Animal Health Technologies at Dakota County Technical College
a compact campus enrolling 2,083 students in Rosemount, MN.
Program Analysis
Dakota County Technical College's Animal Health Technologies graduates start at $36,866/yr — above the $32,474 national average, though not by a wide margin.
The 30.3x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.
AI risk is moderate — 29% task exposure — and the 1% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Animal Health Technologies graduates.
Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $10,295 in median debt clears fast against $36,866 in annual earnings.
Ranked #58 out of 169 programs, Dakota County Technical College's Animal Health Technologies offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.
One registered apprenticeship pathway (Veterinary/Lab Animal Tech (Alternate Title: Animal Care Specialist) with a median wage of $37,320/yr) connects to Animal Health Technologies careers, offering a paid training alternative to the classroom model.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
Top Career Paths
Top career paths for Animal Health Technologies graduates by median salary.
| Career Path | Median Salary | Growth | AI-ProofAI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health specialties teachers, postsecondary | $105,620 | +17.3% | 52% |
| Veterinary technologists and technicians | $45,980 | +9.1% | 84% |
| Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers | $37,320 | +8.7% | 78% |
About Animal Health Technologies Careers
Your career begins on the front lines of animal care. You’ll be the one prepping a nervous dog for surgery, skillfully drawing blood for diagnostics, or running tests using lab equipment in a busy clinic or research facility. This is deeply hands-on work; you can’t comfort a frightened animal or assist in surgery from behind a computer screen. Your days are active, requiring both technical skill and compassion.
Compare & Explore
Animal Health Technologies Overview
Animal Health Technologies at Other Schools
Other Majors at Dakota County Technical College
Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree
Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.