Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions at Institute of Medical Ultrasound

The Institute of Medical Ultrasound produces graduates earning nearly $8,000 more than the typical Georgia program in this field—outperforming the state median while maintaining notably manageable debt. At $20,000 borrowed for first-year earnings exceeding $50,000, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39 means graduates owe less than 40 cents per dollar earned, which is strong for a certificate program. This combination puts the program in the 60th percentile nationally and statewide for earnings while keeping debt well below typical levels.

The catch? These figures come from a small cohort of fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes could vary more than usual. The ultrasound field itself tends to offer stable, well-compensated work right out of training, and 86% of students here receive Pell grants, suggesting the program serves students who need career-focused training to work quickly. While Atlanta has higher-earning technical programs—Lanier Technical College graduates earn nearly $60,000—this program still delivers solid returns compared to most Georgia alternatives.

For families seeking allied health training that leads directly to employment without accumulating crushing debt, this represents a viable path. The earnings justify the investment, particularly for students who need immediate career entry. Just remember the small sample size means you're working with limited data points.