Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Highline College
a smaller institution with 3,487 students in Des Moines, WA.
Program Analysis
Highline College Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services graduates command $50,468/yr out of the gate, well above the $31,622 national median. That 60% premium suggests the program's industry reputation carries real labor-market weight.
Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 57.7x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services programs nationally.
Some AI exposure exists in Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services's career paths, with 28% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 1% gap from the optimistic case.
Ranked #62 of 1,065 programs, Highline College's Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services program falls in the top 10%, outperforming most peers on financial outcomes.
Five-year earnings of $53,059 are relatively flat compared to the $50,468 starting salary — typical of trades with stable but capped salary bands.
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services offers 11 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
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
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Other Schools
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Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree
Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.