Clinical Laboratory Science at Ivy Tech Community College

Indianapolis, IN · Public · Certificate · Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions

with 54,926 students enrolled in Indianapolis, IN.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $23,166 place Ivy Tech Community College below the $39,620 national median for Clinical Laboratory Science — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 81.7x 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 40% gap from the optimistic case.

With first-year pay of $23,166 far exceeding the $6,298 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Ranked #79 of 146 Clinical Laboratory Science programs, Ivy Tech Community College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $39,383 show a 70% jump from the $23,166 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration in this trade.

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

52 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
44
Low End
52
Score
52
High End
Earnings $23,166/yr (-42% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (79,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$407K
12.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
82.8x
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)
$4,912
Out-of-state: $9,465
Median Debt at Graduation
$6,298
3.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$39,383
70% 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

What can you do with a Clinical Laboratory Science credential from Ivy Tech 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 Ivy Tech 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 Ivy Tech Community College's Clinical Laboratory Science program score?
This program scores 52/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Clinical Laboratory Science programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
What's the typical debt for Clinical Laboratory Science graduates from Ivy Tech Community College?
Median debt of just $6,298 against $23,166/yr in starting salary means graduates can clear their loans in under 3 months. This is one of the more affordable paths in our dataset.
Can you still earn well with Clinical Laboratory Science from Ivy Tech Community College?
Lower starting pay at Ivy Tech Community College may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Can I learn Clinical Laboratory Science through an apprenticeship instead of Ivy Tech 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.
How sensitive is Clinical Laboratory Science to AI disruption?
Our model shows a 40% gap between best and worst-case decade earnings. AI is unlikely to eliminate Clinical Laboratory Science careers, but it could reduce positions in some specializations.
How many job openings are there for Clinical Laboratory Science graduates?
Job availability for Clinical Laboratory Science is strong — 79,700 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For Ivy Tech Community College graduates specifically, local market conditions in IN may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →