Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma) at Quincy College

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$36,469

Est. from MA median (7 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$8,595

Est. from MA median (5 programs)

Analysis

Medical assisting programs in Massachusetts show striking variation—graduates from the top community colleges earn over $45,000 in their first year, while peer programs in the state suggest more typical outcomes around $36,500. Based on comparable programs statewide, Quincy College's certificate appears positioned at the middle of this range, with estimated debt of roughly $8,600. That debt load is manageable—about three months of expected first-year salary—and actually sits slightly below both the state and national medians for similar programs.

The catch is context. Massachusetts medical assistants earn considerably more than their counterparts elsewhere in the country (the national median is just $27,186), which helps explain why this program makes financial sense here despite graduates at nearby community colleges earning 20-25% more. Still, the gap matters. The difference between $36,500 and $45,000 is nearly $9,000 annually—money that compounds over a career.

For families weighing this certificate, the debt picture is reasonable, but consider whether slightly stronger programs are accessible. Mount Wachusett and Bunker Hill both serve diverse student bodies and deliver significantly higher outcomes for graduates. If location or scheduling makes Quincy College the practical choice, the numbers still work—you're not looking at crushing debt. But if flexibility exists, exploring those higher-earning alternatives could mean starting your child's career on stronger financial footing.

Where Quincy College Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts

Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services certificate's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (19 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Quincy CollegeQuincy	$7,536	$36,469*	—	$8,595*	—
Mount Wachusett Community CollegeGardner	$6,000	$45,300*	$41,874	$11,079*	0.24
Bunker Hill Community CollegeBoston	$5,520	$44,141*	—	$8,607*	0.19
Northern Essex Community CollegeHaverhill	$5,688	$38,885*	$34,695	$7,925*	0.20
Southeastern Technical InstituteSouth Easton	—	$36,469*	$35,395	$5,500*	0.15
Mildred Elley-Pittsfield CampusPittsfield	$16,052	$35,951*	—	$20,000*	0.56
National Median	—	$27,186*	—	$9,500*	0.35

* 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 Quincy College, approximately 34% 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 7 similar programs in MA. Actual outcomes may vary.