Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Fortis Institute-Scranton

Fortis Institute-Scranton's Allied Health program posts concerning numbers that fall well short of what graduates need. Starting at just $29,391—nearly $4,000 below Pennsylvania's median for this field—earnings actually decline to $27,644 by year four, leaving graduates earning less than they did as recent graduates. This downward trajectory is unusual for healthcare fields and suggests either credential limitations or local market saturation.

The $19,805 debt load seems modest at first glance, but paired with these low earnings, it creates real financial strain. You're looking at a debt-to-earnings ratio that requires roughly 8 months of gross income to pay off, assuming aggressive repayment. Meanwhile, comparable programs across Pennsylvania consistently deliver better outcomes: Community College of Allegheny County graduates earn $36,439, and several other PA programs place in the $40,000+ range for similar credentials.

The 80% Pell Grant population here suggests the school serves students with significant financial need, making these weak earnings particularly troubling. If your child is committed to medical assisting in Pennsylvania, exploring community college alternatives or understanding why this program's graduates earn 30% less than the state median should be non-negotiable. The negative earnings trajectory four years out is a red flag that something about this credential or training isn't translating to career advancement.