Medical Assisting at Valley Grande Institute for Academic Studies

Weslaco, TX · Private nonprofit · Certificate · Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services

a smaller institution with 180 students in Weslaco, TX.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $16,540 place Valley Grande Institute for Academic Studies below the $31,622 national median for Medical Assisting — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

Some AI exposure exists in Medical Assisting's career paths, with 28% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 0% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $9,500 represents roughly 7 months of the $16,540 starting salary — a manageable burden by trade school standards.

Ranked #1003 of 1,065 Medical Assisting programs, Valley Grande Institute for Academic Studies falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Medical Assisting offers 11 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.

47 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
43
Low End
47
Score
47
High End
Earnings $16,540/yr (-48% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (72% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (252,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$173K
1.0% 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
6.9 months of Year 1 earnings

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 Valley Grande Institute for Academic Studies

Explore the Degree Alternative

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Valley Grande Institute for Academic Studies's Medical Assisting program score?
A score of 47/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Medical Assisting. Earnings, ROI, or job market factors are pulling the score down.
Is Valley Grande Institute for Academic Studies a good choice for Medical Assisting despite lower starting pay?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Medical Assisting program at Valley Grande Institute for Academic Studies?
The DOL recognizes 11 apprenticeship pathways related to Medical Assisting. For students weighing Valley Grande Institute for Academic Studies's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
How many job openings are there for Medical Assisting graduates?
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 →