Clinical Laboratory Science at Harrisburg Area Community College

Harrisburg, PA · Public · Associate Degree · Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions

with a mid-sized student body of 9,802 in Harrisburg, PA.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $55,875 put Harrisburg Area Community College's Clinical Laboratory Science program 41% above the national median of $39,620 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

With a 39.6x 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.

A #42 ranking among 146 Clinical Laboratory Science programs places Harrisburg Area Community College in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

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

60 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
58
Low End
60
Score
60
High End
Earnings $55,875/yr (41% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (79,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$585K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
39.6x
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 (In-State)
$14,746
Out-of-state: $22,800
Reported Earnings (4 Year)
$58,047
4% 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 Harrisburg 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

How does Harrisburg Area Community College's Clinical Laboratory Science program score?
This program scores 60/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Clinical Laboratory Science graduates.
Can I learn Clinical Laboratory Science through an apprenticeship instead of Harrisburg Area Community College?
If Harrisburg Area Community College's tuition gives you pause, consider that 15 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for Clinical Laboratory Science. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
Will Clinical Laboratory Science graduates from Harrisburg Area Community College find jobs?
Job availability for Clinical Laboratory Science is strong — 79,700 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For Harrisburg Area Community College graduates specifically, local market conditions in PA may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →