Medical Assisting at Santa Ana College

Santa Ana, CA · Public · Certificate · Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services

with 22,011 students enrolled in Santa Ana, CA.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $28,200/yr, roughly in line with the $31,622 national median for Medical Assisting. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

The 300.3x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 28% task exposure — and the 17% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Medical Assisting graduates.

A #68 ranking out of 1,065 Medical Assisting programs nationally puts Santa Ana College in the top 10% — a strong but not elite position.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $28,200 to $34,449 shows 22% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

With 11 registered apprenticeships mapped to Medical Assisting, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.

71 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
67
Low End
71
Score
71
High End
Earnings $28,200/yr (-11% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (72% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (252,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$357K
5.1% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
302.4x
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)
$1,180
Out-of-state: $9,460
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$34,449
22% 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

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 Santa Ana College

Explore the Degree Alternative

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 71/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Medical Assisting at Santa Ana College?
At 71/100, this is a high-performing trade program. The TradeSchoolOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
Are there apprenticeship options for Medical Assisting?
Beyond Santa Ana College's classroom route, 11 registered apprenticeships map to Medical Assisting careers — including Ambulance Attendant (Emt). Apprenticeships trade shorter program length for longer on-the-job training, typically 2-4 years.
Is there demand for Medical Assisting workers?
Job availability for Medical Assisting is strong — 252,100 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For Santa Ana College graduates specifically, local market conditions in CA may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →