Medical Assisting at Pearl River Community College
a compact campus enrolling 4,725 students in Poplarville, MS.
Program Analysis
Pearl River Community College Medical Assisting graduates command $42,444/yr out of the gate, well above the $31,622 national median. That 34% premium suggests the program's industry reputation carries real labor-market weight.
Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 61.2x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Medical Assisting programs nationally.
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 1% gap from the optimistic case.
Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $11,323 in median debt clears fast against $42,444 in annual earnings.
Ranked #93 of 1,065 programs, Pearl River Community College's Medical Assisting program falls in the top 10%, outperforming most peers on financial outcomes.
Five-year earnings of $44,440 are relatively flat compared to the $42,444 starting salary — typical of trades with stable but capped salary bands.
Medical Assisting 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 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% |
Medical Assisting Career Guide
See the full career breakdown for Medical Assisting — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from Pearl River Community College and 1064 other schools.
Compare & Explore
Medical Assisting Overview
Medical Assisting at Other Schools
Other Majors at Pearl River Community College
Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree
Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.