Health and Medical Administrative Services at Western Technical College

Western Technical College's Health and Medical Administrative Services certificate lands right at the Texas median for earnings—which means it trails the national average by about $2,000 annually. Starting at $25,639 and climbing to $30,797 after four years shows solid growth, but this program sits in the bottom third nationally (32nd percentile) while performing middle-of-the-pack within Texas (60th percentile). That state ranking matters: you're doing better than half of Texas programs, but several community colleges nearby deliver significantly stronger outcomes, with top programs reaching $34,000+ in first-year earnings.

The debt picture is manageable at $12,560, roughly one semester's worth of those first-year earnings. It's slightly above both state and national medians, but the 20% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests the investment pays off steadily over time. This isn't a program where graduates see dramatic income jumps, but rather consistent, predictable advancement in healthcare administration roles.

For El Paso families, this certificate offers a straightforward path into medical office work without crushing debt. However, if commuting is an option, compare carefully with nearby programs—that $8,000 earnings gap between Western Technical and top Texas performers compounds quickly over a career. The program works for students who need local access and reasonable costs, but isn't a standout value in a crowded Texas market.