Clinical Laboratory Science at Clover Park Technical College

Lakewood, WA · Public · Certificate · Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions

a compact campus enrolling 2,417 students in Lakewood, WA.

Program Analysis

At $42,066 per year, Clinical Laboratory Science graduates from Clover Park Technical College earn slightly above the $39,620 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 68.1x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Clinical Laboratory Science programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Clinical Laboratory Science's career paths, with 24% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 3% gap from the optimistic case.

At #36 of 146 nationally, this is a top-5% Clinical Laboratory Science program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Five-year earnings of $44,831 are relatively flat compared to the $42,066 starting salary — typical of trades with stable but capped salary bands.

Clinical Laboratory Science offers 15 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.

62 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
60
Low End
62
Score
63
High End
Earnings $42,066/yr (6% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (79,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$452K
1.6% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
68.2x
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
$6,634
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$44,831
7% 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

Explore what Clinical Laboratory Science graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 146 programs nationwide.

Read the full Clinical Laboratory Science career guide →

Compare & Explore

Clinical Laboratory Science Overview

Clinical Laboratory Science at Other Schools

Other Majors at Clover Park Technical College

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 Clover Park Technical College?
A score of 62/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Clinical Laboratory Science field.
Is Clover Park Technical College one of the best schools for Clinical Laboratory Science?
The #36 ranking out of 146 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable, and the job market supports this trade.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Clinical Laboratory Science graduates?
The DOL recognizes 15 apprenticeship pathways related to Clinical Laboratory Science. For students weighing Clover Park Technical College's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
What's the job market like for Clinical Laboratory Science from Clover Park Technical College?
At 79,700 annual openings, Clinical Laboratory Science has a large employment base. Clover Park Technical College graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given an aging population and expanding healthcare access.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →