Medical Assisting at San Joaquin Valley College-Modesto

Salida, CA · Private for-profit · Certificate · Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services

a compact campus enrolling 590 students in Salida, CA.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $26,897/yr, roughly in line with the $31,622 national median for Medical Assisting. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

The 10% 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 $26,897 far exceeding the $9,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #705 ranking among 1,065 Medical Assisting programs places San Joaquin Valley College-Modesto in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $26,897 to $30,548 over five years suggests earnings in this trade plateau relatively early in one's career.

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

52 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
48
Low End
52
Score
53
High End
Earnings $26,897/yr (-15% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (72% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (252,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$312K
3.2% annual growth
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.

Median Debt at Graduation
$9,500
4.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$30,548
14% growth from Year 1

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

What can you do with a Medical Assisting credential from San Joaquin Valley College-Modesto? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Medical Assisting career guide →

Compare & Explore

Medical Assisting Overview

Medical Assisting at Other Schools

Other Majors at San Joaquin Valley College-Modesto

Explore the Degree Alternative

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How does San Joaquin Valley College-Modesto's Medical Assisting program score?
This program scores 52/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Medical Assisting programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
Are there apprenticeship options for Medical Assisting?
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 San Joaquin Valley College-Modesto.
Will Medical Assisting graduates from San Joaquin Valley College-Modesto 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 →