Median Earnings (1yr)
$46,447
51st percentile
60th percentile in Georgia
Median Debt
$10,114
29% below national median

Analysis

West Georgia Technical College's allied health certificate lands graduates in the middle of the pack nationally, but there's a troubling trend in the numbers. First-year earnings of $46,447 slightly exceed both the national and Georgia medians, and at 60th percentile among Georgia programs, it outperforms most in-state alternatives. The manageable $10,114 debt load—below both state and national averages—creates a reasonable starting point with a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.22.

The concern is what happens next. By year four, earnings drop to $40,065, a 14% decline that falls below both national and state benchmarks. This pattern suggests graduates may be entering positions with limited advancement or experiencing challenges maintaining their initial earning levels. Compare this to top Georgia programs like Lanier Technical College, where graduates earn $60,000+ right out of the gate, or even middle-tier options that maintain more stable earnings trajectories.

For families prioritizing low debt and immediate employment, this program delivers on affordability. But if you're banking on income growth to justify any investment, the backward trajectory is hard to ignore. The moderate sample size suggests these numbers are reasonably reliable, making the earnings decline a real consideration rather than a statistical fluke. Unless your child has specific ties to the Waco area or compelling reasons to choose this particular program, stronger-performing technical colleges in Georgia offer better long-term value.

Where West Georgia Technical College Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How West Georgia Technical College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
West Georgia Technical College$46,447$40,065-14%
Central Georgia Technical College$40,965$51,436+26%
Lanier Technical College$59,869$50,917-15%
Gwinnett Technical College$42,770$50,302+18%
Ogeechee Technical College$42,035$46,782+11%

Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia

Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions certificate's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (28 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
West Georgia Technical CollegeWaco$3,122$46,447$40,065$10,1140.22
Lanier Technical CollegeGainesville$3,716$59,869$50,917
Athens Technical CollegeAthens$3,172$57,691
Southeastern Technical CollegeVidalia$3,172$55,102
Wiregrass Georgia Technical CollegeValdosta$3,212$50,801$46,746$14,6850.29
Institute of Medical UltrasoundAtlanta$31,052$50,731$20,0000.39
National Median$45,746$14,1670.31

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 West Georgia Technical College, approximately 39% 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 30 graduates with reported earnings and 21 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.