Median Earnings (1yr)
$26,556
44th percentile
60th percentile in Texas
Median Debt
$9,500
At national median

Analysis

This Allied Health and Medical Assisting program at College of Health Care Professions offers a solid entry point into healthcare with relatively low financial risk. Starting salaries of $26,556 are modest but reasonable for a short-term certificate program, and the debt load of $9,500 creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36—meaning graduates can realistically pay off their loans. What's particularly encouraging is that this program performs better than most others in Texas, ranking in the 60th percentile statewide despite being below the national median.

However, the earnings picture reveals some limitations. While graduates see steady 7% growth over four years, reaching $28,493, this trails significantly behind top Texas programs like Houston Community College ($35,469) and Lone Star College System ($33,233). The program serves a predominantly low-income student population (72% receive Pell grants), which explains both the affordable tuition structure and the focus on accessible healthcare training.

For families seeking a quick path into healthcare with minimal debt, this program delivers on its promise—graduates can enter the workforce quickly without crushing loan payments. But if maximizing earning potential is the priority, the stronger community college programs in the Houston area offer substantially better returns for likely similar time investments.

Where College of Health Care Professions Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all allied health and medical assisting services certificate's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How College of Health Care Professions graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
College of Health Care Professions$26,556$28,493+7%
Houston Community College$35,469$37,034+4%
Lone Star College System$33,233$36,759+11%
Lamson Institute$26,882$34,236+27%
Pima Medical Institute-Houston$31,915$33,511+5%

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services certificate's programs at peer institutions in Texas (89 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
College of Health Care ProfessionsHouston$26,556$28,493$9,5000.36
Houston Community CollegeHouston$2,040$35,469$37,034$16,0350.45
Lone Star College SystemThe Woodlands$3,090$33,233$36,759$9,1050.27
Pima Medical Institute-HoustonHouston$31,915$33,511$9,4570.30
Pima Medical Institute-El PasoEl Paso$31,915$33,511$9,4570.30
Pima Medical Institute-San AntonioSan Antonio$31,915$33,511$9,4570.30
National Median$27,186$9,5000.35

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with allied health and medical assisting services graduates

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Occupational Therapy Assistants

Assist occupational therapists in providing occupational therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, direct activity programs, and document the progress of treatments. Generally requires formal training.

$66,050/yrJobs growth:

Surgical Technologists

Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. May help set up operating room, prepare and transport patients for surgery, adjust lights and equipment, pass instruments and other supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants, hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments.

$62,480/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Physical Therapist Assistants

Assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in the development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, document the progress of treatment, and modify specific treatments in accordance with patient status and within the scope of treatment plans established by a physical therapist. Generally requires formal training.

$60,050/yrJobs growth:

Medical Assistants

Perform administrative and certain clinical duties under the direction of a physician. Administrative duties may include scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding information for insurance purposes. Clinical duties may include taking and recording vital signs and medical histories, preparing patients for examination, drawing blood, and administering medications as directed by physician.

$44,200/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Pharmacy Technicians

Prepare medications under the direction of a pharmacist. May measure, mix, count out, label, and record amounts and dosages of medications according to prescription orders.

$43,460/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians

Perform routine medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May work under the supervision of a medical technologist.

Histology Technicians

Prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May assist with research studies.

Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other

All health technologists and technicians not listed separately.

Neurodiagnostic Technologists

Conduct electroneurodiagnostic (END) tests such as electroencephalograms, evoked potentials, polysomnograms, or electronystagmograms. May perform nerve conduction studies.

Ophthalmic Medical Technologists

Assist ophthalmologists by performing ophthalmic clinical functions and ophthalmic photography. Provide instruction and supervision to other ophthalmic personnel. Assist with minor surgical procedures, applying aseptic techniques and preparing instruments. May perform eye exams, administer eye medications, and instruct patients in care and use of corrective lenses.

Healthcare Support Workers, All Other

All healthcare support workers not listed separately.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At College of Health Care Professions, approximately 72% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 1759 graduates with reported earnings and 2054 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.