Somatic Bodywork at PCI Academy-Ames

This somatic bodywork program starts strong but shows a troubling earnings trajectory that demands attention. At $26,872 in the first year, graduates earn well above both the national median ($20,079) and Iowa's state average ($23,285), ranking in the 95th percentile nationally. With only $8,250 in median debt, the initial value proposition looks solid—graduates owe less than a third of their first-year salary.

The concern emerges in year four, when earnings drop to $21,760—a 19% decline that reverses the expected career progression. This isn't typical for healthcare-adjacent fields, where skills and client bases usually grow over time. While it's possible this reflects graduates transitioning to part-time work or pursuing additional training, it raises questions about long-term viability. Among Iowa programs specifically, PCI Academy-Ames ranks around the 60th percentile, roughly middle-of-the-pack for the state.

The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift significantly with additional data, so they're best viewed as directional rather than definitive. For parents, the key question is whether their child views this as a stepping stone to further credentials or as career preparation itself. The low debt minimizes financial risk, but the earnings decline suggests this certificate alone may not support long-term financial stability without additional certifications or a carefully built practice.