High Desert Medical College (HDMC) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
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About High Desert Medical College
Set in California's high desert, High Desert Medical College in Lancaster is known for career-focused health care training that leans hard on doing, not just reading. Classes move between lecture, skills labs, and realistic simulation so students build confidence alongside competence. Instructors bring field experience, and support services like tutoring, academic advising, and career coaching keep momentum steady. Schedules that respect working students help make it doable.
The campus feels close-knit, with adult learners who swap notes in study lounges, join workshops, and pitch in for community volunteer days. And when it's time to launch, the college has a reputation for externship placements, employer meetups, and thoughtful prep for industry certifications. Beyond campus, Lancaster offers desert trails, striking sunsets, and a lively downtown corridor with cafes and murals. Distinguishing vibe here? Practical, upbeat, and proudly hands-on.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Location:
701 West Avenue K suite 123, Lancaster, California, 93534, USA
Phone:
+1 (661) 940-9300
Website:
hdmc.edu
Unit ID:
484002
Academic & Institutional
Control:
Private for-profit institution (operates for revenue)
Accreditation:
ACCET
Length of Study:
Programs of 2 to less than 4 years (e.g. associate degree)
Calendar System:
Other calendar system
Award Levels:
Certificate (1-2 yrs), Certificate (≥2 yrs), Associate's, Residency, Other Award
Carnegie Classification:
Doctoral Universities: Very High Research
2-Year Focus - Health Professions
Campus Setting:
Located in a large suburb (outside principal city, 250,000+ population)
Tuition:
Not available
Student Profile:
Total Students:
1,803
Undergraduate:
1,721
Graduate/Other:
82
Male: 148
Female: 1,655
Applications:
Total Applicants:
Not available
Admitted:
Not available
Enrolled:
Not available
Staff:
Total: 198
Full-time: 130
Part-time: 68
Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects
Explore degree programs offered at High Desert Medical College (HDMC) with detailed career prospects, starting salary ranges, and job opportunities in California. See what you can do with your degree and expected earnings after graduation.
How to use this guide:
Click on any academic field that interests you to expand and view available degree programs. Each program shows potential career paths, median salaries in California vs national averages, and job prospects for graduates. Perfect for answering "What can I do with my degree?" and salary expectations.
Health (15)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
Health (15)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
51.0601
Dental Assisting/Assistant.
(AltPostBac, AltPostMSc)
51.0601
Dental Assisting/Assistant.
(AltPostBac, AltPostMSc)
A program that prepares individuals to provide patient care, take dental radiographs (x-ray photographs), prepare patients and equipment for dental procedures, and discharge office administrative functions under the supervision of dentists and dental hygienists. Includes instruction in medical record-keeping, general office duties, reception and patient intake, scheduling, equipment maintenance and sterilization, basic radiography, pre- and post-operative patient care and instruction, chairside assisting, taking tooth and mouth impressions, and supervised practice.
Graduate Career Earnings in California
Average graduate salary for this degree:
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1071 | Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | $137,900 | $153,860 | +$15,960 (+11.6%) |
| 31-9091 | Dental Assistants | $48,860 | $60,440 | +$11,580 (+23.7%) |
51.0713
Medical Insurance Coding Specialist/Coder.
(AltPostMSc)
51.0713
Medical Insurance Coding Specialist/Coder.
(AltPostMSc)
A program that prepares individuals to perform specialized data entry, classification, and record-keeping procedures related to medical diagnostic, treatment, billing, and insurance documentation. Includes instruction in medical records and insurance software applications, basic anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, fundamentals of medical science and treatment procedures, data classification and coding, data entry skills, and regulations relating to Medicare and insurance documentation.
Graduate Career Earnings in California
Average graduate salary for this degree:
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29-2072 | Medical Records Specialists | $55,970 | $56,580 | +$610 (+1.1%) |
| 29-9021 | Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars | $73,410 | $95,320 | +$21,910 (+29.8%) |
51.0716
Medical Administrative/Executive Assistant and Medical Secretary.
(AltPostMSc)
51.0716
Medical Administrative/Executive Assistant and Medical Secretary.
(AltPostMSc)
A program that prepares individuals to perform the duties of special assistants and personal secretaries for practicing physicians and nurses, health care facilities and services administrators, and other health care professionals. Includes instruction in business and medical communications, medical terminology, principles of health care operations, public relations and interpersonal communications, software applications, record-keeping and filing systems, scheduling and meeting planning, applicable policy and regulations, and professional standards and ethics.
Graduate Career Earnings in California
Average graduate salary for this degree:
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 43-6013 | Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants | $45,580 | $48,270 | +$2,690 (+5.9%) |
51.0801
Medical/Clinical Assistant.
