Medical Assisting at Southern Careers Institute-Pharr

Pharr, TX · Private for-profit · Certificate · Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services

with a smaller student body of 629 in Pharr, TX.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $21,645 place Southern Careers Institute-Pharr below the $31,622 national median for Medical Assisting — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

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 21% gap from the optimistic case.

With first-year pay of $21,645 far exceeding the $9,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Ranked #915 of 1,065 Medical Assisting programs, Southern Careers Institute-Pharr falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $21,645 to $27,409 over five years — a 27% increase that's moderate and in line with typical trade career progression.

Medical Assisting offers 11 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.

49 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
45
Low End
49
Score
49
High End
Earnings $21,645/yr (-32% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (72% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (252,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$286K
6.1% annual growth
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.

Median Debt at Graduation
$9,500
5.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$27,409
27% 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

See the full career breakdown for Medical Assisting — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from Southern Careers Institute-Pharr and 1064 other schools.

Read the full Medical Assisting career guide →

Compare & Explore

Medical Assisting Overview

Medical Assisting at Other Schools

Other Majors at Southern Careers Institute-Pharr

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 49/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Medical Assisting at Southern Careers Institute-Pharr?
This program scores 49/100 — on the lower end for Medical Assisting. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Can you still earn well with Medical Assisting from Southern Careers Institute-Pharr?
Starting salary is one data point. If Southern Careers Institute-Pharr's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Are there apprenticeship options for Medical Assisting?
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.
What's the job market like for Medical Assisting from Southern Careers Institute-Pharr?
Job availability for Medical Assisting is strong — 252,100 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For Southern Careers Institute-Pharr graduates specifically, local market conditions in TX may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →