Veterinary Technology at Northeast Community College

Norfolk, NE · Public · Associate Degree · Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians

a compact campus enrolling 2,464 students in Norfolk, NE.

Program Analysis

At $34,363 per year, Veterinary Technology graduates from Northeast Community College earn slightly above the $32,474 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 49.5x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Veterinary Technology programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Veterinary Technology's career paths, with 29% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 5% gap from the optimistic case.

At #34 of 169 nationally, this is a top-5% Veterinary Technology program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Five-year earnings of $37,529 are relatively flat compared to the $34,363 starting salary — typical of trades with stable but capped salary bands.

One registered apprenticeship pathway (Veterinary/Lab Animal Tech (Alternate Title: Animal Care Specialist) with a median wage of $37,320/yr) connects to Veterinary Technology careers, offering a paid training alternative to the classroom model.

54 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
50
Low End
54
Score
53
High End
Earnings $34,363/yr (6% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (71% shielded)
Job Market Large (63,900 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$380K
2.2% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
49.5x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
3 of 3
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)
$7,680
Out-of-state: $10,260
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$37,529
9% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Veterinary Technology 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%
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary
$105,620
+17.3% growth 52% AI-proof
Veterinary technologists and technicians
$45,980
+9.1% growth 84% AI-proof
Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers
$37,320
+8.7% growth 78% AI-proof

Veterinary Technology Career Guide

From day-one roles to senior positions, Veterinary Technology careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering agriculture & natural resources.

Read the full Veterinary Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Veterinary Technology Overview

Veterinary Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Northeast Community College

How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?

Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Northeast Community College's Veterinary Technology program score?
A score of 54/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Veterinary Technology field.
Is Northeast Community College one of the best schools for Veterinary Technology?
The #34 ranking out of 169 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable, and the job market supports this trade.
Is there demand for Veterinary Technology workers?
The large job market (63,900 annual openings) works in favor of Veterinary Technology graduates. The national outlook is driven by consistent replacement demand and industry growth, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →