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CIP 51.0802 Health Professions

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Assistant

IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education · 2025

Total graduates

353

2025 · 11 schools

International share

0.3%

1 international students

Bachelor's degrees

12

0.0% international

Overview

The Clinical/Medical Laboratory Assistant program prepares students for essential roles in the healthcare field, specifically within laboratory settings. These professionals are vital to the functioning of hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic laboratories, assisting in the collection, processing, and analysis of biological specimens.

Students in this program learn various laboratory techniques, including blood draws, specimen handling, and quality control processes. They are trained in the use of laboratory equipment such as microscopes, centrifuges, and analyzers, gaining skills to perform routine tests that aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of diseases.

Additionally, the curriculum often includes instruction on laboratory safety protocols, regulatory compliance, and effective communication within healthcare teams. This knowledge is crucial as Clinical/Medical Laboratory Assistants frequently interact with patients and other healthcare professionals, ensuring a smooth workflow and accurate results.

Job opportunities for graduates are robust, with a growing demand for laboratory professionals due to the increasing reliance on medical testing for patient care. Career paths can range from entry-level positions in laboratories to more advanced roles with further education and experience.

Overall, this program not only equips students with technical skills but also emphasizes the importance of precision, ethics, and teamwork in the medical field, making it an excellent choice for those interested in contributing to patient health and safety.

Graduates by year

Graduates by degree level (first and second majors)

AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral

From 2002 to 2025, graduates grew 419% and the international share went from 10.3% to 0.3%.

International share (%)
Graduates by group, 2025
White
14.7%
Asian
1.1%
Hispanic
78.2%
Black
4.5%
Other
1.1%
Intl.
0.3%

Colleges that award this degree

In 2025, 11 schools awarded this degree as a first major. The table lists those in the 2027 U.S. News National or Liberal Arts rankings, plus the unranked schools with the most graduates.

RankSchoolStateGraduatesInternational
#191 Rowan University New Jersey 12 0
LAC #184 Utah Tech University Utah 1 0
— Southwest University at El Paso Texas 287 0
— Delaware Technical Community College-Terry Delaware 9 0
— Cuyahoga Community College District Ohio 9 1
— University of Maine at Augusta Maine 8 0
— Wenatchee Valley College Washington 8 0
— ATA College California 6 0
— Dalton State College Georgia 5 0
— North Idaho College Idaho 5 0
— University of Maine at Presque Isle Maine 3 0

Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.

Related jobs and pay

OccupationUS employmentMean hourly wageMean annual wage
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary 221,270 — $147,570

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.

Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2002–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.