Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions at Aims Community College

Aims Community College's allied health certificate gets graduates working quickly at $51,145, but that early momentum doesn't hold—earnings drop 17% to $42,606 by year four. This earnings trajectory is unusual and worth understanding before enrolling. The program ranks right at the 60th percentile among Colorado's 19 allied health certificate programs, putting it in the middle of the pack but far behind top performers like Red Rocks ($104,021) and Community College of Denver ($72,086).

The $12,000 debt load is manageable—you're looking at debt equal to just 23% of first-year earnings, which is quite reasonable. However, the declining earnings pattern suggests graduates may be starting in entry-level positions that don't lead to career advancement, or possibly working in roles with limited growth potential. This could mean the certificate serves as a stepping stone rather than a terminal credential, or that local job market conditions favor different specializations.

For parents, the key question is whether this certificate aligns with a clear career path. The initial salary is solid and the debt is low, but the earnings decline is a red flag. Before committing, have a frank conversation with the program about typical career progressions and whether most graduates continue their education. If this certificate is meant as a first step toward further credentials, it could make sense—but as a standalone qualification, the numbers suggest limited long-term earning power.