Location: Hot Springs, AR•In-State Tuition: $5,600•Out-of-State Tuition: $7,280
Median Earnings (1yr)
$44,165
44th percentile
40th percentile in Arkansas
Median Debt
$15,594
10% above national median
D/E Ratio: 0.35 ManageableSample: 19 graduates Limited data

Analysis

National Park College's allied health certificate produces graduates earning slightly below state and national medians—$44,165 versus $44,574 in Arkansas and $45,746 nationally. Among Arkansas programs, this ranks in the 40th percentile, falling behind nearby Southeast Arkansas College ($48,660) and Baptist Health College Little Rock ($44,984). The gap isn't dramatic, but for students who could access other in-state options, those few thousand dollars matter when you're starting a healthcare career.

The debt load of $15,594 is moderate and manageable, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35—well within comfortable territory for certificate holders. However, it's worth noting this exceeds both the state median debt ($11,375) and sits slightly above the national median ($14,167). The program serves a substantial population of Pell recipients (47%), suggesting it provides access for students who need affordable pathways into healthcare.

The critical caveat: these figures come from fewer than 30 graduates, making them less reliable than data from larger programs. If your child has strong interest in allied health and appreciates National Park College's location or support services, the debt burden won't trap them. But if they're choosing solely on financial outcomes and can access programs like Southeast Arkansas College, the numbers suggest exploring those alternatives first.

Where National Park College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions certificate's programs nationally

National Park CollegeOther allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How National Park College graduates compare to all programs nationally

National Park College earns $44k — 44th percentile among allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions certificate programs.

Compare to Similar Programs in Arkansas

Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions certificate's programs at peer institutions in Arkansas (27 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
National Park CollegeHot Springs$5,600$44,165—$15,5940.35
Southeast Arkansas CollegePine Bluff$4,960$48,660$47,852$9,5000.20
Baptist Health College Little RockLittle Rock$13,593$44,984$45,224$13,2500.29
Arkansas State University-NewportNewport$2,856$39,080$37,521$9,0000.23
National Median—$45,746—$14,1670.31

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions graduates

Medical Dosimetrists

Generate radiation treatment plans, develop radiation dose calculations, communicate and supervise the treatment plan implementation, and consult with members of radiation oncology team.

$138,110/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Physician Assistants

Provide healthcare services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician. Conduct complete physicals, provide treatment, and counsel patients. May, in some cases, prescribe medication. Must graduate from an accredited educational program for physician assistants.

$133,260/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Anesthesiologist Assistants

Assist anesthesiologists in the administration of anesthesia for surgical and non-surgical procedures. Monitor patient status and provide patient care during surgical treatment.

$133,260/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Nuclear Technicians

Assist nuclear physicists, nuclear engineers, or other scientists in laboratory, power generation, or electricity production activities. May operate, maintain, or provide quality control for nuclear testing and research equipment. May monitor radiation.

$104,240/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Nuclear Monitoring Technicians

Collect and test samples to monitor results of nuclear experiments and contamination of humans, facilities, and environment.

$104,240/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Radiation Therapists

Provide radiation therapy to patients as prescribed by a radiation oncologist according to established practices and standards. Duties may include reviewing prescription and diagnosis; acting as liaison with physician and supportive care personnel; preparing equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, and protection devices; and maintaining records, reports, and files. May assist in dosimetry procedures and tumor localization.

$101,990/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Nuclear Medicine Technologists

Prepare, administer, and measure radioactive isotopes in therapeutic, diagnostic, and tracer studies using a variety of radioisotope equipment. Prepare stock solutions of radioactive materials and calculate doses to be administered by radiologists. Subject patients to radiation. Execute blood volume, red cell survival, and fat absorption studies following standard laboratory techniques.

$97,020/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

Produce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for use by physicians. Includes vascular technologists.

$89,340/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Respiratory Therapists

Assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. Assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care modalities, including the supervision of respiratory therapy technicians. Initiate and conduct therapeutic procedures; maintain patient records; and select, assemble, check, and operate equipment.

$80,450/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Radiologic Technologists and Technicians

Take x-rays and CAT scans or administer nonradioactive materials into patient's bloodstream for diagnostic or research purposes. Includes radiologic technologists and technicians who specialize in other scanning modalities.

$78,980/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists

Operate Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners. Monitor patient safety and comfort, and view images of area being scanned to ensure quality of pictures. May administer gadolinium contrast dosage intravenously. May interview patient, explain MRI procedures, and position patient on examining table. May enter into the computer data such as patient history, anatomical area to be scanned, orientation specified, and position of entry.

$78,980/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree
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 National Park College, approximately 47% 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 19 graduates with reported earnings and 26 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.