Medical Assisting at Iowa Central Community College

Fort Dodge, IA · Public · Associate Degree · Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services

a smaller institution with 3,107 students in Fort Dodge, IA.

Program Analysis

At $34,244 per year, Medical Assisting graduates from Iowa Central Community College earn slightly above the $31,622 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

With a 33.3x 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.

The median debt load of $12,625 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.

A #366 ranking among 1,065 Medical Assisting programs places Iowa Central Community College in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

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

58 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
56
Low End
58
Score
59
High End
Earnings $34,244/yr (8% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (72% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (252,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$358K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
33.3x
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 (In-State)
$10,752
Out-of-state: $15,336
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,625
4.4 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

From day-one roles to senior positions, Medical Assisting careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering healthcare.

Read the full Medical Assisting career guide →

Compare & Explore

Medical Assisting Overview

Medical Assisting at Other Schools

Other Majors at Iowa Central Community College

How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?

Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Iowa Central Community College's Medical Assisting program score?
This program scores 58/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Medical Assisting graduates.
Are there apprenticeship options for Medical Assisting?
If Iowa Central Community College's tuition gives you pause, consider that 11 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for Medical Assisting. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
Will Medical Assisting graduates from Iowa Central Community College find jobs?
With approximately 252,100 annual openings across mapped careers, Medical Assisting offers a very large employment pool. Iowa Central Community College graduates enter a market shaped by an aging population and expanding healthcare access.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →