Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions at Polk State College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Polk State College's diagnostic allied health certificate punches well above its weight in Florida's crowded healthcare training market. With graduates earning $60,894 just one year out, this program ranks in the 80th percentile among the state's 69 competing programs—a meaningful gap above the state median of $45,024. That's solid earning power that most similar programs in Florida simply don't deliver.
The $11,000 debt load translates to a 0.18 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates earn back their entire investment in roughly two months of work. While debt sits slightly above Florida's median for these programs, the earnings premium more than compensates. One notable consideration: graduates at the very top programs like Seminole State earn about $4,000 less, suggesting Polk State has carved out a particularly strong position in the market.
For families considering healthcare certificate programs in central Florida, this represents a clear return on investment. The one-third of students receiving Pell grants indicates this pathway serves students across income levels, and the earnings data shows it delivers regardless of background. The combination of low debt and top-quintile earnings makes this one of the stronger allied health training options in the state.
Where Polk State College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions certificate's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Polk State College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Polk State College graduates earn $61k, placing them in the 81th percentile of all allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions certificate programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions certificate's programs at peer institutions in Florida (69 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polk State College | $60,894 | — | $11,000 | 0.18 |
| Seminole State College of Florida | $57,049 | — | — | — |
| Florida Gateway College | $54,209 | $48,007 | $5,625 | 0.10 |
| Northwest Florida State College | $52,939 | — | — | — |
| American Medical Academy | $52,092 | $64,877 | $11,168 | 0.21 |
| Manatee Technical College | $49,921 | — | $10,437 | 0.21 |
| National Median | $45,746 | — | $14,167 | 0.31 |
Other Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Programs in Florida
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Florida schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seminole State College of Florida Sanford | $3,227 | $57,049 | — |
| Florida Gateway College Lake City | $3,100 | $54,209 | $5,625 |
| Northwest Florida State College Niceville | $3,246 | $52,939 | — |
| American Medical Academy Miami | — | $52,092 | $11,168 |
| Manatee Technical College Bradenton | — | $49,921 | $10,437 |
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 Polk State 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.
Sample Size: Based on 35 graduates with reported earnings and 20 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.