Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (Associate's Degree) at Northwest State Community College

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$35,365

Est. from OH median (27 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$20,364

Est. from OH median (21 programs)

Analysis

A debt load over $20,000 for an associate's degree in allied health is substantial, particularly when similar Ohio programs suggest first-year earnings around $35,365. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58 means graduates would owe more than half their first year's salary—manageable compared to some fields, but tight for entry-level healthcare support roles where every dollar counts early on.

The more concerning issue is the reported fourth-year earnings figure of $29,207, which sits well below both the estimated first-year number and what peer programs typically produce. This backward trajectory is unusual and warrants scrutiny. If accurate, it could signal limited advancement opportunities in the local healthcare market or perhaps reflect part-time employment patterns among graduates. For context, top-performing allied health programs at Kent State and Cincinnati State report first-year earnings exceeding $40,000—a meaningful $5,000+ premium over what Northwest State's comparable programs suggest.

Given the estimation-heavy nature of this data and the puzzling earnings pattern, prospective families should directly ask the college for placement outcomes and typical employer partnerships. Allied health careers can offer stability and growth, but at this price point, you'd want confidence that graduates aren't struggling to find full-time positions or stuck in lower-paying roles years after completing their degree.

Where Northwest State Community College Stands

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

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School	1 Year	4 Years	Growth
Northwest State Community College	—	$29,207	—
Marion Technical College	$37,040	$44,827	+21%
Clark State College	$35,365	$43,563	+23%
University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College	$36,862	$43,289	+17%
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus	$36,862	$43,289	+17%

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services associates's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (53 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Northwest State Community CollegeArchbold	$4,578	$35,365*	$29,207	$20,364*	—
Cincinnati State Technical and Community CollegeCincinnati	$5,400	$41,891*	$39,214	$22,525*	0.54
Kent State University at East LiverpoolEast Liverpool	$7,272	$40,671*	$41,248	$28,878*	0.71
Kent State University at AshtabulaAshtabula	$7,272	$40,671*	$41,248	$28,878*	0.71
Kent State University at KentKent	$12,846	$40,671*	$41,248	$28,878*	0.71
Kent State University at GeaugaBurton	$7,272	$40,671*	—	—*	—
National Median	—	$36,862*	—	$19,825*	0.54

* 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 Northwest State Community College, approximately 11% 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 27 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.