Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Carrington College-Boise

Carrington College-Boise delivers strong first-year earnings for medical assisting graduates—$32,932 puts them well above the national median of $27,186 and near the top of Idaho programs. The debt load of $9,500 is manageable, representing less than a third of first-year income, and half of Idaho programs saddle students with more debt ($12,212 median). For a certificate that can be completed quickly, the initial return looks solid.

The concern here is what happens next. Earnings drop to $29,475 by year four—a 10% decline that's unusual for career-focused programs. This pattern suggests graduates may be hitting a ceiling quickly in medical assisting roles, or that many move into positions with less earning potential after their initial placement. Among Idaho's eight programs, this ranks around the middle (60th percentile), meaning there are likely better options in-state if your child wants to stay local.

If your child needs quick entry into the workforce and plans to use this certificate as a stepping stone rather than a terminal credential, the low debt and decent starting salary work in their favor. But if they're looking for earnings growth over time, consider whether associate or bachelor's programs in nursing or other allied health fields might offer a better trajectory, even if they require more upfront investment.