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

Median Earnings (1yr)

$35,469

95th percentile

80th percentile in Texas

Median Debt

$16,035

69% above national median

Analysis

Houston Community College's allied health certificate punches well above its weight in the Texas market. At $35,469 in first-year earnings, graduates out-earn the state median by nearly $11,000—placing this program in the 80th percentile statewide and 95th nationally. Among Texas programs, only Lone Star edges ahead, while HCC significantly outperforms the various Pima locations that charge similar tuition. The moderate debt load of $16,035 is higher than typical for certificates but remains manageable with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45, meaning graduates earn more than twice their debt in their first year.

The trade-off here is straightforward: you're paying certificate-plus pricing (roughly $6,500 more than the state median debt) but getting earnings that rival or exceed four-year outcomes in many fields. Earnings growth is modest at 4% over four years, suggesting these jobs have defined pay scales rather than rapid advancement potential. However, the starting salary itself does most of the heavy lifting—$35,000 is solid compensation for a certificate that typically takes less than a year to complete.

For families seeking a quick pathway to stable healthcare employment in Houston's large medical sector, this program delivers measurable value. The premium you pay in debt translates directly into premium earnings compared to most Texas alternatives.

Where Houston Community College Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Houston Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School	1 Year	4 Years	Growth
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%
Pima Medical Institute-El Paso	$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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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Houston Community CollegeHouston	$2,040	$35,469	$37,034	$16,035	0.45
Lone Star College SystemThe Woodlands	$3,090	$33,233	$36,759	$9,105	0.27
Pima Medical Institute-San AntonioSan Antonio	—	$31,915	$33,511	$9,457	0.30
Pima Medical Institute-HoustonHouston	—	$31,915	$33,511	$9,457	0.30
Pima Medical Institute-El PasoEl Paso	—	$31,915	$33,511	$9,457	0.30
Concorde Career College-DallasDallas	—	$30,907	$31,789	$9,500	0.31
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 Houston Community College, approximately 37% 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 35 graduates with reported earnings and 25 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.