Clinical Laboratory Science at Daytona State College

Daytona Beach, FL · Public · Certificate · Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions

with a mid-sized student body of 9,367 in Daytona Beach, FL.

Program Analysis

Daytona State College's Clinical Laboratory Science graduates start at $14,958/yr, trailing the $39,620 national average by 62%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

With a 50.4x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 0% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Clinical Laboratory Science career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

A #125 ranking among 146 Clinical Laboratory Science programs places Daytona State College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The 15 apprenticeship pathways connected to Clinical Laboratory Science reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

42 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
40
Low End
42
Score
43
High End
Earnings $14,958/yr (-62% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (79,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$156K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
50.4x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
6 of 6
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$3,106
Out-of-state: $11,994

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Clinical Laboratory Science graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620 +17.3% 52%
Surgical technologists $62,830 +4.5% 93%
Health technologists and technicians, all other $48,790 +5.2% 48%
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary
$105,620
+17.3% growth 52% AI-proof
Surgical technologists
$62,830
+4.5% growth 93% AI-proof
Health technologists and technicians, all other
$48,790
+5.2% growth 48% AI-proof

View all 6 career paths with full salary data →

Clinical Laboratory Science Career Guide

Clinical Laboratory Science opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

Read the full Clinical Laboratory Science career guide →

Compare & Explore

Clinical Laboratory Science Overview

Clinical Laboratory Science at Other Schools

Other Majors at Daytona State College

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 42/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Clinical Laboratory Science at Daytona State College?
This program scores 42/100 — on the lower end for Clinical Laboratory Science. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Why are Clinical Laboratory Science earnings lower at Daytona State College?
Starting salary is one data point. If Daytona State College's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Are there apprenticeship options for Clinical Laboratory Science?
Beyond Daytona State College's classroom route, 15 registered apprenticeships map to Clinical Laboratory Science careers — including Blocker & Cutter Contact Lens. Apprenticeships trade shorter program length for longer on-the-job training, typically 2-4 years.
Will Clinical Laboratory Science graduates from Daytona State College find jobs?
The large job market (79,700 annual openings) works in favor of Clinical Laboratory Science graduates. The national outlook is driven by an aging population and expanding healthcare access, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →