Medical Assisting at National Career College

Panorama City, CA · Private for-profit · Certificate · Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services

a compact campus enrolling 366 students in Panorama City, CA.

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $24,872/yr fall 21% below the $31,622 national median for Medical Assisting. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

The 12% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Medical Assisting career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

At $8,291 in median debt against $24,872 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.

A #793 ranking among 1,065 Medical Assisting programs places National Career College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $24,872 to $28,792 over five years suggests earnings in this trade plateau relatively early in one's career.

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

51 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
47
Low End
51
Score
52
High End
Earnings $24,872/yr (-21% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (72% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (252,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$295K
3.7% 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
$8,291
4.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$28,792
16% 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

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 National Career 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 51/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Medical Assisting at National Career College?
A score of 51/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but National Career College trails the majority of Medical Assisting programs on relative rankings. Context matters more than the raw number.
Why are Medical Assisting earnings lower at National Career College?
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.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Medical Assisting graduates?
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 National Career College?
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 →