Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Ivy Tech Community College

Ivy Tech's allied health program starts strong with first-year earnings of $32,398—ranking in the 85th percentile nationally and outperforming Indiana's median by over $5,700. With debt under $11,000, graduates face a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.33, meaning they could theoretically pay off their loans in four months of gross earnings. Among Indiana's 13 programs, this ranks solidly in the middle despite being one of the strongest performers nationally.

The challenge here is the earnings trajectory: graduates earn about $3,200 less four years out than they did in year one. This backward slide isn't unusual in medical assisting roles, where initial employment in clinical settings sometimes gives way to administrative positions or where workers face wage compression in routine medical support roles. The pattern suggests this certificate excels at launching careers quickly but may not lead to positions with strong advancement potential.

For families prioritizing immediate employment with minimal debt, this represents a practical pathway—especially compared to costlier alternatives in the state. Just understand that year one earnings may represent the peak rather than the starting point. If your student plans to use this as a stepping stone toward further healthcare credentials, that trajectory makes more sense than treating it as a career endpoint.