Clinical Laboratory Science at American National University

Salem, VA · Private for-profit · Certificate · Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions

a smaller institution with 643 students in Salem, VA.

Program Analysis

At $21,951 per year, Clinical Laboratory Science graduates from American National University earn below the $39,620 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

With a 28.4x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 25% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Clinical Laboratory Science career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

The median debt load of $8,939 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.

A #140 ranking among 146 Clinical Laboratory Science programs places American National University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 32% earnings increase from $21,951 to $29,061 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

The 15 apprenticeship pathways connected to Clinical Laboratory Science reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

39 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
35
Low End
39
Score
40
High End
Earnings $21,951/yr (-45% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (79,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$307K
7.3% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
28.6x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
6 of 6
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition
$10,735
Median Debt at Graduation
$8,939
4.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$29,061
32% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Clinical Laboratory Science graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620 +17.3% 52%
Surgical technologists $62,830 +4.5% 93%
Health technologists and technicians, all other $48,790 +5.2% 48%
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary
$105,620
+17.3% growth 52% AI-proof
Surgical technologists
$62,830
+4.5% growth 93% AI-proof
Health technologists and technicians, all other
$48,790
+5.2% growth 48% AI-proof

View all 6 career paths with full salary data →

Clinical Laboratory Science Career Guide

From day-one roles to senior positions, Clinical Laboratory Science careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering healthcare.

Read the full Clinical Laboratory Science career guide →

Compare & Explore

Clinical Laboratory Science Overview

Clinical Laboratory Science at Other Schools

Other Majors at American National University

How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?

Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Clinical Laboratory Science at American National University?
This program scores 39/100 — on the lower end for Clinical Laboratory Science. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Can you still earn well with Clinical Laboratory Science from American National University?
Lower starting pay at American National University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Clinical Laboratory Science program at American National University?
Beyond American National University's classroom route, 15 registered apprenticeships map to Clinical Laboratory Science careers — including Blocker & Cutter Contact Lens. Apprenticeships trade shorter program length for longer on-the-job training, typically 2-4 years.
What's the job market like for Clinical Laboratory Science from American National University?
The career paths mapped to Clinical Laboratory Science have roughly 79,700 combined annual openings nationally, making this a large job market. Demand is driven by an aging population and expanding healthcare access.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →