Alaska's First-Ever Vet Tech Degree Program Launches to Tackle Critical Animal Care Crisis

In a groundbreaking response to the acute shortage of veterinary professionals in Alaska and across the nation, Mat-Su College is gearing up to launch the state's first degree program in veterinary technology this September. This innovative course is designed to combat the dire scarcity of animal care workers, including veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and veterinary assistants - a crisis that is not just local but nationwide.

Veterinary technicians, often likened to animal nurses, play a crucial role in animal healthcare, encompassing the skills of lab, radiology, and pharmacy technicians for human patients. The scarcity of these vital professionals is startling, with a nationwide shortfall of approximately 59,000 vet techs and an expected growth in demand of 21% by 2032.

Even in Alaska's more densely populated areas like Mat-Su, the struggle to find qualified animal care workers is palpable. The new program at the University of Alaska Anchorage, hosted at the Mat-Su College campus, aims to address this issue head-on. Spanning 2 1/2 years or six semesters, the program offers a beacon of hope, with an inaugural intake of 16 students.

Professor Dr. Judith Montalbano, who brings her extensive experience from private clinics in Mat-Su to the forefront and currently oversees the college’s veterinary assisting certification program, highlights the urgency and significance of this initiative. With an application deadline of March 1, all classes are set to be conducted in-person in Mat-Su, making this program a landmark step in Alaska's efforts to replenish its veterinary workforce and ensure the well-being of its animal population.