Dental Assisting at Pima Medical Institute-Albuquerque

Albuquerque, NM · Private for-profit · Certificate · Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

with a smaller student body of 737 in Albuquerque, NM.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $23,369 place Pima Medical Institute-Albuquerque below the $36,429 national median for Dental Assisting — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

Some AI exposure exists in Dental Assisting's career paths, with 24% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 23% gap from the optimistic case.

Ranked #378 of 513 Dental Assisting programs, Pima Medical Institute-Albuquerque falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $23,369 to $30,284 over five years — a 30% increase that's moderate and in line with typical trade career progression.

There are 4 registered apprenticeship pathways mapped to Dental Assisting, including Dental Assistant (Alternate Title: Dental Specialist) (median $47,300/yr). Apprenticeships offer an alternative route that combines paid work with structured training.

42 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
38
Low End
42
Score
42
High End
Earnings $23,369/yr (-36% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (99,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$318K
6.7% annual growth
Viable Career Paths
4 of 4
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$30,284
30% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Dental Assisting graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620 +17.3% 52%
Dental hygienists $94,260 +7.0% 81%
Dental laboratory technicians $48,310 -4.7% 96%
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary
$105,620
+17.3% growth 52% AI-proof
Dental hygienists
$94,260
+7.0% growth 81% AI-proof
Dental laboratory technicians
$48,310
-4.7% growth 96% AI-proof

View all 4 career paths with full salary data →

Dental Assisting Career Guide

See the full career breakdown for Dental Assisting — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from Pima Medical Institute-Albuquerque and 512 other schools.

Read the full Dental Assisting career guide →

Compare & Explore

Dental Assisting Overview

Dental Assisting at Other Schools

Other Majors at Pima Medical Institute-Albuquerque

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Dental Assisting at Pima Medical Institute-Albuquerque?
At 42/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Dental Assisting programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Why are Dental Assisting earnings lower at Pima Medical Institute-Albuquerque?
Lower starting pay at Pima Medical Institute-Albuquerque may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Can I learn Dental Assisting through an apprenticeship instead of Pima Medical Institute-Albuquerque?
Beyond Pima Medical Institute-Albuquerque's classroom route, 4 registered apprenticeships map to Dental Assisting careers — including Dental Assistant (Alternate Title: Dental Specialist). Apprenticeships trade shorter program length for longer on-the-job training, typically 2-4 years.
Will Dental Assisting graduates from Pima Medical Institute-Albuquerque find jobs?
With approximately 99,500 annual openings across mapped careers, Dental Assisting offers a large employment pool. Pima Medical Institute-Albuquerque graduates enter a market shaped by an aging population and expanding healthcare access.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →