Clinical Laboratory Science at Institute of Medical Careers

Pittsburgh, PA · Private for-profit · Certificate · Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions

with a smaller student body of 866 in Pittsburgh, PA.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $27,151 place Institute of Medical Careers below the $39,620 national median for Clinical Laboratory Science — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

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 $27,151 far exceeding the $9,786 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #119 ranking among 146 Clinical Laboratory Science programs places Institute of Medical Careers in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $27,151 to $28,197 over five years suggests earnings in this trade plateau relatively early in one's career.

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

44 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
41
Low End
44
Score
45
High End
Earnings $27,151/yr (-31% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (79,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$284K
1.0% annual growth
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.

Median Debt at Graduation
$9,786
4.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$28,197
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

Clinical Laboratory Science opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

Read the full Clinical Laboratory Science career guide →

Compare & Explore

Clinical Laboratory Science Overview

Clinical Laboratory Science at Other Schools

Other Majors at Institute of Medical Careers

Explore the Degree Alternative

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 44/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Clinical Laboratory Science at Institute of Medical Careers?
A score of 44/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Clinical Laboratory Science. Earnings, ROI, or job market factors are pulling the score down.
Is Institute of Medical Careers a good choice for Clinical Laboratory Science despite lower starting pay?
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.
Can I learn Clinical Laboratory Science through an apprenticeship instead of Institute of Medical Careers?
If Institute of Medical Careers'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.
How many job openings are there for Clinical Laboratory Science graduates?
The career paths mapped to Clinical Laboratory Science have roughly 79,700 combined annual openings nationally, making this a large job market. Demand is driven by an aging population and expanding healthcare access.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →