Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions at Oklahoma City Community College

Oklahoma City Community College graduates start strong in allied health fields, earning $63,013 in their first year—well above the national median and matching top performers like Rose State. At 60th percentile among Oklahoma programs, this is a respectable showing in a state with strong healthcare training options. The debt load of $17,562 is modest, creating a manageable 0.28 debt-to-earnings ratio that gives graduates financial breathing room early in their careers.

The challenge emerges in the trajectory: earnings drop to $55,730 by year four, a 12% decline that's unusual for healthcare professions. This pattern could reflect graduates landing in specialized diagnostic roles with strong entry salaries but limited advancement, or perhaps initial positions in high-demand settings that don't sustain premium pay over time. It's worth understanding whether graduates are concentrated in specific allied health specialties (like respiratory therapy or radiologic technology) that might explain this earnings curve.

For parents weighing options, the low debt makes this a financially safe choice even with the earnings dip—graduates won't be trapped by payments if they need to switch specialties or pursue additional training. The first-year earnings advantage over most Oklahoma programs buys flexibility. Just recognize this may not be a long-term career endpoint but rather a solid, affordable entry point into healthcare with room to pivot based on what your student learns on the job.