Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Herzing University-Birmingham

Herzing University-Birmingham's medical assisting program ranks in the top 20% statewide for earnings, with graduates earning around $30,000—substantially more than the Alabama median of $24,000 for similar programs. That's a meaningful advantage when most competing programs in the state cluster around $24,000. Nationally, these earnings land in the 70th percentile, suggesting this program delivers stronger outcomes than typical certificate programs nationwide.

The concern is the debt load. At nearly $25,000, graduates carry roughly 2.5 times the national median debt for medical assisting certificates. That translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.82, meaning nearly a full year's salary goes toward educational debt—manageable but tight for an entry-level healthcare support role. The fact that earnings hold flat between years one and four suggests limited advancement opportunities without additional credentials.

For families considering this program, the calculation hinges on employment outcomes. If your child needs immediate healthcare job placement in Birmingham and values Herzing's structure and support (given the high Pell Grant population they serve successfully), the premium over cheaper alternatives might be justified by the $6,000 annual earnings advantage. But if cost is the primary concern, other Alabama programs offer similar credentials at half the debt, even if earnings potential appears lower. The stronger earnings here are real, but they come at a significant upfront cost.