Medical Assisting at San Joaquin Valley College-Santa Maria
a smaller institution with 163 students in Santa Maria, CA.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $26,897 track close to the $31,622 national median for Medical Assisting programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
AI risk is moderate — 28% task exposure — and the 10% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Medical Assisting graduates.
At $9,500 in median debt against $26,897 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.
At #753 out of 1,065 programs, San Joaquin Valley College-Santa Maria's financial outcomes for Medical Assisting trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth is modest: $26,897 to $30,548 over five years (14% gain). This trade may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.
With 11 registered apprenticeships mapped to Medical Assisting, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.
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
What can you do with a Medical Assisting credential from San Joaquin Valley College-Santa Maria? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.
Compare & Explore
Medical Assisting Overview
Medical Assisting at Other Schools
Other Majors at San Joaquin Valley College-Santa Maria
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