Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Ross Medical Education Center-Erlanger

This program delivers exactly average results nationally but performs slightly better within Kentucky, ranking in the 60th percentile among the state's 26 allied health programs. With median earnings of $27,186 and manageable debt of $9,500, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35 is reasonable for a certificate program. However, there's a concerning pattern here: earnings actually decline by 4% from the first year to the fourth year after graduation, suggesting limited career advancement potential.

While the debt load is modest and the program serves a predominantly low-income student population (73% receive Pell grants), the earnings trajectory is troubling. Students typically expect their income to grow over time, but graduates here see their pay stagnate or even decrease. Looking at Kentucky's top performers, programs like Sullivan University ($34,352) and MedQuest College ($29,918) deliver significantly higher earnings, suggesting this field can be more lucrative with the right training.

The bottom line: this program offers affordable entry into allied health work, but don't expect significant income growth. If your child is committed to medical assisting, consider whether spending slightly more for a program with stronger earning potential might be worth the investment, especially given the field's limited upward mobility shown in these data.