Location: Muscle Shoals, AL•In-State Tuition: $5,071•Out-of-State Tuition: $8,881
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$46,096
Est. from AL median (8 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$16,704
Est. from national median (311 programs)

Analysis

Similar allied health diagnostic programs across Alabama's community colleges suggest this path leads to earnings around $46,000 in the first year—notably below the $54,000 national median for these credentials. While peer institutions like Lurleen B Wallace and Jefferson State report graduate outcomes above $50,000, Alabama's allied health market generally trends lower than the national picture, which matters when you're considering a healthcare career in this state.

The estimated debt of $16,700 translates to a 0.36 debt-to-earnings ratio, which is manageable by most standards. Based on typical repayment terms, that means roughly $175-200 monthly in loan payments against a salary that should comfortably cover it. This financial structure works better than many associate programs, though the earnings gap with top-performing Alabama schools—some reporting outcomes $6,000 higher annually—suggests program quality or specialization area varies considerably across the state's community colleges.

The practical question is whether this specific program connects graduates to the higher-earning positions within Alabama's allied health sector. Without actual outcome data for Northwest Shoals, you're essentially betting on state averages rather than proven placement strength. If your student is committed to staying in northwest Alabama and this school offers the most convenient path to licensure, the debt load won't sink them. But if mobility is an option, the schools reporting actual outcomes above $50,000 demonstrate what's possible with the same credential in the same state.

Where Northwest Shoals Community College Stands

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

Northwest Shoals Community College (estimated ±10%)Other allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions programs

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Alabama

Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions associates's programs at peer institutions in Alabama (18 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Northwest Shoals Community CollegeMuscle Shoals$5,071$46,096*—$16,704*—
Lurleen B Wallace Community CollegeAndalusia$4,980$52,384*$44,654—*—
Jefferson State Community CollegeBirmingham$5,040$51,826*$50,060$17,875*0.34
Shelton State Community CollegeTuscaloosa$5,067$48,862*$40,258—*—
George C Wallace State Community College-HancevilleHanceville$4,980$48,422*$46,470$17,500*0.36
Herzing University-BirminghamBirmingham$13,420$43,769*$42,163$27,243*0.62
National Median—$54,327*—$19,113*0.35
* Estimated from similar programs

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 Northwest Shoals Community College, approximately 28% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 8 similar programs in AL. Actual outcomes may vary.