Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Harrisburg Area Community College

Harrisburg Area Community College's medical assisting program delivers outcomes that significantly outperform national averages, though it falls in the middle of Pennsylvania's competitive landscape. At $32,660 in first-year earnings, graduates earn 20% more than the national median and rank in the 87th percentile nationally. However, within Pennsylvania—which appears to have stronger-than-average medical assisting programs—this lands at the 60th percentile, trailing schools like Montgomery County Community College by about $6,000.

The financial picture looks manageable. With median debt of $14,250 and a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44, graduates face less than half a year's salary in loans—well below what many certificate programs require. The debt burden here ranks in the 11th percentile nationally, meaning 89% of comparable programs leave students with more debt. For a one-year credential in healthcare support, this represents a relatively quick path to steady employment without overwhelming financial strain.

One important caveat: these figures come from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual experiences may vary more than usual. Still, for Pennsylvania families seeking an affordable entry point into healthcare, this program offers solid value—just know that other in-state community colleges might deliver even stronger earning potential if location permits.