Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Fortis Institute-Nashville

While Fortis Institute-Nashville's Allied Health program falls below national earnings averages, it performs surprisingly well within Tennessee, ranking in the 60th percentile among state programs. Graduates earn $25,556 in their first year—about $1,600 less than the national median but $860 more than the typical Tennessee program. This suggests the school is doing something right in a competitive local market with 35 programs.

The financial picture is quite manageable. With median debt of just $9,500, graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37—meaning they could theoretically pay off their loans in under five months of gross salary. This low debt load, combined with steady 10% earnings growth over four years, creates a relatively low-risk pathway into healthcare support roles. The fact that 69% of students receive Pell grants indicates the program serves students who might otherwise struggle to access healthcare career training.

For parents worried about educational debt, this program offers a practical entry point into a stable field without the crushing loan burdens common in higher education. While earnings aren't spectacular, the combination of minimal debt and decent Tennessee market performance makes this a sensible choice for students seeking quick workforce entry in healthcare.