Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions at Nashville State Community College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
nscc.eduAnalysis
Nashville State's Allied Health certificate leaves graduates earning about $5,000 less than the typical program nationally, though it lands right in the middle of Tennessee offerings. At $40,196 in first-year earnings, graduates start below both the national median ($45,746) and just under Tennessee's median ($40,825), ranking in the 40th percentile statewide. More concerning: several Tennessee community colleges—including Columbia State and Southwest Tennessee—produce graduates earning $8,000-$11,000 more annually from similar programs.
The $15,266 in debt translates to a manageable 0.38 ratio against first-year earnings, and graduates do see 13% wage growth by year four. That earnings trajectory to $45,364 helps close the gap with national benchmarks. However, with a third of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are price-sensitive, and the relatively modest starting salary means slower debt payoff for those who need it most.
The small sample size—under 30 graduates—makes these numbers less reliable than typical data. If you're considering this program, the safer move would be comparing outcomes with larger programs like Chattanooga State or Columbia State, where more robust data shows substantially stronger earning potential. Nashville State may work for students who need to stay local, but it's not the strongest Allied Health certificate option in Tennessee.
Where Nashville State Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions certificate's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Nashville State Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville State Community College | $40,196 | $45,364 | +13% |
| Meridian Institute of Surgical Assisting | $69,188 | $63,072 | -9% |
| Southwest Tennessee Community College | $48,290 | $54,323 | +12% |
| Walters State Community College | $39,065 | $51,416 | +32% |
| Columbia State Community College | $51,093 | $46,272 | -9% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Tennessee
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions certificate's programs at peer institutions in Tennessee (25 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $4,498 | $40,196 | $45,364 | $15,266 | 0.38 | |
| — | $69,188 | $63,072 | $16,433 | 0.24 | |
| $4,550 | $53,180 | $35,716 | $16,760 | 0.32 | |
| $4,904 | $51,093 | $46,272 | $10,339 | 0.20 | |
| $4,550 | $48,290 | $54,323 | $8,875 | 0.18 | |
| $4,524 | $45,599 | $41,743 | $10,812 | 0.24 | |
| National Median | — | $45,746 | — | $14,167 | 0.31 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions graduates
Medical Dosimetrists
Physician Assistants
Anesthesiologist Assistants
Nuclear Technicians
Nuclear Monitoring Technicians
Radiation Therapists
Nuclear Medicine Technologists
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
Respiratory Therapists
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Nashville State Community College, approximately 33% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 25 graduates with reported earnings and 20 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.