Allied Health Professions at Orange Coast College

Costa Mesa, CA · Public · Associate Degree · Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions

serving 16,117 students in Costa Mesa, CA.

Program Analysis

Graduates of Orange Coast College's Allied Health Professions program earn $68,484/yr in their first year — 30% above the $52,503 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

With a 333.1x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 12% 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.

Orange Coast College ranks #18 among 811 Allied Health Professions programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The limited growth from $68,484 to $79,182 over five years suggests earnings in this trade plateau relatively early in one's career.

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

79 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
75
Low End
79
Score
80
High End
Earnings $68,484/yr (30% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (72% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (124,000 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$811K
3.7% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
335.6x
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)
$2,416
Out-of-state: $19,984
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$79,182
16% growth from Year 1

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

Explore what Allied Health Professions graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 811 programs nationwide.

Read the full Allied Health Professions career guide →

Compare & Explore

Allied Health Professions Overview

Allied Health Professions at Other Schools

Other Majors at Orange Coast College

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 79/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Allied Health Professions at Orange Coast College?
At 79/100, this is a high-performing trade program. The TradeSchoolOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
Why does Orange Coast College rank so high for Allied Health Professions?
The #18 ranking out of 811 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable, and the job market supports this trade.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Allied Health Professions graduates?
Yes — 8 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Allied Health Professions career paths, including Computed Tomography (Ct) Technician. Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to a program at Orange Coast College.
Will Allied Health Professions graduates from Orange Coast College find jobs?
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 →