Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions (Associate's Degree) at Blackhawk Technical College

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$51,111

Est. from WI median (4 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$26,000

Est. from WI median (3 programs)

Analysis

Based on comparable medical lab programs in Wisconsin, this associate degree appears positioned right at the state median—with estimated first-year earnings around $51,000 against roughly $26,000 in debt. That 0.51 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests graduates would owe about half their annual salary, which is manageable in a healthcare field known for steady employment.

What's worth noting is the gap between top-performing Wisconsin programs. Southwest Wisconsin Technical College and Madison Area Technical College graduates earn $3,000-$5,000 more annually than the state median, which compounds significantly over a career. Since all these are technical colleges preparing students for the same certification exams and job market, those differences likely reflect regional employer demand or program specialization rather than educational quality alone. Janesville's location in south-central Wisconsin could influence initial job placement opportunities compared to programs near larger metro areas.

The field itself looks solid—medical lab technicians are in consistent demand, and the estimated earnings here exceed the national median for these programs by about $3,000. For families comfortable with $26,000 in debt (roughly one year of in-state tuition at a four-year university), this represents reasonable preparation for healthcare work. However, if proximity isn't a constraint, investigating why some peer Wisconsin programs produce notably higher earnings could help maximize return on this investment.

Where Blackhawk Technical College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all clinical/medical laboratory science/research and allied professions associates's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions associates's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (13 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Blackhawk Technical CollegeJanesville	$4,170	$51,111*	—	$26,000*	—
Southwest Wisconsin Technical CollegeFennimore	$4,796	$56,241*	—	$19,698*	0.35
Madison Area Technical CollegeMadison	$4,780	$54,717*	—	$26,000*	0.48
Chippewa Valley Technical CollegeEau Claire	$4,724	$47,505*	$48,621	$27,066*	0.57
Rasmussen University-WisconsinGreen Bay	$11,982	$43,637*	$48,300	$27,535*	0.63
National Median	—	$48,026*	—	$24,994*	0.52

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with clinical/medical laboratory science/research and allied professions graduates

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Surgical Technologists

Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. May help set up operating room, prepare and transport patients for surgery, adjust lights and equipment, pass instruments and other supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants, hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments.

$62,480/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians

Cut, grind, and polish eyeglasses, contact lenses, or other precision optical elements. Assemble and mount lenses into frames or process other optical elements. Includes precision lens polishers or grinders, centerer-edgers, and lens mounters.

$45,820/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Phlebotomists

Draw blood for tests, transfusions, donations, or research. May explain the procedure to patients and assist in the recovery of patients with adverse reactions.

$43,660/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists

Perform complex medical laboratory tests for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May train or supervise staff.

Cytogenetic Technologists

Analyze chromosomes or chromosome segments found in biological specimens, such as amniotic fluids, bone marrow, solid tumors, and blood to aid in the study, diagnosis, classification, or treatment of inherited or acquired genetic diseases. Conduct analyses through classical cytogenetic, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) or array comparative genome hybridization (aCGH) techniques.

Cytotechnologists

Stain, mount, and study cells to detect evidence of cancer, hormonal abnormalities, and other pathological conditions following established standards and practices.

Histotechnologists

Apply knowledge of health and disease causes to evaluate new laboratory techniques and procedures to examine tissue samples. Process and prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May solve technical or instrument problems or assist with research studies.

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians

Perform routine medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May work under the supervision of a medical technologist.

Histology Technicians

Prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May assist with research studies.

Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other

All health technologists and technicians not listed separately.

Neurodiagnostic Technologists

Conduct electroneurodiagnostic (END) tests such as electroencephalograms, evoked potentials, polysomnograms, or electronystagmograms. May perform nerve conduction studies.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Blackhawk Technical College, approximately 36% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 4 similar programs in WI. Actual outcomes may vary.