Clinical Laboratory Science at Virginia Western Community College

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

a smaller institution with 3,777 students in Roanoke, VA.

Program Analysis

At $31,772 per year, Clinical Laboratory Science graduates from Virginia Western Community College earn below the $39,620 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

With a 63.2x 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 #69 ranking among 146 Clinical Laboratory Science programs places Virginia Western 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.

55 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
53
Low End
55
Score
56
High End
Earnings $31,772/yr (-20% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (79,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$332K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
63.2x
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)
$5,256
Out-of-state: $11,259

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 Virginia Western 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 Virginia Western 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 55/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Clinical Laboratory Science at Virginia Western Community College?
A score of 55/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Clinical Laboratory Science field.
Can you still earn well with Clinical Laboratory Science from Virginia Western Community College?
Starting salary is one data point. If Virginia Western Community College's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Clinical Laboratory Science program at Virginia Western Community College?
The DOL recognizes 15 apprenticeship pathways related to Clinical Laboratory Science. For students weighing Virginia Western Community College's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
Will Clinical Laboratory Science graduates from Virginia Western Community College find jobs?
At 79,700 annual openings, Clinical Laboratory Science has a large employment base. Virginia Western Community College graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given an aging population and expanding healthcare access.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →