Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at American Career College-Los Angeles

American Career College-Los Angeles delivers solid, if unspectacular, results for medical assisting students. With first-year earnings of $28,853, graduates earn about $2,000 more than the national median and roughly $2,000 above California's median for this program. Among California's 185 schools offering medical assisting programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile—respectable but nowhere near the top performers like Empire College ($40,838) or Bay Area Medical Academy ($38,505).

The debt picture is reasonable at $9,500, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33. This means graduates can expect to pay about one-third of their first year's salary in total debt—a sustainable burden that shouldn't derail financial stability. The concerning element is the virtually flat earnings growth, with income barely budging from $28,853 to $29,105 over four years, suggesting limited career advancement potential.

For families seeking a quick entry into healthcare with minimal debt, this program accomplishes that goal. However, the earnings ceiling appears low, and significantly better options exist within California if your child can access them. This program works as a safe, middle-of-the-road choice for immediate employment, but don't expect dramatic income growth over time.