Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions at Pasadena City College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
pasadena.eduBased on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs — see details below.
Analysis
Based on similar allied health programs in California, this certificate would likely result in first-year earnings around $41,000—significantly below what graduates from programs like Crafton Hills College ($117,351) or even nearby Los Angeles Valley College ($82,599) achieve. While the field varies widely depending on which specific allied health specialty students pursue, the estimated figures here suggest outcomes closer to the state's lower tier rather than the lucrative positions some California programs produce.
The estimated $15,250 in debt sits below California's typical burden for this credential ($19,949), yielding a manageable 0.37 debt-to-earnings ratio. That's a positive sign if the earnings estimate holds true. However, the massive gap between peer programs—some producing graduates earning twice or even triple the estimated figure here—raises questions about which specific allied health track this certificate prepares students for and whether it leads to professional licensure or certification that actually commands strong wages in Southern California's competitive healthcare market.
Without reported outcomes from Pasadena City College itself, you're essentially betting on state averages. If your child is targeting diagnostic imaging, surgical technology, or respiratory therapy positions that typically pay well, verify that this specific program includes the clinical hours and credentials employers require. The debt level won't sink them, but earnings in the low $40,000s for a healthcare credential in expensive Pasadena barely provides a foothold—make sure this certificate is the right credential for their intended career path.
Where Pasadena City College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions certificate's programs nationally
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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1,180 | $41,066* | — | $15,250* | — | |
| $1,188 | $117,351* | $76,522 | $23,000* | 0.20 | |
| — | $90,583* | $99,255 | $25,000* | 0.28 | |
| — | $88,513* | — | —* | — | |
| $1,238 | $82,599* | — | —* | — | |
| $1,194 | $78,871* | — | $11,150* | 0.14 | |
| 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 Pasadena City College, approximately 30% 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 28 similar programs in CA. Actual outcomes may vary.