Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Santa Ana College

Santa Ana, CA · Public · Certificate

with 22,011 students enrolled in Santa Ana, CA.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $28,200/yr, roughly in line with the $31,622 national median for Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

The 300.3x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 28% task exposure — and the 17% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services graduates.

A #68 ranking out of 1,065 Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services programs nationally puts Santa Ana College in the top 10% — a strong but not elite position.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $28,200 to $34,449 shows 22% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

With 11 registered apprenticeships mapped to Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.

71 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
67
Low End
71
Score
71
High End
Earnings $28,200/yr (-11% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (72% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (252,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$357K
5.1% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
302.4x
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)
$1,180
Out-of-state: $9,460
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$34,449
22% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services 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 →

About Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services Careers

Your career will likely begin on the front lines of patient care as a medical assistant in a busy clinic or doctor’s office. You’ll be the one taking vitals, drawing blood samples, and prepping exam rooms—the essential link between patients and physicians. As you build experience, you can specialize. You might pursue a high-growth path as a physical therapist assistant, actively helping patients recover from injury, or become an occupational therapy assistant, guiding them to regain daily living skills. This is hands-on, patient-facing work that requires a human touch and simply can’t be done remotely or automated. While entry-level roles provide a solid starting salary, experienced specialists in fields like therapy assistance often earn significantly more. The long-term demand is strong across the board, with some specialties projected to grow over 20%, offering a stable and rewarding career ladder from entry-level practitioner to seasoned expert.

Read the full Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services career guide →

Compare & Explore

Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services Overview

Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Other Schools

Other Majors at Santa Ana College

Explore the Degree Alternative

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 71/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Santa Ana College?
At 71/100, this is a high-performing trade program. The TradeSchoolOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
Are there apprenticeship options for Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services?
Yes — 11 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services career paths, including Ambulance Attendant (Emt). Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to certificate programs.
Is there demand for Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services workers?
The career paths mapped to Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services have roughly 252,100 combined annual openings nationally, making this a very large job market. Trade careers in this field benefit from consistent replacement demand as workers retire.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →