Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences at West Kentucky Community and Technical College

Paducah, KY · Public · Associate Degree · Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General

with a smaller student body of 2,810 in Paducah, KY.

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $30,159/yr fall 17% below the $36,234 national median for Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

The 35.7x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 43% task exposure — and the 6% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences graduates.

At $7,194 in median debt against $30,159 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.

At #30 out of 48 programs, West Kentucky Community and Technical College's financial outcomes for Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth is modest: $30,159 to $33,019 over five years (9% gain). This trade may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences connects to 3 apprenticeship options. The earn-while-you-learn model can be a strong alternative or complement to a certificate program.

44 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
39
Low End
44
Score
45
High End
Earnings $30,159/yr (-17% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (57% shielded)
Job Market Medium (15,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$335K
2.3% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
35.9x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
2 of 2
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)
$9,312
Out-of-state: $12,384
Median Debt at Graduation
$7,194
2.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$33,019
9% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Health education specialists $63,000 +4.5% 47%
Community health workers $51,030 +11.3% 68%
Health education specialists
$63,000
+4.5% growth 47% AI-proof
Community health workers
$51,030
+11.3% growth 68% AI-proof

About Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences Careers

Your career will be about bridging the gap between healthcare and the community. As a community health worker, you'll be on the ground, conducting home visits, helping families navigate insurance paperwork, and connecting them to vital resources like food banks or mental health services. Alternatively, as a health education specialist, you might work in a hospital or public health office, designing wellness programs, leading workshops on nutrition, and creating clear, accessible health materials.

Read the full Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences career guide →

Compare & Explore

Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences Overview

Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences at Other Schools

Other Majors at West Kentucky Community and Technical 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 44/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences at West Kentucky Community and Technical College?
A score of 44/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences. Earnings, ROI, or job market factors are pulling the score down.
Should I worry about AI if I study Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences?
The 43% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
What's the typical debt for Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences graduates from West Kentucky Community and Technical College?
At $7,194 in median debt, Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences graduates from West Kentucky Community and Technical College carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.2x is well below the trade program average.
Is West Kentucky Community and Technical College a good choice for Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If West Kentucky Community and Technical College's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences graduates?
Yes — 3 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences career paths, including Community Health Worker. Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to certificate programs.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →