Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions (Associate's Degree) at Westmoreland County Community College

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$54,790

Est. from PA median (5 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$19,698

Est. from national median (27 programs)

Analysis

Based on comparable laboratory science programs in Pennsylvania, this associate's degree appears positioned near the middle of the state's range, with estimated first-year earnings of $54,790. That figure sits well above the national median of $48,026 and matches the state median exactly—suggesting Pennsylvania's healthcare market pays lab techs reasonably well. The estimated debt load of $19,698, drawn from similar community college programs nationally, comes in substantially lower than both Pennsylvania's typical $29,792 and the national median of $24,994.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36 indicates graduates would owe roughly four months' salary, which is manageable in healthcare fields where employment tends to be stable. For context, Community College of Philadelphia's program shows $74,011 in reported earnings, demonstrating the potential ceiling in Pennsylvania's major metro areas, while several other community colleges cluster in the $46,000-$56,000 range. Laboratory technician roles typically offer steady demand and clear advancement paths into specialized testing or supervisory positions.

The main uncertainty here is whether Westmoreland graduates actually mirror these statewide figures or differ meaningfully based on their regional job market near Pittsburgh. If their outcomes align with peer community colleges in Pennsylvania, the financial fundamentals look solid—reasonable debt for credentials that lead to middle-class healthcare careers. The risk is minimal enough that this represents a sensible investment for students committed to laboratory work.

Where Westmoreland County Community College Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions associates's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (14 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Westmoreland County Community CollegeYoungwood	$5,880	$54,790*	—	$19,698*	—
Community College of PhiladelphiaPhiladelphia	$4,632	$74,011*	—	—*	—
Harrisburg Area Community CollegeHarrisburg	$7,373	$55,875*	$58,047	$29,792*	0.53
Harcum CollegeBryn Mawr	$29,900	$54,790*	—	$33,750*	0.62
Community College of Allegheny CountyPittsburgh	$4,842	$48,229*	$51,844	—*	—
Miller-Motte College-Berks Technical Institute-AllentownAllentown	—	$46,592*	$30,691	$29,028*	0.62
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 Westmoreland County Community College, approximately 28% 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 PA. Actual outcomes may vary.