Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (Associate's Degree) at Odessa College

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$44,175

Est. from TX median (29 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$16,125

Est. from TX median (14 programs)

Analysis

When comparable allied health programs in Texas produce a debt load of around $16,125, you're looking at a relatively manageable burden—especially when paired with estimated first-year earnings of $44,175. That 0.37 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests graduates could feasibly pay off loans within a year or two of focused repayment, which puts this program in reasonable territory compared to many associate degrees.

The challenge is that these figures are drawn from peer programs across Texas, not Odessa College's actual outcomes. The state's median earnings for this field match the estimate here, but top performers like Western Technical College and San Jacinto Community College report first-year earnings above $52,000—showing there's meaningful variation depending on where you train and what specific allied health track you pursue. Medical assisting roles can range from basic clinical support to specialized technical positions, and those distinctions matter for earnings potential.

For parents weighing this investment, the estimated numbers suggest a program that could work financially, but you'll want to dig into what specific certifications Odessa College provides and how their graduates fare in West Texas's healthcare job market. Allied health is broad enough that the difference between a medical assistant and a respiratory therapy technician can mean thousands of dollars annually, and without actual graduate data, you're making decisions on projected rather than proven outcomes.

Where Odessa College Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services associates's programs at peer institutions in Texas (51 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Odessa CollegeOdessa	$2,640	$44,175*	—	$16,125*	—
Western Technical CollegeEl Paso	—	$53,747*	$58,777	—*	—
Western Technical CollegeEl Paso	—	$53,747*	$58,777	—*	—
San Jacinto Community CollegePasadena	$1,992	$52,032*	$60,275	$21,000*	0.40
Kilgore CollegeKilgore	$2,160	$51,558*	—	—*	—
Navarro CollegeCorsicana	$3,008	$51,543*	$50,309	$24,448*	0.47
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 Odessa College, approximately 26% 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 29 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.