Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Clark College

Similar allied health programs in Washington suggest first-year earnings around $37,000—notably higher than the $27,000 national median for these certificates. But with estimated debt of nearly $15,000, this program sits well above both the state median of $9,600 and the $9,500 national benchmark for medical assisting credentials. That debt load translates to a 0.40 ratio against first-year earnings, meaning you're looking at roughly five months of gross income going toward what should be a relatively quick credential.

The concerning part isn't the earnings potential—Washington's allied health market clearly pays better than most states. It's that comparable programs across the state appear to produce similar earnings with substantially less debt. Without knowing whether this specific program includes specialized training or extended clinical hours that justify the higher borrowing, the estimated debt seems steep for a certificate that's designed to get students working quickly in entry-level medical support roles.

Given the limited data, ask Clark College directly about their program's actual debt and completion outcomes. If the $15,000 estimate holds true, you'd want clear evidence of placement rates or specialized certifications that set graduates apart—otherwise, comparable programs in Washington might offer the same credential and earnings pathway for significantly less upfront cost.