Median Earnings (1yr)
$23,035
14th percentile
40th percentile in Alabama
Median Debt
$9,500
At national median

Analysis

Fortis College-Dothan's medical assisting program produces graduates who earn significantly less than their peers nationwide, landing in just the 14th percentile for earnings among similar programs. With first-year earnings of $23,035—about $4,000 below the national median—students face a challenging financial outlook that barely improves over time.

Within Alabama, the picture is somewhat better but still concerning. The program ranks at the 40th percentile statewide, with graduates earning roughly $1,000 less than the state median of $24,037. When you consider that stronger Alabama programs like Herzing University-Birmingham produce graduates earning $30,106, the opportunity cost becomes clear. The debt burden of $9,500 isn't excessive, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41, but the low earning potential limits financial mobility.

The program serves a predominantly low-income student population, with 82% receiving Pell grants, which speaks to its accessibility. However, the minimal earnings growth over four years (+2%) suggests graduates may struggle to advance financially in their careers. For families prioritizing immediate employment over earning potential, this program provides quick workforce entry, but parents should understand their child will likely earn substantially less than graduates from stronger medical assisting programs both in Alabama and nationwide.

Where Fortis College-Dothan Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Fortis College-Dothan graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Fortis College-Dothan$23,035$23,410+2%
Herzing University-Birmingham$30,106$29,950-1%
Fortis Institute-Birmingham$25,556$28,041+10%
Remington College-Mobile Campus$24,037$26,469+10%
Ross Medical Education Center-Huntsville$24,905$25,038+1%

Compare to Similar Programs in Alabama

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

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Fortis College-DothanDothan$23,035$23,410$9,5000.41
Herzing University-BirminghamBirmingham$13,420$30,106$29,950$24,7210.82
Fortis Institute-BirminghamBirmingham$14,561$25,556$28,041$9,5000.37
Ross Medical Education Center-HuntsvilleHuntsville$24,905$25,038$9,5000.38
Remington College-Mobile CampusMobile$20,476$24,037$26,469$14,1200.59
Fortis CollegeMobile$23,496$22,618$9,5000.40
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 Fortis College-Dothan, approximately 82% 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 410 graduates with reported earnings and 491 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.