(AltPostMSc)
51.0801
Medical/Clinical Assistant.
(AltPostMSc)
A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of physicians, to provide medical office administrative services and perform clinical duties including patient intake and care, routine diagnostic and recording procedures, pre-examination and examination assistance, and the administration of medications and first aid. Includes instruction in basic anatomy and physiology; medical terminology; medical law and ethics; patient psychology and communications; medical office procedures; and clinical diagnostic, examination, testing, and treatment procedures.
Graduate Career Earnings in California
Average graduate salary for this degree:
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1071 | Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | $137,900 | $153,860 | +$15,960 (+11.6%) |
| 31-9092 | Medical Assistants | $44,720 | $48,170 | +$3,450 (+7.7%) |
51.0805
Pharmacy Technician/Assistant.
(AltPostMSc)
51.0805
Pharmacy Technician/Assistant.
(AltPostMSc)
A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of pharmacists, to prepare medications, provide medications and related assistance to patients, and manage pharmacy clinical and business operations. Includes instruction in medical and pharmaceutical terminology, principles of pharmacology and pharmaceutics, drug identification, pharmacy laboratory procedures, prescription interpretation, patient communication and education, safety procedures, record-keeping, measurement and testing techniques, pharmacy business operations, prescription preparation, logistics and dispensing operations, and applicable standards and regulations.
Graduate Career Earnings in California
Average graduate salary for this degree:
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1071 | Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | $137,900 | $153,860 | +$15,960 (+11.6%) |
| 29-2052 | Pharmacy Technicians | $44,800 | $52,680 | +$7,880 (+17.6%) |
51.0901
Cardiovascular Technology/Technologist.
(Cert<2y)
51.0901
Cardiovascular Technology/Technologist.
(Cert<2y)
A program that prepares individuals to perform invasive, noninvasive, and peripheral examinations of the cardiovascular system at the request of physicians to aid in diagnoses and therapeutic treatments. Includes instruction in reviewing and recording patient histories and clinical data, patient care, investigative and examination procedures, diagnostic procedures, data analysis and documentation, physician consultation, equipment operation and monitoring, and professional standards and ethics.
Graduate Career Earnings in California
Average graduate salary for this degree:
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1071 | Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | $137,900 | $153,860 | +$15,960 (+11.6%) |
| 29-2031 | Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians | $72,890 | $93,920 | +$21,030 (+28.9%) |
51.0910
Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician.
(Cert<2y, Assoc)
51.0910
Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician.
(Cert<2y, Assoc)
A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of physicians, to utilize medical ultrasound techniques to gather sonographic data used to diagnose a variety of conditions and diseases. Includes instruction in obtaining, reviewing, and integrating patient histories and data; patient instruction and care; anatomic, physiologic and pathologic data recording; sonographic data processing; sonography equipment operation; and professional standards and ethics.
Graduate Career Earnings in California
Average graduate salary for this degree:
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1071 | Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | $137,900 | $153,860 | +$15,960 (+11.6%) |
| 29-2032 | Diagnostic Medical Sonographers | $92,550 | $123,570 | +$31,020 (+33.5%) |
51.0920
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technology/Technician.
(Cert<2y)
51.0920
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technology/Technician.
(Cert<2y)
A program that prepares individuals who are AART-certified radiological technicians to utilize MRI technology to obtain still and moving images of various vascular structures in the human body that aid the physician in the diagnosis or treatment of disease and injury. Includes instruction in MRI imaging, sectional anatomy and pathology, MRI technology, MRI techniques and procedures, MRI physics, and clinical training.
Graduate Career Earnings in California
Average graduate salary for this degree:
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1071 | Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | $137,900 | $153,860 | +$15,960 (+11.6%) |
| 29-2035 | Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists | $91,020 | $159,400 | +$68,380 (+75.1%) |
51.1009
Phlebotomy Technician/Phlebotomist.
(AltPostBac)
51.1009
Phlebotomy Technician/Phlebotomist.
(AltPostBac)
A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of physicians and other health care professionals, to draw blood samples from patients using a variety of intrusive procedures. Includes instruction in basic vascular anatomy and physiology, blood physiology, skin puncture techniques, venipuncture, venous specimen collection and handling, safety and sanitation procedures, and applicable standards and regulations.
Graduate Career Earnings in California
Average graduate salary for this degree:
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1071 | Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | $137,900 | $153,860 | +$15,960 (+11.6%) |
| 31-9097 | Phlebotomists | $44,390 | $61,500 | +$17,110 (+38.5%) |
51.3901
Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training.
(Cert<1y, Cert<2y, AltPostBac)
51.3901
Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training.
