Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Pine Technical & Community College

Similar allied health programs across Minnesota suggest first-year earnings around $38,400, but Pine Technical's graduates face an unusual earnings trajectory—dropping to $34,400 by year four. That backward slide is uncommon in healthcare fields, where experience typically commands higher pay, and it deserves scrutiny before committing to this program.

The estimated $25,500 debt load sits near Minnesota's median for comparable programs, creating a manageable first-year ratio of 0.66. However, that calculation assumes earnings hold steady or improve. The actual four-year data showing declining income raises questions about whether graduates are staying in allied health roles or struggling to advance within them. When peer programs at Lake Superior College and Northland Community and Technical College show graduates earning $42,500-$43,200, the difference matters—that's an extra $8,000 annually that accelerates debt payoff and builds financial security.

The sparse data here (forcing reliance on estimates) combined with the earnings decline suggests this program may lack the clinical partnerships, specialized tracks, or credential preparation that stronger Minnesota programs offer. Before enrolling, determine whether Pine Technical's allied health training leads to specific certifications that employers value, and ask directly why four-year earnings trail behind—career services should have answers about where recent graduates actually work and whether advancement paths exist.