Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Pierce College District

Pierce College's allied health certificate appears positioned right at Washington's median, with similar programs across the state suggesting first-year earnings around $37,096. That figure substantially outpaces the national median of $27,186 for these credentials, reflecting Washington's healthcare labor market. The estimated debt of $14,875—derived from comparable programs at similar Washington community colleges—would take roughly 40% of that first year's income, which sits above what most financial advisors recommend but isn't uncommon for career-entry healthcare training.

The challenge here is uncertainty. With too few graduates for Pierce to report its own outcomes, you're looking at what peer programs produce rather than what this specific certificate delivers. Washington's allied health programs show meaningful variation, with North Seattle graduates earning over $48,000 while others cluster closer to Pierce's estimated $37,000 range. The debt estimate similarly spans a range—some Washington programs report under $10,000 while others exceed $15,000.

For parents weighing this investment, the estimated numbers suggest a manageable but not exceptional financial outcome compared to Washington alternatives. If your student can access specific data on Pierce's job placement rates and what roles their graduates actually secure, that information matters more than these state-wide estimates. The program may deliver solid value, but you're making this decision with limited visibility into its actual track record.