Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Southwestern Community College
a smaller institution with 1,304 students in Sylva, NC.
Program Analysis
Graduates of Southwestern Community College's Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services program earn $42,374/yr in their first year — 34% above the $31,622 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.
With a 38.2x 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 Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.
Southwestern Community College ranks #237 among 1,065 Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.
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
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
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