Animal Health Technologies at Portland Community College
serving 18,365 students in Portland, OR.
Program Analysis
Portland Community College Animal Health Technologies graduates command $40,748/yr out of the gate, well above the $32,474 national median. That 25% premium suggests the program's industry reputation carries real labor-market weight.
Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 42.3x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Animal Health Technologies programs nationally.
Some AI exposure exists in Animal Health Technologies's career paths, with 29% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 0% gap from the optimistic case.
Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $19,999 in median debt clears fast against $40,748 in annual earnings.
At #29 of 169 nationally, this is a top-5% Animal Health Technologies program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.
Five-year earnings of $40,877 are relatively flat compared to the $40,748 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 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 Portland Community College
Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree
Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.