Clinical Laboratory Science at Dorsey College

Madison Heights, MI · Private for-profit · Certificate · Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions

a smaller institution with 547 students in Madison Heights, MI.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $31,951 place Dorsey College below the $39,620 national median for Clinical Laboratory Science — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

With a 10.4x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 0% 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.

With first-year pay of $31,951 far exceeding the $14,750 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #126 ranking among 146 Clinical Laboratory Science programs places Dorsey College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

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

42 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
38
Low End
42
Score
42
High End
Earnings $31,951/yr (-19% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (79,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Year 1 Earnings
$32K
Reported median after graduation
Earnings Multiple
10.4x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
6 of 6
Occupations with strong AI resilience
Program Tuition
$32,160
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,750
5.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$28,232
Small cohort — data may not reflect typical outcomes

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 Dorsey College

Explore the Degree Alternative

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Dorsey College's Clinical Laboratory Science program score?
At 42/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Clinical Laboratory Science programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Can you still earn well with Clinical Laboratory Science from Dorsey College?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Clinical Laboratory Science graduates?
Beyond Dorsey College'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.
How many job openings are there for Clinical Laboratory Science graduates?
With approximately 79,700 annual openings across mapped careers, Clinical Laboratory Science offers a large employment pool. Dorsey College graduates enter a market shaped by an aging population and expanding healthcare access.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →