Health and Medical Administrative Services at Rasmussen University-North Dakota

This Health and Medical Administrative Services certificate program delivers exceptionally strong early-career earnings, placing graduates in the 91st percentile nationally with median starting salaries of $33,372—nearly $6,000 above the national average for similar programs. The debt load of $13,143 is reasonable, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.39, meaning graduates earn back their investment relatively quickly compared to many certificate programs.

However, the earnings story reveals a concerning pattern: virtually no income growth over four years, with salaries rising only 3% to $34,496 by year four. This suggests the program may hit an early earnings ceiling, which is common in administrative roles that don't require ongoing skill development. Within North Dakota, this program performs at the median level (60th percentile), indicating it's competitive locally but not exceptional.

For families seeking a quick entry into healthcare administration with manageable debt, this program offers solid value with strong immediate returns. But parents should understand they're investing in a career path with limited upward mobility—your child will likely earn well initially but shouldn't expect significant salary growth without additional education or career pivots. The program works best for students who value job security and steady income over long-term earning potential.