Medical Assisting at Southeastern Community College

West Burlington, IA · Public · Certificate · Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services

with a smaller student body of 1,529 in West Burlington, IA.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $36,202 at Southeastern Community College come in 14% above the national median of $31,622 for Medical Assisting programs.

With a 60.1x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 0% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Medical Assisting career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

With first-year pay of $36,202 far exceeding the $12,608 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Southeastern Community College ranks #181 among 1,065 Medical Assisting programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The limited growth from $36,202 to $37,378 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.

66 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
63
Low End
66
Score
67
High End
Earnings $36,202/yr (14% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (72% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (252,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$379K
1.0% 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)
$6,300
Out-of-state: $6,450
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,608
4.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$37,378
3% 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

Explore what Medical Assisting graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 1065 programs nationwide.

Read the full Medical Assisting career guide →

Compare & Explore

Medical Assisting Overview

Medical Assisting at Other Schools

Other Majors at Southeastern Community 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 66/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Medical Assisting at Southeastern Community College?
A score of 66/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Medical Assisting field.
Why does Southeastern Community College rank so high for Medical Assisting?
The #181 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.
Can I learn Medical Assisting through an apprenticeship instead of Southeastern Community College?
The DOL recognizes 11 apprenticeship pathways related to Medical Assisting. For students weighing Southeastern Community College's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
Is there demand for Medical Assisting workers?
At 252,100 annual openings, Medical Assisting has a very large employment base. Southeastern Community College graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given an aging population and expanding healthcare access.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →