Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Virginia Highlands Community College
a compact campus enrolling 1,335 students in Abingdon, VA.
Program Analysis
Starting salaries of $22,314/yr fall 29% below the $31,622 national median for Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.
The 48.0x 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 0% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services graduates.
At #604 out of 1,065 programs, Virginia Highlands Community College's financial outcomes for Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
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.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
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% |
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 Virginia Highlands Community College
Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?
Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.