Median Earnings (1yr)
$30,358
71st percentile
60th percentile in California
Median Debt
$9,500
At national median

Analysis

North-West College-Glendale's Allied Health program starts graduates at $30,358โ€”well above both the national median ($27,186) and California's median ($26,897) for similar programs. This performance places it in the 71st percentile nationally and 60th percentile within California, making it a solid choice among the 185 programs available in the state. The debt load of $9,500 is exactly at national and state medians, creating a reasonable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31.

However, the program shows a troubling pattern: earnings actually decline slightly from year one to year four, dropping to $29,979. This stagnation contrasts with most career paths where experience typically leads to higher pay. While graduates still earn more than typical program completers after four years, the lack of growth suggests limited advancement opportunities in this field.

The bottom line is straightforward: this program delivers above-average starting salaries with manageable debt, but your child shouldn't expect significant income growth over time. For students seeking quick entry into healthcare support roles with reasonable financial risk, it's a decent option. However, those hoping for substantial career advancement might want to consider longer programs that offer clearer paths to higher-paying positions in healthcare.

Where North-West College-Glendale Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How North-West College-Glendale graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
North-West College-Glendale$30,358$29,979-1%
Bay Area Medical Academy$38,505$52,333+36%
Cabrillo College$37,279$45,575+22%
Empire College$40,838$41,628+2%
Unitek College$32,827$37,061+13%

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services certificate's programs at peer institutions in California (185 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
North-West College-GlendaleGlendaleโ€”$30,358$29,979$9,5000.31
Empire CollegeSanta Rosaโ€”$40,838$41,628$13,2130.32
Bay Area Medical AcademySan Franciscoโ€”$38,505$52,333$9,1390.24
Charles A Jones Career and Education CenterSacramentoโ€”$38,064โ€”$4,7300.12
Cabrillo CollegeAptos$1,270$37,279$45,575โ€”โ€”
Unitek CollegeSouth San Franciscoโ€”$34,873$31,360$8,4090.24
National Medianโ€”$27,186โ€”$9,5000.35

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 North-West College-Glendale, approximately 56% 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 335 graduates with reported earnings and 387 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.