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

Median Earnings (1yr)

$26,897

47th percentile

60th percentile in California

Median Debt

$10,269

8% above national median

Analysis

This Allied Health and Medical Assisting program at San Joaquin Valley College-Hesperia offers reasonable value with notably modest debt, but earnings potential remains limited. With median earnings of $26,897 in the first year and only reaching $27,686 after four years, graduates earn slightly below the national median but rank in the 60th percentile among California programs—a meaningful distinction given California's competitive healthcare market.

The program's strongest selling point is its manageable debt burden. At $10,269, student debt sits comfortably below both national and state medians, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38 that makes the credential financially accessible. However, the minimal 3% earnings growth over four years suggests this field offers limited advancement potential, which is concerning for long-term career prospects.

When compared to top California programs where graduates earn $35,000-$40,000+, this program clearly underperforms. Empire College and Bay Area Medical Academy graduates earn 50% more, indicating significant variation in program quality and outcomes within the state. For families seeking an affordable entry into healthcare support roles, this program provides a low-risk pathway with reasonable debt. However, if your child has the academic credentials and financial means to access higher-performing programs, the earnings difference could justify the additional investment.

Where San Joaquin Valley College-Hesperia Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How San Joaquin Valley College-Hesperia 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-Hesperia	$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-HesperiaHesperia	—	$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-Hesperia, approximately 62% 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.