Medical Assisting at Oakton College

Des Plaines, IL · Public · Associate Degree · Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services

serving 6,229 students in Des Plaines, IL.

Program Analysis

Oakton College Medical Assisting graduates command $52,161/yr out of the gate, well above the $31,622 national median. That 65% premium suggests the program's industry reputation carries real labor-market weight.

With a 68.5x 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.

Oakton College ranks #33 among 1,065 Medical Assisting programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

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

74 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
72
Low End
74
Score
75
High End
Earnings $52,161/yr (65% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (72% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (252,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$546K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
68.5x
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)
$7,970
Out-of-state: $24,924

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

See the full career breakdown for Medical Assisting — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from Oakton College and 1064 other schools.

Read the full Medical Assisting career guide →

Compare & Explore

Medical Assisting Overview

Medical Assisting at Other Schools

Other Majors at Oakton College

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 74/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Medical Assisting at Oakton College?
This program scores 74/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Medical Assisting nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, hands-on AI resilience, and solid financial return.
Why does Oakton College rank so high for Medical Assisting?
Among 1,065 Medical Assisting programs, Oakton College's #33 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Medical Assisting graduates?
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 Oakton College.
What's the job market like for Medical Assisting from Oakton College?
At 252,100 annual openings, Medical Assisting has a very large employment base. Oakton College graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given an aging population and expanding healthcare access.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →