Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Fortis Institute-Pensacola
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
fortis.eduAnalysis
This Fortis Institute program presents concerning financial outcomes that warrant serious reconsideration. With median earnings of just $23,496 one year after graduation, graduates earn significantly less than both the national median ($27,186) and Florida median ($26,264) for allied health programs. More troubling is the negative earnings trajectoryβgraduates actually earn less four years post-graduation than they do initially, dropping to $22,618.
While the debt load of $9,500 appears manageable at first glance, it becomes problematic when paired with these low earnings. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.40 means graduates carry debt equivalent to nearly five months of their annual salary. When you compare this to top-performing Florida programs like Manatee Technical College, where graduates earn $35,907, the opportunity cost becomes starkβthat's $12,000+ more annually for similar training.
The data is based on a robust sample of 100+ graduates, so these figures are reliable. Given that this program ranks in just the 18th percentile nationally and performs below average even within Florida, your child would likely achieve better financial outcomes at numerous other state institutions offering the same credential. The combination of below-average earnings and declining income trajectory makes this a risky investment, especially when stronger alternatives exist within the same state.
Where Fortis Institute-Pensacola Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all allied health and medical assisting services certificate's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Fortis Institute-Pensacola 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 Institute-Pensacola | $23,496 | $22,618 | -4% |
| William T McFatter Technical College | $30,643 | $36,405 | +19% |
| Orange Technical College-West Campus | $23,098 | $35,014 | +52% |
| Indian River State College | $31,062 | $32,977 | +6% |
| Meridian College | $26,939 | $32,751 | +22% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services certificate's programs at peer institutions in Florida (99 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $14,767 | $23,496 | $22,618 | $9,500 | 0.40 | |
| β | $35,907 | β | β | β | |
| $2,838 | $34,527 | $29,030 | $7,695 | 0.22 | |
| $3,050 | $33,935 | β | β | β | |
| β | $33,354 | $30,757 | β | β | |
| β | $33,100 | β | β | β | |
| National Median | β | $27,186 | β | $9,500 | 0.35 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with allied health and medical assisting services graduates
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Surgical Technologists
Physical Therapist Assistants
Medical Assistants
Pharmacy Technicians
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
Histology Technicians
Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other
Neurodiagnostic Technologists
Ophthalmic Medical Technologists
Healthcare Support Workers, All Other
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 Institute-Pensacola, approximately 66% 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.