Median Earnings (1yr)
$57,632
95th percentile
Est. Median Debt
$12,165
Est. from national median (34 programs)

Analysis

Texas Tech Health Sciences Center's lab science certificate produces first-year earnings of $57,632—nearly double the $31,071 typical for this credential both nationally and in Texas. That's an exceptional outcome for a program with estimated debt around $12,165, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.21. For context, the next-best programs in Texas max out at about $35,000 in first-year earnings.

The debt figure comes from national patterns across similar programs since this school's graduate pool was too small to report, but even if actual debt runs somewhat higher, the earnings picture suggests strong value. Medical lab work traditionally offers steady employment, and this program appears to position graduates for the higher-paid segments of the field—possibly hospital-based positions or specialized testing roles that command better compensation than typical entry-level lab tech work.

The combination of high earnings and manageable estimated debt makes this look like a solid workforce credential. The main uncertainty is whether this school's specific graduates consistently hit these earnings levels, but the 95th percentile ranking suggests something distinctive about how Tech Health Sciences prepares students or connects them to employers in the Lubbock area and beyond.

Where Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions certificate's programs at peer institutions in Texas (22 total in state)

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SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Texas Tech University Health Sciences CenterLubbock$57,632$12,165*
Fortis CollegeHouston$34,909$29,577$9,500*0.27
Fortis InstituteHouston$34,909$29,577$9,500*0.27
Pima Medical Institute-HoustonHouston$31,071$33,711$3,167*0.10
Pima Medical Institute-El PasoEl Paso$31,071$33,711$3,167*0.10
Pima Medical Institute-San AntonioSan Antonio$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 Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, approximately 14% 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.