花季传媒

The recent opening of Mat-Su College (MSC)鈥檚 new state-of-the-art educational suite for its marks a major step forward in animal care education for Alaska. More than just a training facility, this space represents years of collaboration and dedication from educators, veterinary professionals and the local community 鈥� all working toward a shared goal: preparing the next generation of veterinary technicians.

A program built on collaboration and community support

The new program at Mat-Su College was born out of a critical need within the state: Alaska faces a shortage of skilled animal care workers, particularly in rural areas. The A.A.S. degree marks the first brick-and-mortar, in-state option for veterinary technology, complementing MSC鈥檚 existing occupational endorsement certificate in veterinary assisting.

Although the degree program only welcomed its first students this academic year, the community-driven effort has been in development for more than 15 years. Program director Judy Montalbano, D.V.M., is quick to credit prior MSC faculty, including Susan Whiton and Tracy Corneliussen, L.V.T., for laying the program鈥檚 groundwork. Veterinarians, veterinary technicians and community members have long rallied behind the idea, recognizing how crucial it is to develop a homegrown workforce. The Alaska Veterinary Medical Association and numerous local clinics have been vocal supporters of the program, offering not just encouragement but practical help 鈥� providing externship placements, advising on curriculum development and offering a constant flow of feedback on what students need to learn to thrive in real-world veterinary settings.

鈥淲e鈥檙e grateful to the entire veterinary community of Alaska. There are thousands of people who have chimed in to say, 鈥楾his is a program we need,鈥� They all have vehemently supported the development of a program for a long time, and everybody's excited to see it launch,鈥� said Montalbano.

Mat-Su College鈥檚 faculty and staff have also been instrumental in the program's growth, offering guidance, logistical support and resources to ensure the program meets the highest standards. 鈥淔rom librarians to advisors, everybody鈥檚 been incredibly supportive, always asking, 鈥榃hat do you need? How can we help?鈥欌�� said Montalbano. She added that UAA Community and Technical College Dean Ray Weber and Assistant Dean Al Grant have been invaluable for helping them navigate university processes.

A physical space designed for learning and collaboration

Designed to bridge the gap between classroom instruction and real-world practice, the new suite offers an immersive learning environment. Every inch of the space has been optimized for hands-on training, allowing students to develop critical skills such as surgical assistance, diagnostic testing and patient care. Equipped with industry-standard tools and simulators, the suite mirrors the demands of modern veterinary practice.

Among the suite鈥檚 learning tools is the K9 Diesel Dog simulator, which will allow students to practice trauma care. 鈥淭he person who runs the controls can do things like adjust the heart rate, the respiratory rate. They can make the dog growl and bark and whine and bleed,鈥� said Montalbano, noting that the simulator can be used for mock-up trauma scenarios like abdominal injuries, amputation, pneumothorax and gunshot wounds.

Beyond the classroom, students gain real-world 花季传媒 through externships at local veterinary clinics, shelters and farms. These partnerships provide invaluable exposure to the field, ensuring graduates are not only technically proficient but also well-prepared for the realities of animal care. 

Training the next generation of veterinary professionals  

Montalbano, a veterinarian with extensive clinical and educational 花季传媒, champions the vital role of veterinary technicians, ensuring students are trained not just in procedures, but in the essential collaboration between veterinarians and their support teams.

Whether it's in assisting with surgeries, providing anesthesia support or offering vital client education, veterinary technicians are often the backbone of a successful veterinary practice 鈥� and this program is training them to excel. Professor Rebecca Walker, one of only five Veterinary Technician Specialists (VTS) in Alaska, is key to those efforts.

Originally from Kodiak Island, Walker always knew she wanted to work with animals. She initially pursued wildlife biology before moving to Oregon to attend Portland Community College鈥檚 vet tech program.

鈥淚 was able to go down there, gain that knowledge and information, and then bring it home,鈥� said Walker. 鈥淭hey really instilled in us a sense of pride in what we do as technicians as a member of our communities, professionally and personally. That's part of why I'm this passionate about a good program and being able to bring all of that information back up here.鈥�

Walker and Montalbano鈥檚 combined expertise has been instrumental in developing a curriculum that emphasizes teamwork, technical proficiency and continuous professional growth. For both, the success of the program represents a dream years in the making.

Building a lasting legacy in Alaska鈥檚 veterinary field

The program has already proven to be a critical piece of the puzzle in addressing the shortage of trained veterinary technicians, and it has the potential to grow and evolve with the needs of the state. As the program expands, there are plans to include more specialized training and to develop new partnerships with clinics, animal care organizations and other educational institutions. The long-term goal is to create a robust, sustainable program that can continuously meet the state鈥檚 growing needs for highly trained veterinary professionals. 

For the students who walk through the doors of the veterinary suite, the journey may only be beginning. But with the support of dedicated educators like Montalbano and Walker, and the unwavering support of Alaska鈥檚 veterinary community, the impact will be felt for years to come. And for those who graduate from the program, the possibilities are endless.

鈥淭his industry is so neat because if you ever get bored, you're not doing it right,鈥� said Walker. 鈥淢edicine is always changing. There are always new advancements. There's new research to support different methods of treatment options or new medications on the market that can extend the life of your pets and that is just phenomenal.鈥