Medical Assisting at Eastern Arizona College

Thatcher, AZ · Public · Certificate · Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services

a smaller institution with 3,058 students in Thatcher, AZ.

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $24,693/yr fall 22% below the $31,622 national median for Medical Assisting. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 109.8x 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.

Eastern Arizona College ranks #228 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.

64 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
61
Low End
64
Score
65
High End
Earnings $24,693/yr (-22% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (72% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (252,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$258K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
109.8x
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)
$2,352
Out-of-state: $9,552

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 Eastern Arizona College

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 64/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Medical Assisting at Eastern Arizona College?
This program scores 64/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Medical Assisting graduates.
Why does Eastern Arizona College rank so high for Medical Assisting?
The #228 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.
Can you still earn well with Medical Assisting from Eastern Arizona College?
Starting salary is one data point. If Eastern Arizona College's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Medical Assisting program at Eastern Arizona College?
Yes — 11 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Medical Assisting career paths, including Ambulance Attendant (Emt). Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to a program at Eastern Arizona College.
Is there demand for Medical Assisting workers?
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 →