K-State Olathe Students Learn Businesses’ High-Priority Data Analytics Skills through New Animal Health Certificate

Animal health is a growing field with a high demand for experts who can analyze data, as evidenced by responses to a 2022 industry survey conducted by K-State Olathe and the KC Animal Health Corridor. The survey found that 77% of respondents believe data analytics and insights is a high-priority field for their companies.

Thanks to the support of the Johnson County Education Research Triangle, the new Data Analytics and Insights in Animal Health graduate certificate at K-State Olathe offers learners the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of animal health while gaining skills in programming and data science.

Another bonus? Each student will learn to apply appropriate mathematical methodologies to animal systems. Animal health has numerous disparate data sources, which creates opportunity to derive insight that was previously inaccessible. This program provides learners with a more well-rounded skillset and enables them to work in a variety of animal health positions, as well as meet supply chain demands and customer needs.

Douglas Shane, Ph.D., D.V.M., a teaching assistant professor of animal health at K-State's Olathe campus, was instrumental in developing and launching this program. With a strong industry background, Shane knows firsthand just how high demand is for skills in data analytics.

Working in animal health data analytics requires a specialized skillset that combines industry knowledge with the ability to apply the data to impact decision making. Leveraging his background as a veterinarian and research scientist at Elanco Animal Health, Shane partnered with KC Animal Health Corridor to develop the graduate certificate curriculum to provide in-depth training.

This program was carefully designed to meet the demands of the evolving animal health industry, which makes it an ideal choice for individuals who want to gain skills they can use immediately in their chosen career field or leverage the certificate to enter a new field.

“The KC Animal Health Corridor workforce development group identified a clear need for talent development in data analytics and insights within the animal health industry,” said Emily McVey, vice president of the KC Animal Health Corridor. “The team at K-State Olathe rapidly responded to this industry need and has brought this incredibly valuable training program to our industry. We are grateful for K-State Olathe’s willingness to be such a strong partner for the KC Animal Health Corridor and the animal health industry.”

Designed for working professionals, the 15-hour certificate is 100% online and open to learners from a variety of career backgrounds. All students in the program will develop the ability to implement strategic data analytics for business applications, including animal health research and commercial insights. These skills will increase marketability and improve job prospects for new students and learners who want to take their careers to the next level.

Potential roles include becoming an animal health scientist, biomedical systems engineer, clinical data manager, data and digital technology developer or marketing and sales analyst.

Learn more about the Data Analytics and Insights in Animal Health graduate certificate at K-State Olathe.