Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions at Pima Medical Institute-Tucson

Pima Medical Institute's allied health certificate starts strong with $57,266 in first-year earnings—outperforming three-quarters of similar programs nationally—but then takes an unusual turn. By year four, graduates are earning $48,330, a concerning 16% drop that inverts the typical career trajectory. While this could reflect graduates transitioning to part-time work or changing roles, it's a pattern worth investigating before enrollment.

The $16,242 debt load is relatively modest, giving graduates a manageable 0.28 debt-to-earnings ratio even with the earnings decline. However, context matters: among Arizona's 21 programs, this ranks only at the 60th percentile for earnings. Top community college options like GateWay and Phoenix College produce graduates earning $25,000-$30,000 more annually, often with lower debt and no four-year earnings drop-off. That's a substantial difference for families comparing in-state options.

The small sample size here—fewer than 30 graduates tracked—means these numbers could shift significantly with more data. If you're considering this program, dig into what's driving that earnings decline. Are graduates moving into lower-paid but more desirable roles? Leaving the field? Without clarity on that pattern, Arizona families might find better value at the state's community colleges, which combine stronger earnings with lower costs.