Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research at Fortis Institute-Birmingham

Birmingham, AL · Private for-profit · Associate Degree · Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions

a smaller institution with 339 students in Birmingham, AL.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $40,819/yr, roughly in line with the $39,620 national median for Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 14.7x 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/Medical Laboratory Science/Research career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

At $29,680 against $40,819/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #103 ranking among 146 Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research programs places Fortis Institute-Birmingham in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

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

48 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
45
Low End
48
Score
49
High End
Earnings $40,819/yr (3% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (79,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Year 1 Earnings
$41K
Reported median after graduation
Earnings Multiple
14.7x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
6 of 6
Occupations with strong AI resilience
Program Tuition
$29,122
Median Debt at Graduation
$29,680
8.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$39,334
Small cohort — data may not reflect typical outcomes

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research 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 →

About Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research Careers

You’ll likely start your career in a direct patient-care role like a phlebotomist. You’ll spend your days in a clinic or hospital, using needles and vacutainers to draw blood, calming nervous patients, and meticulously labeling samples that doctors rely on for life-saving diagnoses. From there, you can advance into a more specialized technologist role. This could mean operating complex diagnostic analyzers in a lab or becoming a surgical technologist, where you’ll prepare operating rooms and pass critical instruments to surgeons during procedures.

Read the full Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research career guide →

Compare & Explore

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research Overview

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research at Other Schools

Other Majors at Fortis Institute-Birmingham

Explore the Degree Alternative

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Fortis Institute-Birmingham's Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research program score?
At 48/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Can I learn Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research through an apprenticeship instead?
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research connects to 15 apprenticeship pathways. These DOL-registered programs combine structured training with paid employment — a strong alternative for students who prefer hands-on learning over classroom instruction.
Is there demand for Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research workers?
The career paths mapped to Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research have roughly 79,700 combined annual openings nationally, making this a large job market. Trade careers in this field benefit from consistent replacement demand as workers retire.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →