Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at North-West College-Anaheim

This Allied Health and Medical Assisting program at North-West College-Anaheim offers modest but reasonable value, though it faces a concerning earnings trajectory. Starting salaries of $28,420 outperform both the national median ($27,186) and California median ($26,897) for similar programs, ranking in the 60th percentile statewide. The debt load of $9,500 is manageable with a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.33, meaning graduates can realistically pay off loans relatively quickly.

However, the program's biggest red flag is the negative earnings growth—graduates actually earn 3% less four years out than in their first year. This "early peak" pattern suggests limited advancement opportunities in the field, which is problematic for long-term financial stability. While some California programs like Empire College and Bay Area Medical Academy produce graduates earning $38,000-$40,000, this program falls well short of those top performers.

For families seeking an affordable entry into healthcare support roles, this program delivers reasonable immediate returns with low debt risk. However, parents should understand that medical assisting may offer limited career progression. If your child is motivated and capable, investing in a longer nursing or other healthcare program might provide better long-term earning potential, despite higher upfront costs.