Animal Health Technologies at Ridgewater College
a compact campus enrolling 2,048 students in Willmar, MN.
Program Analysis
Graduates earn $37,141/yr, edging above the $32,474 national average for Animal Health Technologies — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand for this trade.
The 32.0x 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.
At $13,000 in median debt against $37,141 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.
Ranked #59 out of 169 programs, Ridgewater 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
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 Ridgewater College
Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?
Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.