Medical Assisting at Southwestern Community College

Sylva, NC · Public · Associate Degree · Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services

a smaller institution with 1,304 students in Sylva, NC.

Program Analysis

Graduates of Southwestern Community College's Medical Assisting program earn $42,374/yr in their first year — 34% above the $31,622 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

With a 38.2x 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.

Southwestern Community College ranks #237 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.

64 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
62
Low End
64
Score
64
High End
Earnings $42,374/yr (34% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (72% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (252,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Year 1 Earnings
$42K
Reported median after graduation
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
38.2x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
9 of 9
Occupations with strong AI resilience
Program Tuition (In-State)
$11,612
Out-of-state: $39,260
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$40,114
Small cohort — data may not reflect typical outcomes

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

What can you do with a Medical Assisting credential from Southwestern Community College? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Medical Assisting career guide →

Compare & Explore

Medical Assisting Overview

Medical Assisting at Other Schools

Other Majors at Southwestern Community College

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Southwestern Community College's Medical Assisting program score?
A score of 64/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Medical Assisting field.
What makes Southwestern Community College's Medical Assisting program stand out?
Among 1,065 Medical Assisting programs, Southwestern Community College's #237 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Are there apprenticeship options for Medical Assisting?
The DOL recognizes 11 apprenticeship pathways related to Medical Assisting. For students weighing Southwestern Community College's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
What's the job market like for Medical Assisting from Southwestern Community College?
Job availability for Medical Assisting is strong — 252,100 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For Southwestern Community College graduates specifically, local market conditions in NC may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →