Allied Health Diagnostic at Western Dakota Technical College
with a smaller student body of 733 in Rapid City, SD.
Program Analysis
Graduates earn $54,737/yr, roughly in line with the $52,503 national median for Allied Health Diagnostic. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
With a 40.1x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 11% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Allied Health Diagnostic career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.
With first-year pay of $54,737 far exceeding the $15,176 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
A #500 ranking among 811 Allied Health Diagnostic programs places Western Dakota Technical College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.
The limited growth from $54,737 to $63,185 over five years suggests earnings in this trade plateau relatively early in one's career.
The 8 apprenticeship pathways connected to Allied Health Diagnostic reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
Top Career Paths
Top career paths for Allied Health Diagnostic 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% |
About Allied Health Diagnostic Careers
Your career in allied health puts you at the center of patient care. One day you might be a radiologic technologist, carefully positioning a patient for a CT scan and operating advanced imaging equipment to help diagnose an injury. With further training, you could become a physician assistant, working alongside a doctor to examine patients, diagnose conditions, and create comprehensive treatment plans in a busy clinic.
Compare & Explore
Allied Health Diagnostic Overview
Allied Health Diagnostic at Other Schools
Other Majors at Western Dakota Technical College
Explore the Degree Alternative
Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.