Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions at Laurel Ridge Community College

Laurel Ridge's allied health certificate starts slowly but accelerates impressively—first-year graduates earn $36,165, but by year four, earnings jump 43% to $51,580. That growth trajectory helps explain why this program ranks in the bottom quartile among Virginia's allied health certificates initially, yet catches up to exceed the state's median earnings within a few years. The low debt load of $9,075 (well below both state and national averages) means graduates can afford to weather those early career years without significant financial pressure.

However, the numbers reveal a concerning gap with Virginia's top performers. Programs at Virginia Highlands and Bon Secours start graduates $25,000+ higher in year one, suggesting those schools may have stronger clinical partnerships or place students in higher-paying specialties like radiologic technology. Laurel Ridge's first-year earnings sit nearly $20,000 below even the state median, indicating this certificate likely leads to lower-tier positions within the allied health field—potentially medical assistant or phlebotomy roles rather than higher-credential imaging or therapy positions.

For budget-conscious families, the minimal debt makes this a low-risk credential that improves over time. But students serious about allied health should investigate what specific certifications this program actually prepares them for, and whether nearby Virginia community colleges might open doors to better-paying specialties from day one.