Median Earnings (1yr)
$38,666
25th percentile
40th percentile in California
Median Debt
$20,000
41% above national median

Analysis

North-West College-Riverside graduates earn below California's already modest standards for allied health certificates, placing in just the 40th percentile statewide. With first-year earnings of $38,666 declining to $37,214 by year four, graduates fall roughly $4,000 short of California's median and nearly $7,000 below the national benchmark. The contrast with California's top performers is stark—Crafton Hills College graduates earn triple what North-West College grads make, suggesting significant variation in career outcomes even within the same credential type.

The $20,000 debt load appears reasonable on paper, especially given that 63% of students receive Pell grants. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52 means graduates face manageable monthly payments. However, the earnings decline over time raises questions about career trajectory. Are graduates stuck in entry-level positions while peers advance? The robust sample size confirms this pattern isn't a statistical fluke.

For families considering this program, the fundamental issue isn't affordability—it's opportunity cost. At below-average earnings that actually decrease with experience, this certificate may not open the doors you're expecting in California's competitive allied health market. Before committing, investigate exactly which positions these graduates enter and why their earnings lag behind both state and national peers in the same field.

Where North-West College-Riverside Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How North-West College-Riverside graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
North-West College-Riverside$38,666$37,214-4%
Loma Linda University$90,583$99,255+10%
Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts$43,725$82,985+90%
Smith Chason College$59,472$82,930+39%
Crafton Hills College$117,351$76,522-35%

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions certificate's programs at peer institutions in California (112 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
North-West College-RiversideRiverside$38,666$37,214$20,0000.52
Crafton Hills CollegeYucaipa$1,188$117,351$76,522$23,0000.20
Loma Linda UniversityLoma Linda$90,583$99,255$25,0000.28
Mt. Diablo Adult Education-Mt. Diablo USDConcord$88,513
Los Angeles Valley CollegeValley Glen$1,238$82,599
Merced CollegeMerced$1,194$78,871$11,1500.14
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 North-West College-Riverside, approximately 63% 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 115 graduates with reported earnings and 125 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.