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

Median Earnings (1yr)

$29,833

68th percentile

60th percentile in Texas

Median Debt

$8,875

7% below national median

Analysis

San Jacinto Community College's medical assisting program outperforms most Texas competitors while keeping debt manageable. With graduates earning $29,833 after one year, this program beats 60% of similar Texas programs and ranks in the 68th percentile nationally—solid performance considering Texas's median for this certificate sits at just $24,563. That's over $5,000 more per year than the typical graduate earns statewide.

The debt picture requires closer attention. At $8,875, graduates carry slightly less than the national and state median, but it still ranks in the 80th percentile for debt nationally—meaning many comparable programs nationwide manage lower borrowing. The 0.30 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe about four months of income, which is reasonable but not exceptional. For context, top Houston-area programs like Houston Community College and Lone Star achieve significantly higher earnings ($35,000+), though they may serve different specialties within allied health.

For families seeking an affordable entry into healthcare careers near Houston, this program delivers above-average results without excessive debt. The earnings won't rival nursing or other clinical programs, but they exceed what most Texas medical assisting certificates produce, making this a practical choice for students prioritizing quick workforce entry over prolonged education.

Where San Jacinto Community College Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How San Jacinto Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services certificate's programs at peer institutions in Texas (89 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
San Jacinto Community CollegePasadena	$1,992	$29,833	—	$8,875	0.30
Houston Community CollegeHouston	$2,040	$35,469	$37,034	$16,035	0.45
Lone Star College SystemThe Woodlands	$3,090	$33,233	$36,759	$9,105	0.27
Pima Medical Institute-HoustonHouston	—	$31,915	$33,511	$9,457	0.30
Pima Medical Institute-El PasoEl Paso	—	$31,915	$33,511	$9,457	0.30
Pima Medical Institute-San AntonioSan Antonio	—	$31,915	$33,511	$9,457	0.30
National Median	—	$27,186	—	$9,500	0.35

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 San Jacinto Community College, approximately 30% 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 49 graduates with reported earnings and 22 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.