strong position for financial independence.
With an annual graduating class of 88809 students, you’ll be part of a dynamic student body. Whether you’re looking for upward mobility, a chance to innovate, or a degree that’s respected in the job market, Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants, Other. delivers. Take advantage of every resource your school offers to maximize your success!
Degree Overview
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants, Other (CIP 51.3999) is a career-focused and patient-centered nursing education category designed to capture specialized, accelerated, and non-traditional programs that prepare students for hands-on nursing and nursing support roles. This CIP code represents programs that do not fit neatly into standard licensed practical nurse (LPN), licensed vocational nurse (LVN), or nursing assistant classifications, but still focus on direct patient care, clinical support, and essential nursing skills.
At its core, this field is about providing day-to-day care to patients across healthcare settings. Practical nurses and nursing assistants are often the professionals who spend the most time with patients—monitoring conditions, assisting with daily activities, and supporting registered nurses and physicians. Programs under 51.3999 are designed for students who want a fast, reliable entry into healthcare with strong job demand and clear career pathways.
This degree category is especially relevant as healthcare systems face staffing shortages, aging populations, and increased demand for long-term, rehabilitative, and acute care services.
What Is a Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants, Other Degree?
A degree or certificate classified under CIP 51.3999 represents non-traditional or specialized nursing education programs that prepare students for practical nursing or nursing assistant roles. Schools use this category when programs differ in structure, delivery, or emphasis from standard LPN/LVN or CNA pathways.
Depending on the institution, programs in this category may include:
- Practical or vocational nursing training
- Nursing assistant or patient care technician education
- Accelerated or bridge programs
- Specialty-focused nursing support training
- Clinical skills development and simulation
- Patient safety and infection control
- Basic pharmacology and medication assistance
- Professional communication and teamwork
The focus is on hands-on clinical competence—ensuring graduates can safely support patient care under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants, Other is well-suited for students who:
- Want to enter healthcare quickly
- Prefer hands-on, active work
- Enjoy caring for people directly
- Want stable employment with strong demand
- May plan to advance to registered nursing later
This degree is especially appealing to individuals who value job security, meaningful work, and clear career progression within healthcare.
What Will You Learn?
Students in 51.3999 programs learn the essential skills needed to provide safe, compassionate patient care. Coursework emphasizes clinical fundamentals, reliability, and professionalism.
You will learn how to support patients with daily needs, monitor health indicators, assist with treatments, and communicate effectively with nurses and healthcare teams.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Most programs help students develop skills such as:
- Assisting with activities of daily living (ADLs)
- Measuring and recording vital signs
- Supporting patient mobility and transfers
- Providing basic wound and skin care
- Assisting with medications (within scope of practice)
- Following infection control and safety protocols
- Communicating clearly with patients and care teams
- Observing and reporting changes in patient condition
These skills form the backbone of patient care in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community settings.
Topics You May Explore
Coursework typically includes subjects such as:
- Fundamentals of nursing care
- Basic anatomy and physiology
- Medical terminology
- Infection control and patient safety
- Nutrition and personal care
- Pharmacology basics
- Geriatric and long-term care
- Documentation and healthcare communication
- Legal and ethical aspects of nursing practice
Most programs include supervised clinical experiences to ensure real-world readiness.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
A Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants, Other credential prepares graduates for a range of entry-level and intermediate nursing roles.
Common career paths include:
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Patient Care Technician
- Hospital or Clinical Nursing Assistant
- Long-Term Care or Rehabilitation Nurse Assistant
- Home Health or Personal Care Aide
- Nursing Support Specialist
Licensure or certification requirements vary by state and role.
Where Can You Work?
Graduates commonly find employment in:
- Hospitals and medical centers
- Nursing homes and assisted living facilities
- Long-term care and rehabilitation centers
- Outpatient clinics and physician offices
- Home health and hospice organizations
- Community health centers
- Correctional or public health facilities
These roles are essential across the entire healthcare system.
How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings vary by role, location, and experience, but practical nursing roles offer reliable income and advancement potential.
Typical ranges include:
- Certified nursing assistants: $30,000–$40,000 annually
- Licensed practical or vocational nurses: $45,000–$65,000 annually
- Specialized or experienced roles may earn more
Many employers offer shift differentials, overtime, and tuition assistance for career advancement.
Is This Degree Hard?
Academically, these programs are structured and achievable, but the work itself is physically and emotionally demanding. Students must be prepared for long shifts, physical activity, and close patient interaction.
Success requires resilience, compassion, attention to detail, and strong time management skills.
Who Should Choose CIP 51.3999 Specifically?
This CIP code may be a strong fit if you:
- Want a fast entry into nursing or healthcare
- Enjoy hands-on patient care
- Prefer structured, practical training
- Want stable employment with growth opportunities
- Plan to use this as a stepping stone to RN or advanced nursing roles
How to Prepare in High School
Students interested in practical or vocational nursing should:
- Take biology and health science courses
- Develop strong study habits and reliability
- Volunteer or work in healthcare settings if possible
- Build communication and teamwork skills
- Learn basic professionalism and time management
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants, Other represents one of the most direct and dependable pathways into healthcare—centered on hands-on care, patient support, and essential nursing skills that keep healthcare systems running every day.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor