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

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$36,469

Est. from MA median (7 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$8,595

Est. from MA median (5 programs)

Analysis

Massachusetts medical assisting programs show considerable variation in outcomes, with graduates from top programs earning over $45,000 while others cluster around $36,000. Based on similar allied health certificate programs in the state, Quinsigamond students likely earn around $36,500 in their first year—about $9,000 more than the national median for this credential but at the lower end of what's possible in Massachusetts. The estimated $8,600 debt load translates to a manageable 0.24 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe roughly three months of first-year salary.

The practical challenge here is that comparable programs elsewhere in Massachusetts are producing notably stronger earnings outcomes. Mount Wachusett and Bunker Hill graduates earn nearly $10,000 more annually right out of the gate, which compounds to substantial differences over a career. For a family where 39% of students need Pell grants, that earnings gap matters—it's the difference between financial breathing room and persistent budget pressure.

For this specific investment, the debt load is reasonable but the estimated earnings put graduates in the middle of the pack for Massachusetts. If location flexibility exists, exploring programs with documented track records above $40,000 could provide better returns. If Quinsigamond is the only viable option due to geography or timing, the numbers work—just understand you're paying for proximity rather than optimal outcomes.

Where Quinsigamond Community 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)

Scroll to see more →

School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Quinsigamond Community CollegeWorcester	$5,974	$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 Quinsigamond Community College, approximately 39% 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.