Median Earnings (1yr)
$23,420
17th percentile
40th percentile in Texas
Median Debt
$9,500
At national median

Analysis

Fortis Institute's Allied Health program produces graduates who earn significantly less than peers at other Texas institutions, with first-year earnings of $23,420 falling well below the state median of $24,563. More concerning, graduates earn roughly $8,000-12,000 less annually than those from Houston Community College or Lone Star College System—institutions that likely offer similar programs at lower costs as public colleges.

The debt picture offers some relief, with $9,500 in student loans representing a manageable 41% of first-year earnings. Graduates do see steady income growth, reaching $27,561 by year four—an 18% increase that brings them closer to national benchmarks. Among Texas programs, Fortis ranks in the 40th percentile, meaning half of similar programs in the state produce better outcomes, while nationally it sits in just the 17th percentile.

For families considering this program, the numbers suggest looking elsewhere first. Public community colleges in the Houston area consistently produce graduates earning $8,000+ more annually, likely with lower tuition costs. While Fortis serves a predominantly low-income student population (75% receive Pell grants), parents should weigh whether the convenience or specific features of this program justify accepting significantly lower earning potential when stronger alternatives exist nearby.

Where Fortis Institute Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Fortis Institute graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Fortis Institute$23,420$27,561+18%
Houston Community College$35,469$37,034+4%
Lone Star College System$33,233$36,759+11%
Lamson Institute$26,882$34,236+27%
Pima Medical Institute-Houston$31,915$33,511+5%

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services certificate's programs at peer institutions in Texas (89 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Fortis InstituteHouston$23,420$27,561$9,5000.41
Houston Community CollegeHouston$2,040$35,469$37,034$16,0350.45
Lone Star College SystemThe Woodlands$3,090$33,233$36,759$9,1050.27
Pima Medical Institute-HoustonHouston$31,915$33,511$9,4570.30
Pima Medical Institute-El PasoEl Paso$31,915$33,511$9,4570.30
Pima Medical Institute-San AntonioSan Antonio$31,915$33,511$9,4570.30
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 Institute, approximately 75% 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 439 graduates with reported earnings and 534 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.