Medical Assisting at Northwood Technical College

Rice Lake, WI · Public · Associate Degree · Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services

a smaller institution with 2,026 students in Rice Lake, WI.

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $23,818/yr fall 25% below the $31,622 national median for Medical Assisting. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 27.5x 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.

A #909 ranking among 1,065 Medical Assisting programs places Northwood Technical 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.

49 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
46
Low End
49
Score
49
High End
Earnings $23,818/yr (-25% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (72% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (252,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$249K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
27.5x
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)
$9,048
Out-of-state: $13,166

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 Northwood Technical College

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Medical Assisting at Northwood Technical College?
At 49/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Medical Assisting programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Is Northwood Technical College a good choice for Medical Assisting despite lower starting pay?
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.
Can I learn Medical Assisting through an apprenticeship instead of Northwood Technical College?
Yes — 11 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Medical Assisting career paths, including Ambulance Attendant (Emt). Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to a program at Northwood Technical College.
Will Medical Assisting graduates from Northwood Technical College find jobs?
The career paths mapped to Medical Assisting have roughly 252,100 combined annual openings nationally, making this a very large job market. Demand is driven by an aging population and expanding healthcare access.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →