Location: Polkton, NC•In-State Tuition: $2,022•Out-of-State Tuition: $6,630
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$43,025
Est. from NC median (5 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$15,679
Est. from NC median (3 programs)

Analysis

Borrowing $15,679 for a healthcare certificate that leads to $43,025 in first-year earnings creates a manageable debt burden—similar North Carolina community college programs suggest a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36, well within the standard threshold for financial viability. Allied health diagnostic and treatment roles typically offer stable employment in medical imaging, respiratory therapy, or similar technical positions where certification matters more than where you earned it.

The challenge with South Piedmont is that we're working entirely with estimates drawn from peer programs across North Carolina, since the school's actual graduate outcomes aren't reported due to small cohort sizes. Those peer programs show significant variation—some NC community colleges place graduates earning above $60,000, while others cluster around $40,000. This spread matters because allied health encompasses everything from ultrasound technicians to phlebotomists, and earning potential varies considerably by specialty. The estimated figures align with state medians but sit slightly below the national benchmark of $45,746.

For parents, the modest debt level provides some cushion against uncertainty. Even if actual outcomes fall somewhat short of these estimates, the financial risk remains contained. The key question is whether this specific certificate aligns with regional healthcare employers' hiring needs—something worth confirming directly with the program, since graduate placement data isn't available through federal reporting.

Where South Piedmont Community College Stands

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

South Piedmont Community 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 North Carolina

Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions certificate's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (36 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
South Piedmont Community CollegePolkton$2,022$43,025*—$15,679*—
Pitt Community CollegeWinterville$1,972$62,908*$60,602$15,679*0.25
Davidson-Davie Community CollegeThomasville$1,978$45,149*—$11,748*0.26
Lenoir Community CollegeKinston$2,568$43,025*——*—
Catawba Valley Community CollegeHickory$2,367$41,191*——*—
Guilford Technical Community CollegeJamestown$2,319$40,595*$32,199$24,500*0.60
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 South Piedmont Community College, approximately 18% 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 5 similar programs in NC. Actual outcomes may vary.