Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions at Nashville State Community College

First-year earnings of $40,000 place this program well below what similar allied health programs typically deliver in Tennessee. The state median sits at nearly $47,000, and several Tennessee community colleges—including Columbia State and Chattanooga State—report outcomes in the $51,000-$58,000 range for their graduates. At the 5th percentile nationally, Nashville State's program lags significantly behind peers across the country, where the typical graduate earns over $54,000. That's a $14,000 annual gap that compounds over a career.

The debt picture offers some relief. Based on comparable programs at Tennessee community colleges, graduates likely face around $12,000 in loans—substantially less than the state median of nearly $20,000 for this field. That creates a manageable 0.30 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning the typical graduate could theoretically pay off their loans with about four months of gross income. One-third of students here receive Pell grants, suggesting the program serves students who need affordable pathways.

The core question is whether $40,000 represents adequate compensation for allied health work, even at lower debt levels. Given that peer programs in Tennessee consistently produce stronger earnings outcomes, parents should investigate what's driving the gap—whether it's the specific allied health track offered, clinical placement networks, or credential types. The low debt softens the risk, but it doesn't change the fact that graduates appear to be starting significantly behind their state and national counterparts.