Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma) at The College of Health Care Professions-Southwest Houston

Median Earnings (1yr)

$26,556

44th percentile

60th percentile in Texas

Median Debt

$9,500

At national median

Analysis

This allied health program at College of Health Care Professions delivers solid middle-of-the-pack performance with reasonable debt levels. While the $26,556 starting salary falls slightly below the national median for medical assisting programs, it ranks in the 60th percentile among Texas schools—meaning graduates earn more than most peers staying in-state. The $9,500 debt load is manageable, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.36, which is quite favorable for career-focused certificate programs.

The earnings progression tells an important story: graduates see only modest 7% growth over four years, reaching $28,493 by year four. This suggests the field offers stability but limited advancement potential without additional credentials. However, for students seeking quick entry into healthcare—particularly the 73% receiving Pell grants—this represents accessible career training with immediate employment prospects.

The program's performance becomes more concerning when compared to top Texas competitors. Houston Community College graduates earn $35,469, nearly $9,000 more annually, while several other in-state options exceed $31,000. Given that community colleges typically cost less than private career schools, prospective students should seriously explore these higher-performing alternatives before committing. This program works as a backup option, but better value exists elsewhere in the Houston market.

Where The College of Health Care Professions-Southwest Houston Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How The College of Health Care Professions-Southwest Houston 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
The College of Health Care Professions-Southwest Houston	$26,556	$28,493	+7%
Houston Community College	$35,469	$37,034	+4%
Lone Star College System	$33,233	$36,759	+11%
Lamson Institute	$26,882	$34,236	+27%
Pima Medical Institute-Houston	$31,915	$33,511	+5%

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
The College of Health Care Professions-Southwest HoustonHouston	—	$26,556	$28,493	$9,500	0.36
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 The College of Health Care Professions-Southwest Houston, approximately 73% 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 1759 graduates with reported earnings and 2054 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.