Health and Medical Administrative Services at San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield

San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield's health and medical administrative services certificate delivers below-average outcomes in a field where earnings typically plateau early. Graduates earn $26,452 in their first year, placing this program in the 40th percentile among California's 155 similar programs and slightly below the state median of $26,827. More concerning is the virtual absence of earnings growth—graduates see only a 1% increase over four years, reaching just $26,740 by year four.

The debt burden of $10,623 creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40, which is reasonable for a certificate program. However, when you compare this program's outcomes to top performers in California—where Santa Barbara City College graduates earn $47,046 and several other schools exceed $32,000—the opportunity cost becomes clear. Students are paying similar debt levels for significantly lower earning potential.

For families considering this investment, the numbers suggest looking elsewhere. With 155 programs statewide offering this credential, parents should explore options that provide stronger earning potential, particularly given that this is a career-focused certificate where immediate job market value matters most. The program serves its purpose of providing healthcare administrative training, but other California schools deliver substantially better financial returns for similar educational investments.