Mission & Accreditation

Our Mission

The mission of Dakota County Technical College is to provide collegiate-level education for employment that will empower individuals to enhance their opportunities for career advancement and success in a global economy.

Vision Statement

Dakota County Technical College will be recognized as a leader in providing quality technical and general education needed for employment in an ever-changing work environment.

Statement of 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.

Values

The values of Dakota County Technical College are:

  • Excellence - Focusing on quality in programs and services
  • Diversity - Demonstrating acceptance, openness, and fairness to all individuals
  • Innovation - Encouraging and rewarding new ideas, proactive thinking, and use of evolving technology
  • Respect - Fostering trust, courtesy, and open communication
  • Integrity - Exhibiting ethical and honest behavior
  • Accountability - Maintaining effectiveness and efficiency in programs and services
  • Collaboration - Working cooperatively in a supportive environment

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Accreditation

Dakota County Technical College was created by the 1969 Minnesota 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 (MnSCU). 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 federal Smith-Hughes law and all subsequent acts.

Dakota County Technical College is approved for Veteran's Educational Benefits by the Minnesota State Approving Agency.

Dakota County Technical College is approved by the Minnesota Division of Rehabilitation Services.

NORTH CENTRAL ACCREDITATION

Dakota County Technical College is accredited by the The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

PROGRAM ACCREDITATION

All programs which require special state and/or national accreditation status are accredited as prescribed by the respective agencies as follows:

  • The Practical Nursing major is accredited by the Minnesota Board of Nursing.
  • The Interior Design major is accredited in the professional category by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (formerly FIDER.)
  • The Landscape Horticulture major is nationally accredited by the Associated Landscape Contractors of America.
  • The Dental Assistant program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Commission on Recognition of Post secondary Accreditation and by the United States Department of Education.
  • The Medical Assistant program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) on recommendation of the Curriculum Review Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants Endowment (AAMAE.)
  • The Medical Coding Assistant program is approved by the Council on Accreditation of the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) through Anoka Technical College, Anoka, Minnesota.
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