Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions at J Sargeant Reynolds Community College

J. Sargeant Reynolds graduates start strong—earning $61,104 their first year out, which beats three-quarters of similar programs nationwide. That's impressive for a community college associate degree, and the debt load of $20,435 is manageable at roughly four months of first-year salary. However, there's a clear warning sign: earnings drop to $56,681 by year four, a 7% decline that's unusual for healthcare fields where experience typically increases value.

Within Virginia, the picture is more complicated. While Reynolds ranks at the 60th percentile statewide, several community colleges substantially outperform it—Northern Virginia CC graduates earn $74,050, and even nearby Tidewater CC reaches $62,524. The debt is also higher than Virginia's median of $16,150 for this program. This suggests the specific allied health specialty pathways at Reynolds may lead to roles with limited advancement potential or high turnover, unlike imaging or respiratory therapy programs that typically see steady earnings growth.

For families in the Richmond area, this program offers a reasonable entry point into healthcare with quick payback potential. But the declining earnings pattern demands scrutiny: ask the school which specific certifications graduates pursue and what the five-year job stability looks like. If your student is willing to commute or relocate, Northern Virginia's program delivers 21% higher earnings for similar debt.