Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma) at Santa Rosa Junior College

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$39,459

Est. from CA median (5 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$12,165

Est. from national median (34 programs)

Analysis

California's medical laboratory programs cluster tightly around $39,000 in first-year earnings, and Santa Rosa Junior College's estimated outcomes sit right at that benchmark—based on five comparable certificate programs across the state. The estimated debt load of $12,165 is higher than California's typical $6,333 for this credential, though still manageable given the field's stable demand for trained lab technicians.

What matters here is the reality check: peer programs in California suggest earnings that trail the national average by about 27%, despite the state's higher cost of living. Lab work requires precision and certification, but the certificate doesn't command premium wages even in the Bay Area job market. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31 means roughly four months of gross income to cover borrowing—not terrible, but you're paying above the state norm for what appears to be middle-of-the-pack earning potential.

The practical question is whether this makes sense as a standalone credential or a stepping stone. If your student needs quick entry to healthcare employment with benefits, similar California programs show this delivers that. If the goal is higher earnings, they'll likely need to pursue additional credentials or pivot to higher-paying clinical roles after gaining experience. For a family near Santa Rosa wanting local training in a recession-resistant field, the numbers work—just understand you're looking at modest, steady wages rather than standout returns.

Where Santa Rosa Junior College Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions certificate's programs at peer institutions in California (38 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Santa Rosa Junior CollegeSanta Rosa	$1,318	$39,459*	—	$12,165*	—
Contra Costa Medical Career CollegeAntioch	—	$44,990*	—	$6,333*	0.14
Glendale Career CollegeGlendale	—	$40,382*	$37,319	$8,971*	0.22
Premiere Career CollegeIrwindale	—	$39,459*	$33,482	$6,286*	0.16
MTI CollegeSacramento	—	$36,215*	$40,713	$8,569*	0.24
Pima Medical Institute-San MarcosSan Marcos	—	$31,071*	$33,711	$3,167*	0.10
National Median	—	$31,071*	—	$10,866*	0.35

* 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 Santa Rosa Junior College, approximately 17% 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 5 similar programs in CA. Actual outcomes may vary.