Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Lanier Technical College

The most striking feature of Lanier Technical's allied health program is the sharp earnings reversal: graduates start at $37,476 but see their income drop to $28,553 by year four—a 24% decline that's unusual even for entry-level healthcare roles. While the low $11,000 debt load (less than half the state median) softens the blow, this trajectory raises real questions about whether graduates are finding stable positions in their field or cycling through temporary or part-time work.

Among Georgia's 27 allied health programs, Lanier ranks below the state median of $40,110, and significantly trails peers like Athens Technical ($46,123) and Chattahoochee Technical ($40,458). The program performs at the 40th percentile statewide—middle-of-the-pack among state options—while the exceptionally low debt level ranks in the 95th percentile nationally. This creates an unusual tradeoff: minimal financial risk upfront, but concerning earning potential that actually worsens over time rather than improving as graduates gain experience.

For parents, the critical consideration is whether your child can secure a stable position that reverses this earnings pattern. The combination of declining wages and below-average state performance suggests graduates may struggle to advance within their roles. If your family is committed to allied health, the minimal debt makes this worth considering only if you have backup plans—either geographic mobility to seek better opportunities or willingness to pursue additional credentials that could stabilize earnings growth.