Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma) at Harrisburg Area Community College

Median Earnings (1yr)

$32,660

87th percentile

60th percentile in Pennsylvania

Median Debt

$14,250

50% above national median

Analysis

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.

Where Harrisburg Area Community College Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Harrisburg Area Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania

Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services certificate's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (45 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Harrisburg Area Community CollegeHarrisburg	$7,373	$32,660	—	$14,250	0.44
Montgomery County Community CollegeBlue Bell	$6,270	$38,645	$27,137	$9,500	0.25
Lincoln Technical Institute-AllentownAllentown	—	$31,098	$31,123	$11,237	0.36
All-State Career SchoolEssington	—	$30,926	$27,143	$10,840	0.35
Pennsylvania Institute of TechnologyMedia	$14,445	$28,413	$30,435	$15,115	0.53
Great Lakes Institute of TechnologyErie	—	$27,108	$25,638	$11,629	0.43
National Median	—	$27,186	—	$9,500	0.35

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 Harrisburg Area Community College, approximately 33% 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 29 graduates with reported earnings and 34 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.