Medical Assisting at Portland Community College
with a mid-sized student body of 18,365 in Portland, OR.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $45,994 put Portland Community College's Medical Assisting program 45% above the national median of $31,622 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.
Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 95.5x 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 0% gap from the optimistic case.
With first-year pay of $45,994 far exceeding the $8,750 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
At #19 of 1,065 nationally, this is a top-5% Medical Assisting program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.
Medical Assisting offers 11 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.
Earnings Overview
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
From day-one roles to senior positions, Medical Assisting careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering healthcare.
Compare & Explore
Medical Assisting Overview
Medical Assisting at Other Schools
Other Majors at Portland Community College
Explore the Degree Alternative
Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.