Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions (Associate's Degree) at National American University-Rapid City

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$48,026

Est. from national median (62 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$27,535

Est. from national median (15 programs)

Analysis

The medical laboratory field offers steady work, but National American University-Rapid City's program appears more expensive than necessary for this career path. Based on comparable associate's programs nationally, students here might borrow around $27,500—roughly $2,500 more than the typical lab science associate's degree and about $3,000 more than what students at South Dakota's technical colleges are borrowing for similar training.

The estimated first-year earnings of $48,000 align closely with what other programs produce both in South Dakota and nationally, suggesting the career outcomes themselves are reasonable. Medical lab technicians find consistent employment in hospitals and clinics, and the 0.57 debt-to-earnings ratio isn't alarming. However, programs at Lake Area Technical College and Western Dakota Technical College appear to deliver comparable market outcomes at lower cost. With 57% of students here receiving Pell grants, that debt difference matters significantly for families already stretching financially.

Before committing, compare the actual costs at National American versus South Dakota's technical colleges. If the price premium buys smaller classes, better scheduling flexibility, or stronger clinical placement support, it might justify the difference. But if the programs deliver similar lab certifications and job placement, paying less debt for the same career entry point is the smarter bet.

Where National American University-Rapid City Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in South Dakota

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions associates's programs at peer institutions in South Dakota (4 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
National American University-Rapid CityRapid City	$16,065	$48,026*	—	$27,535*	—
Lake Area Technical CollegeWatertown	$6,718	$47,512*	—	—*	—
Western Dakota Technical CollegeRapid City	$8,008	$46,378*	—	$24,994*	0.54
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 National American University-Rapid City, approximately 57% 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 national median of 62 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.