Clinical Laboratory Science at Des Moines Area Community College

Ankeny, IA · Public · Associate Degree · Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions

serving 10,406 students in Ankeny, IA.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $47,585 at Des Moines Area Community College come in 20% above the national median of $39,620 for Clinical Laboratory Science programs.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 44.9x 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 0% gap from the optimistic case.

With first-year pay of $47,585 far exceeding the $14,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #48 of 146 Clinical Laboratory Science programs, Des Moines Area Community College scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

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

59 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
58
Low End
59
Score
60
High End
Earnings $47,585/yr (20% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (79,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$498K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
44.9x
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 (In-State)
$11,100
Out-of-state: $22,200
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,500
3.7 months of Year 1 earnings

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

What can you do with a Clinical Laboratory Science credential from Des Moines Area Community College? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Clinical Laboratory Science career guide →

Compare & Explore

Clinical Laboratory Science Overview

Clinical Laboratory Science at Other Schools

Other Majors at Des Moines Area Community College

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Clinical Laboratory Science at Des Moines Area Community College?
A score of 59/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Clinical Laboratory Science field.
Can I learn Clinical Laboratory Science through an apprenticeship instead of Des Moines Area Community College?
There are 15 registered apprenticeships connected to Clinical Laboratory Science occupations, such as Blocker & Cutter Contact Lens and Central Sterile Processing Technician. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
Is there demand for Clinical Laboratory Science workers?
At 79,700 annual openings, Clinical Laboratory Science has a large employment base. Des Moines Area Community 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 →