Location: Aurora, CO•In-State Tuition: $4,930•Out-of-State Tuition: $8,330
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$49,647
Est. from CO median (8 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$13,500
Est. from CO median (9 programs)

Analysis

Colorado's Allied Health programs produce widely varying outcomes, and without actual graduate data from Pickens Technical College, you're essentially betting on the state median—around $49,600 in first-year earnings against roughly $13,500 in debt. That 0.27 debt-to-earnings ratio looks manageable on paper, but it masks a critical question: which Allied Health specialty does this certificate prepare students for?

The comparison with other Colorado programs is striking. Red Rocks graduates earn more than double what similar state programs typically produce, suggesting that credential specificity and program design matter enormously in this field. Pickens could be training students for roles closer to that $104,000 mark—think radiologic technologists or respiratory therapists—or for lower-paying positions around $48,000. The certificate format suggests focused training rather than broad preparation, but you'll need to identify the exact specialty before making any financial commitment.

The relatively modest estimated debt provides some cushion, but a one-year certificate should launch your child into immediate employment with clear career progression. Ask Pickens directly: What specific Allied Health role does this prepare graduates for? What are *their* graduate employment rates and starting salaries? Without school-specific outcomes, you're investing in a program that could match either end of Colorado's wide Allied Health spectrum—and that's too much uncertainty for a career credential.

Where Pickens Technical College Stands

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

Pickens Technical 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 Colorado

Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions certificate's programs at peer institutions in Colorado (19 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Pickens Technical CollegeAurora$4,930$49,647*—$13,500*—
Red Rocks Community CollegeLakewood$4,707$104,021*$85,378$22,170*0.21
Community College of DenverDenver$4,902$72,086*$47,037$32,510*0.45
Arapahoe Community CollegeLittleton$4,308$59,024*$54,900$11,454*0.19
Aims Community CollegeGreeley$2,090$51,145*$42,606$12,000*0.23
Colorado Mountain CollegeGlenwood Springs$2,700$48,148*$45,147$13,500*0.28
National Median—$45,746*—$14,167*0.31
* 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 Pickens Technical College, approximately 33% 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 CO. Actual outcomes may vary.