Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Ross Medical Education Center-Johnson City
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Ross Medical Education Center's allied health program offers a relatively affordable entry point into healthcare, but the earnings trajectory should concern prospective students. While graduates start at $26,624—beating the Tennessee median by nearly $2,000 and ranking in the 60th percentile statewide—earnings actually decline to $24,537 by year four. This downward trend is unusual for healthcare programs and suggests limited career advancement opportunities within this specialization.
The program's main strength lies in its modest debt burden. At $9,500, graduates face a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36, meaning they should be able to repay loans without significant financial strain. Given that 84% of students receive Pell grants, this accessibility matters for the economically disadvantaged students the school serves.
However, parents should note that this program ranks in the middle tier among Tennessee options, with South College graduates earning $2,000 more annually. The combination of declining earnings and mid-pack performance suggests this certificate provides basic job training rather than a foundation for career growth. For families prioritizing immediate employment with minimal debt, this program delivers, but those seeking upward mobility in healthcare should consider programs with stronger long-term earning potential.
Where Ross Medical Education Center-Johnson City Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all allied health and medical assisting services certificate's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Ross Medical Education Center-Johnson City graduates compare to all programs nationally
Ross Medical Education Center-Johnson City graduates earn $27k, placing them in the 45th percentile of all allied health and medical assisting services certificate programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Tennessee
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services certificate's programs at peer institutions in Tennessee (35 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ross Medical Education Center-Johnson City | $26,624 | $24,537 | $9,500 | 0.36 |
| South College | $28,606 | — | $12,075 | 0.42 |
| Allied Health Careers Institute | $26,245 | — | $6,544 | 0.25 |
| Fortis Institute-Cookeville | $25,883 | $25,030 | $9,500 | 0.37 |
| Ross Medical Education Center-Knoxville | $25,879 | $26,069 | $9,500 | 0.37 |
| Fortis Institute-Nashville | $25,556 | $28,041 | $9,500 | 0.37 |
| National Median | $27,186 | — | $9,500 | 0.35 |
Other Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services Programs in Tennessee
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Tennessee schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| South College Knoxville | $17,935 | $28,606 | $12,075 |
| Allied Health Careers Institute Murfreesboro | — | $26,245 | $6,544 |
| Fortis Institute-Cookeville Cookeville | $14,644 | $25,883 | $9,500 |
| Ross Medical Education Center-Knoxville Knoxville | — | $25,879 | $9,500 |
| Fortis Institute-Nashville Nashville | $15,237 | $25,556 | $9,500 |
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 Ross Medical Education Center-Johnson City, approximately 84% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 451 graduates with reported earnings and 548 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.