(Cert<1y, Cert<2y, AltPostBac)
A program that prepares individuals to assist in providing general nursing care under the direction of a registered nurse, physician or dentist. Includes instruction in taking patient vital signs, applying sterile dressings, patient health education, and assistance with examinations and treatment.
Graduate Career Earnings in California
Average graduate salary for this degree:
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29-2061 | Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | $64,150 | $72,740 | +$8,590 (+13.4%) |
51.3902
Nursing Assistant/Aide and Patient Care Assistant/Aide.
(AltPostBac)
51.3902
Nursing Assistant/Aide and Patient Care Assistant/Aide.
(AltPostBac)
A program that prepares individuals to perform routine nursing-related services to patients in hospitals or long-term care facilities, under the training and supervision of a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse.
Graduate Career Earnings in California
Average graduate salary for this degree:
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31-1131 | Nursing Assistants | $41,270 | $46,680 | +$5,410 (+13.1%) |
Agriculture (1)
Agricultural Sciences, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine
Agriculture (1)
Agricultural Sciences, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine
01.8301
Veterinary/Animal Health Technology/Technician and Veterinary Assistant.
(AltPostMSc)
01.8301
Veterinary/Animal Health Technology/Technician and Veterinary Assistant.
(AltPostMSc)
A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of veterinarians, laboratory animal specialists, and zoological professionals, to provide patient management, care, and clinical procedures assistance as well as owner communication. Includes instruction in animal nursing care, animal health and nutrition, animal handling, clinical pathology, radiology, anesthesiology, dental prophylaxis, surgical assisting, clinical laboratory procedures, office administration skills, patient and owner management, and applicable standards and regulations.
Graduate Career Earnings in California
Average graduate salary for this degree:
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1071 | Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | $137,900 | $153,860 | +$15,960 (+11.6%) |
| 29-2056 | Veterinary Technologists and Technicians | $46,280 | $50,700 | +$4,420 (+9.6%) |
| 31-9096 | Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | $38,990 | $43,670 | +$4,680 (+12%) |
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Estimated Total Cost
(In-state)
N/A
Estimated Total Cost
(Out-state)
N/A
In-state Tuition
(incl. fees)
N/A
Tuition and fees for students residing in-state
Out-of-state Tuition
(incl. fees)
N/A
Tuition and fees for non-resident students
Room & Board
N/A
Housing and meal plan expenses
Books & Supplies
N/A
Average yearly cost of books and study materials
Other Expenses
N/A
Miscellaneous personal and institutional expenses
Other Expenses (with family)
N/A
Estimated cost for students living with family
Graduate In-state Tuition
(incl. fees)
N/A
Graduate tuition rates for in-state students
Graduate Out-of-state Tuition
(incl. fees)
N/A
Graduate tuition rates for non-resident students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
40%
FTFT Aid Recipients
Avg. Grant
$5,801
Avg. Loan
$8,584
Avg. Federal Loan
$9,067
Additional
Students with Any Grant
754
Students who received any type of grant aid
Students with Any Loan
892
Students who received any type of loan-based aid
Students with Federal Grant
746
Students who received a federal grant
Avg. Institutional Grant
$6,091
Average amount of institutional grant awarded
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
N/A
Graduation Rate
Percentage of students who successfully graduate from the institution
N/A
First-Year Retention Rate
Percentage of first-year students who continue for a second year
Median Earnings Over Time
Median Salary After 6 Years
$31,486
Average annual earnings of former students six years after starting college.
Median Salary After 10 Years
N/A
Average annual earnings of former students ten years after starting college.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
3-Year Loan Repayment Rate
N/A
Share of borrowers who repaid loans within 3 years
Repayment Rate (Graduates Only)
N/A
Repayment rate among students who completed their program
Median Student Loan Debt
$13,555
Median federal loan debt of undergraduate completers at time of graduation.
Repayment by Income
Repayment by Dependency
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about High Desert Medical College (HDMC)
What academic programs and degree levels does High Desert Medical College offer?
High Desert Medical College (HDMC) offers 21 academic programs across 2 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Certificate (≥2 yrs), Associate's, Residency, Other Award.
Most popular program areas include:
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (15 programs)
- Agricultural Sciences, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine (1 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at High Desert Medical College?
High Desert Medical College (HDMC) provides financial aid to 40% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $5,801 and average loans of $8,584.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,819
- State/Local grants: $2,617
- Institutional grants: $6,091
- Federal loans: $9,067
The university supports 754 students with grants and 892 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for High Desert Medical College graduates?
High Desert Medical College (HDMC) graduates earn a median salary of $31,486 after 6 years.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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