Clinical Laboratory Science at Tidewater Community College

Norfolk, VA · Public · Certificate · Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions

serving 11,797 students in Norfolk, VA.

Program Analysis

At $37,354/yr, Clinical Laboratory Science graduates from Tidewater Community College land near the $39,620 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 68.4x 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.

A #43 ranking among 146 Clinical Laboratory Science programs places Tidewater 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 $37,354/yr (-6% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (79,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$391K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
68.4x
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)
$5,714
Out-of-state: $11,717

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 Tidewater Community College

How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?

Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 60/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Clinical Laboratory Science at Tidewater Community College?
A score of 60/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Clinical Laboratory Science field.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Clinical Laboratory Science program at Tidewater 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.
Is there demand for Clinical Laboratory Science workers?
The large job market (79,700 annual openings) works in favor of Clinical Laboratory Science graduates. The national outlook is driven by an aging population and expanding healthcare access, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →