Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma) at Fortis College

Median Earnings (1yr)

$23,420

17th percentile

40th percentile in Texas

Median Debt

$9,500

At national median

Analysis

Fortis College's medical assisting program sits squarely in the middle of Texas options but lags significantly behind national standards. While graduates earn $23,420 in their first year—just below the Texas median of $24,563—they fall into the 17th percentile nationally, meaning 83% of similar programs elsewhere produce higher-earning graduates. The debt load of $9,500 is manageable at typical levels, but the earnings simply aren't competitive with what students could achieve at nearby alternatives.

The gap with top Texas programs is substantial and telling. Houston Community College graduates earn $35,469 initially—about $12,000 more per year than Fortis students—while Lone Star College System produces $33,233 earners. Even accounting for the 18% earnings growth Fortis graduates see by year four (reaching $27,561), they still trail these community college alternatives by significant margins.

For families considering this investment, the numbers suggest looking elsewhere first. With 73% of Fortis students receiving Pell grants, many come from lower-income backgrounds where maximizing earning potential is crucial. Houston-area community colleges appear to offer better pathways into medical assisting careers without sacrificing affordability, making Fortis a weaker choice despite its reasonable debt levels.

Where Fortis College Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Fortis College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School	1 Year	4 Years	Growth
Fortis College	$23,420	$27,561	+18%
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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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Fortis CollegeHouston	—	$23,420	$27,561	$9,500	0.41
Houston Community CollegeHouston	$2,040	$35,469	$37,034	$16,035	0.45
Lone Star College SystemThe Woodlands	$3,090	$33,233	$36,759	$9,105	0.27
Pima Medical Institute-HoustonHouston	—	$31,915	$33,511	$9,457	0.30
Pima Medical Institute-El PasoEl Paso	—	$31,915	$33,511	$9,457	0.30
Pima Medical Institute-San AntonioSan Antonio	—	$31,915	$33,511	$9,457	0.30
National Median	—	$27,186	—	$9,500	0.35

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 Fortis College, approximately 73% 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 439 graduates with reported earnings and 534 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.