Health and Medical Administrative Services at Western Technical College

Western Technical College graduates start strong in health administration, earning $41,510 their first year—well above both the Wisconsin median ($34,156) and the national median ($31,719). That 95th percentile national ranking sounds impressive, but the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift significantly with a larger cohort. More concerning: earnings drop 13% by year four to $36,233, suggesting graduates may hit a ceiling in entry-level medical office roles or face local market constraints in the La Crosse area.

The $22,500 debt load is reasonable at roughly half of first-year earnings, making this program manageable financially in the short term. However, parents should understand that their child would be borrowing to access positions that may not offer much upward mobility. Within Wisconsin, this program ranks at the 60th percentile—middle of the pack. Schools like Rasmussen and Fox Valley produce graduates earning $2,000-$4,000 more annually, which compounds significantly over a career.

The bottom line: Western Tech can launch graduates into healthcare administration roles, but the earnings decline suggests limited advancement potential. If your child is committed to staying in the La Crosse region and values immediate employment, this works. But if career growth matters, compare carefully with programs at Fox Valley or Rasmussen that show stronger earning trajectories—and take these specific numbers with appropriate caution given the small sample.