Medical Assisting at Helms College

Augusta, GA · Private nonprofit · Certificate · Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services

a smaller institution with 150 students in Augusta, GA.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $24,214 place Helms College below the $31,622 national median for Medical Assisting — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

With a 14.1x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 0% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Medical Assisting career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

With first-year pay of $24,214 far exceeding the $9,289 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #1036 ranking among 1,065 Medical Assisting programs places Helms College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The 11 apprenticeship pathways connected to Medical Assisting reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

45 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
42
Low End
45
Score
46
High End
Earnings $24,214/yr (-23% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (72% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (252,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$253K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
14.1x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
9 of 9
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition
$17,924
Median Debt at Graduation
$9,289
4.6 months of Year 1 earnings

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Medical Assisting graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620 +17.3% 52%
Occupational therapy assistants $68,340 +19.2% 73%
Physical therapist assistants $65,510 +22.0% 85%
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary
$105,620
+17.3% growth 52% AI-proof
Occupational therapy assistants
$68,340
+19.2% growth 73% AI-proof
Physical therapist assistants
$65,510
+22.0% growth 85% AI-proof

View all 9 career paths with full salary data →

Medical Assisting Career Guide

Medical Assisting opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

Read the full Medical Assisting career guide →

Compare & Explore

Medical Assisting Overview

Medical Assisting at Other Schools

Other Majors at Helms College

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Helms College's Medical Assisting program score?
This program scores 45/100 — on the lower end for Medical Assisting. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Can you still earn well with Medical Assisting from Helms College?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Medical Assisting program at Helms College?
There are 11 registered apprenticeships connected to Medical Assisting occupations, such as Ambulance Attendant (Emt) and Health Care Sanitary Technician. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
Will Medical Assisting graduates from Helms College find jobs?
The very large job market (252,100 annual openings) works in favor of Medical Assisting graduates. The national outlook is driven by an aging population and expanding healthcare access, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →