Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (Associate's Degree) at Estrella Mountain Community College

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$47,390

Est. from AZ median (6 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$17,606

Est. from national median (186 programs)

Analysis

Based on comparable allied health programs across Arizona, first-year earnings around $47,000 suggest solid early career prospects, significantly outpacing the national median of $36,862 for this field. Arizona's allied health market appears stronger than most states, and Estrella Mountain's peer institutions—including nearby GateWay Community College—report actual outcomes in a similar range. The estimated debt load of $17,606 sits well below both the state median ($29,360) and national benchmarks, yielding a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37.

The uncertainty here matters: these figures represent what similar Arizona programs typically produce rather than tracked outcomes for Estrella Mountain graduates specifically. However, the pattern is encouraging—even the lowest-earning comparable program in Arizona (Pima Medical Institute at $44,175) still delivers earnings that would make this debt load reasonable. Allied health roles often provide stable employment in healthcare settings, though advancement beyond entry-level positions may require additional certification or experience.

For families prioritizing affordable healthcare career entry, this program's estimated financials suggest a workable path. The debt burden appears modest enough that typical first-year earnings would allow reasonable repayment, assuming the state-level patterns hold true for this school's graduates. Just recognize you're betting on Estrella Mountain performing roughly in line with Arizona's community college allied health programs rather than evaluating its specific track record.

Where Estrella Mountain Community College Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Arizona

Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services associates's programs at peer institutions in Arizona (17 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Estrella Mountain Community CollegeAvondale	$2,358	$47,390*	—	$17,606*	—
Carrington College-Phoenix NorthPhoenix	—	$53,596*	$55,565	$32,458*	0.61
Carrington College-MesaMesa	—	$53,596*	$55,565	$32,458*	0.61
GateWay Community CollegePhoenix	$2,358	$50,605*	$53,692	$15,581*	0.31
Pima Medical Institute-TucsonTucson	—	$44,175*	$45,661	$27,292*	0.62
Pima Medical Institute-MesaMesa	—	$44,175*	$45,661	$27,292*	0.62
National Median	—	$36,862*	—	$19,825*	0.54

* Estimated from similar programs

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 Estrella Mountain Community College, approximately 23% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 6 similar programs in AZ. Actual outcomes may vary.