Interested in becoming a Vet Tech? Now is the time to apply

For those with a passion for animals, a career as a veterinary technician offers a rewarding and in-demand path to turn that compassion into a profession. Working directly with animals, these integral members of a veterinary care team assist licensed veterinarians with a wide range of duties, from performing diagnostic tests to helping with surgery. A veterinary technology program provides the essential classroom education and hands-on training necessary to launch this fulfilling career.

People interested in this path don’t have to look far as the Mat-Su College now offers a Veterinary Technician (VT) program. The Associate of Applied Science degree in Veterinary Technology program began during the 2024 fall semester.

As the first cohort of students moves into their second year of the program, Dr. Judith Montalbano, the program director for Veterinary Sciences, suggests that anyone interested in the 2026 cohort begin talking to advisors early.

“We just opened the applications for the next cohort on August 1, and the deadline is December 19 to start classes next fall,” she said.

Dr. Montalbano says it isn’t a simple paper application process, and the first step is talking with an academic advisor to make sure prospective students are at a certain level of readiness to begin the program.

“They should get in touch with an advisor as soon as possible to make sure their coursework is what it need to be.” She also recommends students take time and observe work at a veterinary clinic to ensure that they are prepared for the career.

Here in an overview of the application process:

-First, apply to Mat-Su College as a degree seeking student. Applicants will be admitted into a pending status as you complete the program application process.

-Second, apply to the program by completing an Application Form. You will submit a resume, essay, two professional references, and clinic observation form by using the Application Form button.

-The selection committee will review your Application Form documents and invite candidates to be interviewed in March and April. Candidates not selected will be notified via email.

Candidates invited to the program will receive a letter from the program directors.

“If you think you want to be part of the class that starts in 2026, talk to them now and start getting prepared now. This will allow them to get the applications ready now and be successful.”

For more information about the Vet Tech program, please visit www.matsu.alaska.edu/academic-programs/veterinary-medicine

For more information about the MSC Veterinary Assisting program, call (907) 745-9771or email msc.vet.tech@alaska.edu.