Allied Health Professions at Catawba Valley Community College

Hickory, NC · Public · Certificate · Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions

with a smaller student body of 3,517 in Hickory, NC.

Program Analysis

At $41,191 per year, Allied Health Professions graduates from Catawba Valley Community College earn below the $52,503 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

With a 182.1x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 0% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Allied Health Professions career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

A #225 ranking among 811 Allied Health Professions programs places Catawba Valley Community College in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The 8 apprenticeship pathways connected to Allied Health Professions reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

71 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
68
Low End
71
Score
72
High End
Earnings $41,191/yr (-22% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (72% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (124,000 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$431K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
182.1x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
19 of 19
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$2,367
Out-of-state: $7,743

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Allied Health Professions graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Medical dosimetrists $138,110 +3.5% 55%
Physician assistants $133,260 +20.4% 83%
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620 +17.3% 52%
Medical dosimetrists
$138,110
+3.5% growth 55% AI-proof
Physician assistants
$133,260
+20.4% growth 83% AI-proof
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary
$105,620
+17.3% growth 52% AI-proof

View all 19 career paths with full salary data →

Allied Health Professions Career Guide

See the full career breakdown for Allied Health Professions — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from Catawba Valley Community College and 810 other schools.

Read the full Allied Health Professions career guide →

Compare & Explore

Allied Health Professions Overview

Allied Health Professions at Other Schools

Other Majors at Catawba Valley Community College

How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?

Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Catawba Valley Community College's Allied Health Professions program score?
A score of 71/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. Catawba Valley Community College's Allied Health Professions graduates fare well on earnings, job market size, and return on investment.
Why are Allied Health Professions earnings lower at Catawba Valley Community College?
Lower starting pay at Catawba Valley Community College may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Are there apprenticeship options for Allied Health Professions?
The DOL recognizes 8 apprenticeship pathways related to Allied Health Professions. For students weighing Catawba Valley Community College's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
Is there demand for Allied Health Professions workers?
The very large job market (124,000 annual openings) works in favor of Allied Health Professions graduates. The national outlook is driven by an aging population and expanding healthcare access, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →