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

Median Earnings (1yr)

$23,496

18th percentile

40th percentile in Alabama

Median Debt

$9,500

At national median

Analysis

This Allied Health program at Fortis College-Montgomery delivers concerning results that should give parents pause. With median first-year earnings of $23,496 that actually decline to $22,618 by year four, graduates are earning significantly below both national ($27,186) and Alabama state medians ($24,037). While the program ranks at the 40th percentile among Alabama schools, it falls to just the 18th percentile nationally—meaning 82% of similar programs across the country produce better outcomes.

The financial picture is mixed but manageable. At $9,500 in median debt, graduates face the same debt load as state and national averages, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40—reasonable but not impressive given the low earnings. The negative earnings growth of 4% over four years is particularly troubling, suggesting limited career advancement opportunities. With 84% of students receiving Pell grants, this program clearly serves low-income students who need strong post-graduation outcomes.

Bottom line: While the debt burden is manageable, this program's below-average earnings and declining wage trajectory make it a risky investment. Students can find better-performing programs within Alabama, including Herzing University-Birmingham ($30,106) or even Fortis Institute-Birmingham ($25,556), both offering substantially higher earning potential in the same field.

Where Fortis College-Montgomery Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Fortis College-Montgomery 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-Montgomery	$23,496	$22,618	-4%
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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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Fortis College-MontgomeryMontgomery	—	$23,496	$22,618	$9,500	0.40
Herzing University-BirminghamBirmingham	$13,420	$30,106	$29,950	$24,721	0.82
Fortis Institute-BirminghamBirmingham	$14,561	$25,556	$28,041	$9,500	0.37
Ross Medical Education Center-HuntsvilleHuntsville	—	$24,905	$25,038	$9,500	0.38
Remington College-Mobile CampusMobile	$20,476	$24,037	$26,469	$14,120	0.59
Fortis CollegeMobile	—	$23,496	$22,618	$9,500	0.40
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-Montgomery, approximately 84% 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 556 graduates with reported earnings and 662 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.