Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Chemeketa Community College

Medical assisting programs in Oregon cluster tightly around $41,000 in first-year earnings, and Chemeketa appears positioned right in that range based on outcomes from comparable programs statewide. The estimated debt load of about $20,000 translates to a 0.50 debt-to-earnings ratio—manageable territory where graduates could reasonably pay off their loans while building a healthcare career. With one-third of students receiving Pell grants, this program serves students who need an affordable pathway into stable work, and the numbers suggest it delivers on that promise better than many alternatives.

The caution here is that all figures are derived from just three similar Oregon programs, not Chemeketa's actual graduate outcomes. Lane Community College reports slightly higher earnings at $42,142, while Linn-Benton shows $37,152—a $5,000 spread that matters when you're managing loan payments. Medical assisting roles depend heavily on local healthcare markets and employer networks, factors that vary considerably even within a state. Where Chemeketa's graduates actually land in that range makes a real difference to monthly budgets.

For families weighing this investment, the estimated profile suggests solid fundamentals: earnings above the national median for this credential, debt that's proportional to income, and alignment with Oregon's healthcare employment landscape. The uncertainty around specific outcomes means visiting the career services office and talking to recent graduates becomes essential due diligence rather than optional research.