Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Glendale Career College

Glendale Career College's medical assisting program shows a troubling pattern: graduates earn $26,106 in their first year, then see earnings drop 17% to $21,714 by year four. This backward trajectory is the key concern here. While the initial debt load of $9,319 seems manageable at first glance—representing just four months of that first-year salary—it becomes a heavier burden as earnings decline. Compare this to top California programs where graduates at Empire College and Bay Area Medical Academy earn $38,000-$40,000, nearly double what Glendale grads make four years out.

The program sits squarely at the 40th percentile both nationally and within California, meaning 60% of comparable programs deliver better outcomes. That's particularly noteworthy in a state with 185 medical assisting programs—there are clearly stronger options available. The earnings decline suggests graduates may be hitting a ceiling quickly, possibly stuck in entry-level positions without advancement opportunities, or that the credential itself doesn't provide much leverage in the job market.

For families considering this program, the math gets worse over time rather than better. If your child can access one of California's higher-performing community college or career programs in this field, the difference could mean an extra $15,000-$20,000 annually—money that compounds significantly over a career. This program gets people working, but it doesn't appear to set them up for growth.