Allied Health and Medical Assisting: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Prepares students for entry-level roles in healthcare support by integrating foundational medical knowledge with practical clinical and administrative skills. This program equips learners with the expertise needed to function effectively within diverse healthcare environments, from outpatient clinics to hospital settings.
- Medical Terminology: Develops proficiency in the specialized language of healthcare, enabling accurate communication across clinical and administrative teams.
- Clinical Procedures: Covers essential hands-on techniques such as vital signs measurement, specimen collection, and basic patient care under supervision.
- Medical Office Administration: Focuses on managing patient records, scheduling appointments, handling billing, and maintaining compliance with healthcare regulations.
- Patient Care and Communication: Builds interpersonal skills for interacting with patients, families, and healthcare providers in a respectful, empathetic, and professional manner.
- Healthcare Ethics and Law: Explores legal responsibilities, patient confidentiality, informed consent, and ethical decision-making in clinical practice.
- Basic Pharmacology: Introduces the principles of medication administration, drug classifications, and safety protocols relevant to support roles in healthcare settings.
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Allied Health and Medical Assisting degrees, including Healthcare Support Workers, All Other. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 103,650 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Support Workers, All Other 31-9099 | $46,050 | $32,450 - $68,180 | 103,650 | $22.14 |
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $33,030 in Louisiana to $72,700 in District of Columbia—a 120% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, Alaska, and Washington. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 103,650 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Allied Health and Medical Assisting by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 69 institutions offering Allied Health and Medical Assisting programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Allied Health and Medical Assisting is found at Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) (1,610 graduates), Ohio State University, Main Campus (484 graduates), Black River Technical College (BRTC) (404 graduates), University of Connecticut (UConn) (242 graduates), and NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) (200 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 4,065 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Allied Health and Medical Assisting programs
How much can I earn with a Allied Health and Medical Assisting degree?
Salaries for Allied Health and Medical Assisting graduates vary by role and location. Healthcare Support Workers, All Other earn a median of $46,050 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $72,700 compared to $33,030 in Louisiana. Approximately 103,650 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Allied Health and Medical Assisting programs?
Currently 69 accredited institutions offer Allied Health and Medical Assisting degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) (1,610 graduates), Ohio State University, Main Campus (484 graduates), and Black River Technical College (BRTC) (404 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Allied Health and Medical Assisting growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 8,559 in 2010 to 4,065 in 2023-24. This represents a 53% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Allied Health and Medical Assisting degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Healthcare Support Workers, All Other. Related occupations employ approximately 103,650 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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