Clinical Laboratory Science at Fortis College

Houston, TX · Private for-profit · Certificate · Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions

with a smaller student body of 357 in Houston, TX.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $34,909 track close to the $39,620 national median for Clinical Laboratory Science programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

Some AI exposure exists in Clinical Laboratory Science's career paths, with 24% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 9% gap from the optimistic case.

At $9,500 in median debt against $34,909 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.

Ranked #91 of 146 Clinical Laboratory Science programs, Fortis College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $39,411 are relatively flat compared to the $34,909 starting salary — typical of trades with stable but capped salary bands.

Clinical Laboratory Science offers 15 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.

50 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
46
Low End
50
Score
50
High End
Earnings $34,909/yr (-12% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (79,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$402K
3.1% annual growth
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.

Median Debt at Graduation
$9,500
3.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$39,411
13% growth from Year 1

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

What can you do with a Clinical Laboratory Science credential from Fortis College? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Clinical Laboratory Science career guide →

Compare & Explore

Clinical Laboratory Science Overview

Clinical Laboratory Science at Other Schools

Other Majors at Fortis College

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Fortis College's Clinical Laboratory Science program score?
This program scores 50/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Clinical Laboratory Science programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
What's the typical debt for Clinical Laboratory Science graduates from Fortis College?
At $9,500 in median debt, Clinical Laboratory Science graduates from Fortis College carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.3x is well below the trade program average.
Can I learn Clinical Laboratory Science through an apprenticeship instead of Fortis College?
Yes — 15 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Clinical Laboratory Science career paths, including Blocker & Cutter Contact Lens. Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to a program at Fortis College.
Will Clinical Laboratory Science graduates from Fortis College find jobs?
With approximately 79,700 annual openings across mapped careers, Clinical Laboratory Science offers a large employment pool. Fortis College graduates enter a market shaped by an aging population and expanding healthcare access.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →