Medical Assisting at Tacoma Community College

Tacoma, WA · Public · Certificate · Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services

a smaller institution with 4,248 students in Tacoma, WA.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $32,779 track close to the $31,622 national median for Medical Assisting programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 69.7x 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.

Tacoma Community College ranks #191 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.

66 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
63
Low End
66
Score
66
High End
Earnings $32,779/yr (4% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (72% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (252,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$343K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
69.7x
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)
$4,920
Out-of-state: $11,030

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

Medical Assisting opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

Read the full Medical Assisting career guide →

Compare & Explore

Medical Assisting Overview

Medical Assisting at Other Schools

Other Majors at Tacoma Community College

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Tacoma Community College's Medical Assisting program score?
At 66/100, Tacoma Community College's Medical Assisting program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Why does Tacoma Community College rank so high for Medical Assisting?
The #191 ranking out of 1,065 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable, and the job market supports this trade.
Are there apprenticeship options for Medical Assisting?
There are 11 registered apprenticeships connected to Medical Assisting occupations, such as Ambulance Attendant (Emt) and Health Care Sanitary Technician. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
What's the job market like for Medical Assisting from Tacoma Community College?
The very large job market (252,100 annual openings) works in favor of Medical Assisting graduates. The national outlook is driven by an aging population and expanding healthcare access, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →