Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (Associate's Degree) at Southwest Tennessee Community College

Median Earnings (1yr)

$44,955

82nd percentile

60th percentile in Tennessee

Est. Median Debt

$16,750

Est. from TN median (5 programs)

Analysis

Southwest Tennessee Community College's allied health program delivers first-year earnings of $44,955—performance that lands in the 82nd percentile nationally and puts it among the stronger outcomes in Tennessee. That earning power sits comfortably above both the national median ($36,862) and Tennessee's median ($37,000) for this degree, suggesting the Memphis market rewards allied health graduates well.

The debt picture appears manageable based on comparable Tennessee programs, which typically see graduates carrying around $16,750—yielding a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37. That means roughly four and a half months of first-year salary would cover the total debt, a reasonable burden for a two-year credential. The actual debt load could vary from this state average, but the strong earnings provide cushion either way.

What makes this program particularly compelling is how it performs against Tennessee peers with reported data. Southwest Tennessee essentially matches the outcomes at Volunteer State and Chattanooga State while serving a significant population of Pell-eligible students (42%). For families in the Memphis area looking at associate-level healthcare training, this combination of strong regional earnings and estimated moderate debt creates a practical pathway into a field with clear labor market demand.

Where Southwest Tennessee Community College Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Southwest Tennessee Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Tennessee

Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services associates's programs at peer institutions in Tennessee (16 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Southwest Tennessee Community CollegeMemphis	$4,550	$44,955	—	$16,750*	—
Volunteer State Community CollegeGallatin	$4,524	$45,598	$46,590	$16,750*	0.37
Chattanooga State Community CollegeChattanooga	$4,550	$45,112	$46,264	$17,548*	0.39
Nashville State Community CollegeNashville	$4,498	$40,411	$44,392	$24,200*	0.60
South CollegeKnoxville	$17,935	$39,733	$36,349	$25,889*	0.65
Jackson State Community CollegeJackson	$4,516	$38,867	$46,717	$11,710*	0.30
National Median	—	$36,862	—	$19,825*	0.54

* Estimated from similar programs

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 Southwest Tennessee Community College, approximately 42% 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.