Medical Assisting at Polk State College

Winter Haven, FL · Public · Associate Degree · Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services

enrolling 5,954 students in Winter Haven, FL.

Program Analysis

At $34,429 per year, Medical Assisting graduates from Polk State College earn slightly above the $31,622 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

With a 59.8x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 11% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Medical Assisting career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

The median debt load of $13,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.

Polk State College ranks #203 among 1,065 Medical Assisting programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The limited growth from $34,429 to $39,587 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.

65 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
61
Low End
65
Score
66
High End
Earnings $34,429/yr (9% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (72% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (252,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$405K
3.5% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
60.1x
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)
$6,732
Out-of-state: $24,544
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,000
4.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$39,587
15% 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

What can you do with a Medical Assisting credential from Polk State College? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Medical Assisting career guide →

Compare & Explore

Medical Assisting Overview

Medical Assisting at Other Schools

Other Majors at Polk State College

How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?

Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Polk State College's Medical Assisting program score?
At 65/100, Polk State College's Medical Assisting program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Why does Polk State College rank so high for Medical Assisting?
The #203 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.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Medical Assisting program at Polk State College?
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.
Will Medical Assisting graduates from Polk State College find jobs?
With approximately 252,100 annual openings across mapped careers, Medical Assisting offers a very large employment pool. Polk State College graduates enter a market shaped by an aging population and expanding healthcare access.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →