Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma) at Pima Medical Institute-Chula Vista

Median Earnings (1yr)

$31,915

82nd percentile

60th percentile in California

Median Debt

$9,457

At national median

Analysis

This Allied Health program at Pima Medical Institute-Chula Vista delivers solid financial outcomes that significantly outperform national expectations. With median first-year earnings of $31,915, graduates earn about $4,700 more than the national median for similar programs—placing this program in the 82nd percentile nationally. The debt load of $9,457 is reasonable, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.30.

However, the California context tells a more nuanced story. While this program beats the state median earnings by about $5,000, it ranks in the 60th percentile among California's 185 allied health programs. The state's top performers earn $34,000-$40,000+ in the first year, showing there's room for improvement. Still, the modest earnings growth to $33,511 by year four demonstrates steady career progression in this field.

The financial fundamentals are sound here—graduates can realistically pay off their debt while building stable healthcare careers. With over half of students receiving Pell grants, this program clearly serves students who need affordable pathways into healthcare. While not the strongest performer in California's competitive allied health landscape, this represents a reliable investment that delivers on its promise of career preparation without crushing debt.

Where Pima Medical Institute-Chula Vista Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Pima Medical Institute-Chula Vista graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School	1 Year	4 Years	Growth
Pima Medical Institute-Chula Vista	$31,915	$33,511	+5%
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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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Pima Medical Institute-Chula VistaChula Vista	—	$31,915	$33,511	$9,457	0.30
Empire CollegeSanta Rosa	—	$40,838	$41,628	$13,213	0.32
Bay Area Medical AcademySan Francisco	—	$38,505	$52,333	$9,139	0.24
Charles A Jones Career and Education CenterSacramento	—	$38,064	—	$4,730	0.12
Cabrillo CollegeAptos	$1,270	$37,279	$45,575	—	—
Unitek CollegeSouth San Francisco	—	$34,873	$31,360	$8,409	0.24
National Median	—	$27,186	—	$9,500	0.35

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 Pima Medical Institute-Chula Vista, approximately 55% 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 3048 graduates with reported earnings and 3513 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.