Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma) at Lower Columbia College

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$37,096

Est. from WA median (9 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$14,875

Est. from WA median (5 programs)

Analysis

Lower Columbia College's medical assisting certificate comes with debt significantly above both state and national norms—an estimated $14,875 compared to the Washington median of $9,626 and the national median of $9,500. Given that similar programs across Washington suggest first-year earnings around $37,000, graduates would be carrying debt equal to 40% of their initial income. That's manageable but not ideal, particularly when peer programs like North Seattle and Wenatchee Valley produce comparable earnings with substantially less borrowing.

The earnings picture itself looks reasonable. Washington's medical assisting programs consistently outperform the national median of $27,186, and the estimated $37,000 reflects what graduates from similar in-state programs typically see. This positions the program in line with state standards, though not at the top of the range.

The real question is whether you can minimize borrowing through community college resources, financial aid, or part-time attendance while working. At $9,500—the state median debt—this certificate makes financial sense. At $15,000, you're paying a premium that other Washington programs avoid. Before enrolling, compare actual financial aid packages and graduation timelines with nearby alternatives that have stronger cost profiles.

Where Lower Columbia College Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Washington

Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services certificate's programs at peer institutions in Washington (31 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Lower Columbia CollegeLongview	$4,346	$37,096*	—	$14,875*	—
North Seattle CollegeSeattle	$5,058	$48,502*	$48,060	$16,867*	0.35
Walla Walla Community CollegeWalla Walla	$6,513	$38,894*	$34,284	$14,875*	0.38
Wenatchee Valley CollegeWenatchee	$5,118	$38,841*	$37,243	$9,626*	0.25
Carrington College-SpokaneSpokane	—	$38,395*	$33,794	$9,500*	0.25
Perry Technical InstituteYakima	—	$37,096*	$35,953	$7,892*	0.21
National Median	—	$27,186*	—	$9,500*	0.35

* Estimated from similar programs

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 Lower Columbia College, approximately 31% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 9 similar programs in WA. Actual outcomes may vary.