Medical Assisting at Arkansas Tech University

Russellville, AR · Public · Associate Degree · Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services

A 96% acceptance rate means Arkansas Tech University is accessible to most applicants, enrolling 5,993 students in Russellville, AR.

Program Analysis

Arkansas Tech University's Medical Assisting graduates start at $35,961/yr — above the $31,622 national average, though not by a wide margin.

With a 26.0x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 16% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Medical Assisting career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $13,237 in median debt clears fast against $35,961 in annual earnings.

A #389 ranking among 1,065 Medical Assisting programs places Arkansas Tech University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 20% earnings increase from $35,961 to $43,210 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

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

57 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
53
Low End
57
Score
58
High End
Earnings $35,961/yr (14% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (72% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (252,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$446K
4.7% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
26.2x
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)
$17,016
Out-of-state: $29,004
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,237
4.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$43,210
20% 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

Explore what Medical Assisting graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 1065 programs nationwide.

Read the full Medical Assisting career guide →

Compare & Explore

Medical Assisting Overview

Medical Assisting at Other Schools

Other Majors at Arkansas Tech University

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Arkansas Tech University's Medical Assisting program score?
This program scores 57/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Medical Assisting graduates.
Can I learn Medical Assisting through an apprenticeship instead of Arkansas Tech University?
If Arkansas Tech University's tuition gives you pause, consider that 11 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for Medical Assisting. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
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 Arkansas Tech University graduates specifically, local market conditions in AR may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →