Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma) at Virginia Western Community College

Median Earnings (1yr)

$31,772

53rd percentile

60th percentile in Virginia

Median Debt

$5,919

46% below national median

Analysis

Virginia Western's clinical laboratory certificate stands out for one crucial reason: graduates leave with barely any debt. At just $5,919, student loans here run about half the state median and less than half the national average for similar programs. That's a significant advantage for an entry-level healthcare credential.

The $31,772 first-year earnings match Virginia's median exactly and sit slightly above the national benchmark. While top-performing Tidewater Community College pushes graduates to $37,354, Virginia Western's combination of typical earnings with minimal debt creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.19—meaning graduates owe less than two months' salary. That's manageable by any measure and positions students to pay off loans quickly while building their careers.

The 60th percentile ranking among Virginia programs confirms this is a solid middle-of-the-pack option earnings-wise, but the debt advantage tips the scale favorably. For students looking to enter clinical laboratory work without taking on substantial loans, particularly the 30% receiving Pell grants, this program delivers affordable access to a stable healthcare field. The value proposition is straightforward: acceptable starting pay with exceptionally low financial burden.

Where Virginia Western Community College Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Virginia Western Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions certificate's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (20 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Virginia Western Community CollegeRoanoke	$5,256	$31,772	—	$5,919	0.19
Tidewater Community CollegeNorfolk	$5,714	$37,354	—	$11,856	0.32
American National UniversitySalem	$10,735	$21,951	—	$13,043	0.59
National Median	—	$31,071	—	$10,866	0.35

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 Virginia Western Community College, approximately 30% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 30 graduates with reported earnings and 22 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.