Medical Assisting at Southwest Tennessee Community College

Memphis, TN · Public · Associate Degree · Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services

enrolling 5,207 students in Memphis, TN.

Program Analysis

Southwest Tennessee Community College Medical Assisting graduates command $44,955/yr out of the gate, well above the $31,622 national median. That 42% premium suggests the program's industry reputation carries real labor-market weight.

With a 51.7x 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.

Southwest Tennessee Community College ranks #117 among 1,065 Medical Assisting programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The 11 apprenticeship pathways connected to Medical Assisting reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

69 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
66
Low End
69
Score
69
High End
Earnings $44,955/yr (42% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (72% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (252,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$470K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
51.7x
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)
$9,100
Out-of-state: $35,500

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

Medical Assisting opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

Read the full Medical Assisting career guide →

Compare & Explore

Medical Assisting Overview

Medical Assisting at Other Schools

Other Majors at Southwest Tennessee Community College

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Southwest Tennessee Community College's Medical Assisting program score?
At 69/100, Southwest Tennessee Community College's Medical Assisting program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Is Southwest Tennessee Community College one of the best schools for Medical Assisting?
Ranked #117 of 1,065 programs nationally, Southwest Tennessee Community College lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Can I learn Medical Assisting through an apprenticeship instead of Southwest Tennessee Community College?
Beyond Southwest Tennessee Community College's classroom route, 11 registered apprenticeships map to Medical Assisting careers — including Ambulance Attendant (Emt). Apprenticeships trade shorter program length for longer on-the-job training, typically 2-4 years.
How many job openings are there for Medical Assisting graduates?
With approximately 252,100 annual openings across mapped careers, Medical Assisting offers a very large employment pool. Southwest Tennessee Community College graduates enter a market shaped by an aging population and expanding healthcare access.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →