Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Northland Community and Technical College

Northland Community and Technical College graduates start strong in allied health support roles—earning $42,509 right out of the gate, which beats three-quarters of similar programs nationally. Among Minnesota's 20 schools offering this degree, Northland lands squarely in the middle of the pack (60th percentile), performing comparably to programs at Anoka-Ramsey and St. Catherine. The $23,750 median debt sits below both state and national averages, creating a manageable debt burden that graduates could realistically pay down within a year or two of focused repayment.

The trajectory deserves attention, though: earnings dip to $40,027 by year four, suggesting these roles may have limited advancement opportunities without additional credentials. This pattern isn't unusual in medical assisting and allied health support positions, where advancement typically requires moving into nursing, specialized tech roles, or management—all of which need further education. That said, starting at $42K with under $24K in debt still represents a reasonable investment, particularly for students seeking quick entry into healthcare.

For families prioritizing immediate employability and lower debt over long-term salary growth, this program delivers solid results. Just understand you're likely buying your child a stable job rather than a climbing career ladder.