Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Polk State College
enrolling 5,954 students in Winter Haven, FL.
Program Analysis
At $34,429 per year, Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services graduates from Polk State College earn slightly above the $31,622 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.
With a 59.8x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 11% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.
The median debt load of $13,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.
Polk State College ranks #203 among 1,065 Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.
The limited growth from $34,429 to $39,587 over five years suggests earnings in this trade plateau relatively early in one's career.
The 11 apprenticeship pathways connected to Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
Top Career Paths
Top career paths for Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services 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% |
About Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services Careers
Your career will likely begin on the front lines of patient care as a medical assistant in a busy clinic or doctor’s office. You’ll be the one taking vitals, drawing blood samples, and prepping exam rooms—the essential link between patients and physicians. As you build experience, you can specialize. You might pursue a high-growth path as a physical therapist assistant, actively helping patients recover from injury, or become an occupational therapy assistant, guiding them to regain daily living skills. This is hands-on, patient-facing work that requires a human touch and simply can’t be done remotely or automated. While entry-level roles provide a solid starting salary, experienced specialists in fields like therapy assistance often earn significantly more. The long-term demand is strong across the board, with some specialties projected to grow over 20%, offering a stable and rewarding career ladder from entry-level practitioner to seasoned expert.
Read the full Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services career guide →
Compare & Explore
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services Overview
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Other Schools
Other Majors at Polk State College
How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?
Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.