Mission & Accreditation

Mission & Accreditation

Dakota County Technical College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Mission Statement

Vision Statement

Dakota County Technical College will be the leader in providing exceptional education and be the preferred partner for the diverse communities we serve.

Philosophy

Dakota County Technical College is a public two-year institution of higher education dedicated to the philosophy that there is dignity in all work and value in individual growth and learning. It is the philosophy of the college that all of its students should have access to quality education that prepares them for rewarding careers. The college values its role in contributing to economic development by providing a knowledgeable and skilled workforce. The college views itself as a full partner in the higher education community and recognizes its contribution to lifelong learning.

Our Values

• Excellence: Focus on quality in programs and services
• Diversity: Show acceptance, openness and fairness to everyone
• Innovation: Encourage and reward new ideas, proactive thinking and use of evolving technology
• Respect: Foster trust, courtesy and open communication
• Integrity: Promote ethical and honest behavior
• Accountability: Maintain effective and efficient programs and services
• Collaboration: Work cooperatively in a supportive environment

DCTC Core Student Outcomes

• Act responsibly: Students recognize an obligation to themselves and others for their decisions and actions.
• Communicate clearly: Students apply writing, speaking and listening skills to precisely convey information, ideas and opinions.
• Learn effectively: Students apply necessary basic skills in reading, writing, math, and computer and information literacy.
• Work productively and cooperatively: Students apply effective skills, knowledge and professionalism.

Institutional Accreditations

Dakota County Technical College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

Approvals AND Credentials

• Dakota County Technical College was created by the 1969 Minnesota State Legislature and approved in 1970 by the Minnesota State Board of Education.
• Programs and facilities of Dakota County Technical College meet standards established by the Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities.
• All Faculty are fully credentialed. Local advisory committees evaluate and approve all program majors.
• Dakota County Technical College offers higher education in accordance with the standards prescribed by the United States Department of Education, Vocational Division, through the Smith-Hughes National Vocational Education Act of 1917 and all subsequent acts.
• Dakota County Technical College is approved for Veterans Educational Benefits by the Minnesota State Approving Agency.
• Dakota County Technical College is approved by the Minnesota Division of Rehabilitation Services.

Accreditation of Academic Programs

Academic programs that require special state and/or national accreditation status are listed below:

Transportation

• The Automotive Technician program is accredited by the National Automotive Technician Education Foundation (NATEF)
• The General Motors Automotive Service Education Program is accredited by the National Automotive Technician Education Foundation (NATEF)
• The Auto Body Collision Technology program is accredited by the National Automotive Technician Education Foundation (NATEF) and Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR)
• The Heavy Construction Equipment program is accredited by the Associated Equipment Distributors Foundation (AED)
• The Heavy Duty Truck Technology program is accredited by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF).

Health

• The Practical Nursing program is approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing
• The Nursing Assistant program is accredited by the Minnesota Department of Health
• The Dental Assistant program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association
• The Medical Assistant program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB). 
• The Veterinary Technician program is fully accredited by the AVMA CVTEA as a program for educating veterinary technicians.

Design

• The Interior Design program is accredited by the National Kitchen and Bath Association