Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma) at San Joaquin Valley College-Delano

Median Earnings (1yr)

$26,897

47th percentile

60th percentile in California

Median Debt

$10,269

8% above national median

Analysis

This Allied Health program at San Joaquin Valley College-Delano delivers solid value with relatively low debt burden, though earnings potential is modest. At $26,897 in first-year earnings and just $10,269 in median debt, graduates face a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38—meaning they'd need less than 5 months of gross pay to cover their educational investment. Among California's 185 similar programs, this ranks at the 60th percentile for earnings, placing it slightly above the state median.

The program's strength lies in its accessibility and financial prudence rather than peak earning potential. With 76% of students receiving Pell grants, it clearly serves a population seeking practical, affordable healthcare training. However, the limited earnings growth—just 3% from year one to year four—suggests this is an "early peak" career path where most earning potential is realized quickly after graduation.

While some California programs produce graduates earning $15,000+ more annually, they likely come with significantly higher debt loads. For families prioritizing quick entry into healthcare with minimal financial risk, this program offers a reasonable path. However, if your child has strong academic credentials and can access more competitive programs, the top-tier California schools show substantially higher earning potential that may justify additional investment.

Where San Joaquin Valley College-Delano Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How San Joaquin Valley College-Delano graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School	1 Year	4 Years	Growth
San Joaquin Valley College-Delano	$26,897	$27,686	+3%
Bay Area Medical Academy	$38,505	$52,333	+36%
Cabrillo College	$37,279	$45,575	+22%
Empire College	$40,838	$41,628	+2%
Unitek College	$32,827	$37,061	+13%

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services certificate's programs at peer institutions in California (185 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
San Joaquin Valley College-DelanoDelano	—	$26,897	$27,686	$10,269	0.38
Empire CollegeSanta Rosa	—	$40,838	$41,628	$13,213	0.32
Bay Area Medical AcademySan Francisco	—	$38,505	$52,333	$9,139	0.24
Charles A Jones Career and Education CenterSacramento	—	$38,064	—	$4,730	0.12
Cabrillo CollegeAptos	$1,270	$37,279	$45,575	—	—
Unitek CollegeSouth San Francisco	—	$34,873	$31,360	$8,409	0.24
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 Joaquin Valley College-Delano, approximately 76% 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 1943 graduates with reported earnings and 2338 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.