Veterinarian Schools in Alaska

Veterinarians are professionals who hold doctorate degrees in veterinary medicine. The road to becoming a successful veterinarian in Alaska can be challenging, and the challenges are quadrupled for those who need to prepare for the process.

As it happens, a huge part of adequate preparation is consuming the kinds of resources on this page. The guide below analyzes every key aspect of starting a veterinarian career in Alaska, from high school preparations to undergraduate education and veterinary school completion.

We also explore important details, from specific programs and licensing steps to annual average salary predictions and career outlooks.

How to Become a Veterinarian in Alaska

The steps below are needed to become a veterinarian in Alaska.

High School Preparations

Prospective veterinarians in Alaska must begin their preparation from high school. They must have a strong foundation in natural science courses, a high GPA, and strong scores on the SAT/ACT.

Completing a Bachelor’s Degree

Veterinarians must complete a bachelor’s degree program before completing a doctor of veterinary medicine program. Many schools with accredited veterinary programs also offer undergraduate programs in animal science and biochemistry for candidates pursuing their veterinary education at the same college.

Students can also use this time at an undergraduate program to set themselves apart through extracurricular activities and volunteer hours. Entering veterinary school is very competitive, and every separation a candidate can get may be the defining factor in helping them secure admission.

Earning a DVM

There are around 30 accredited institutions in the country where candidates can receive a valid doctor of veterinary medicine degree. Below, we will explore some of the most appropriate options for candidates in Alaska.

These programs can be completed in four years. They will include classroom learning sessions, typically in the first three years, and an opportunity for real-world experience through clinical rotations in the fourth year.

Aspiring doctors of veterinary medicine must also complete a national examination known as the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination.

Explore other careers with similar paths:

• How to become a veterinary technician in Alaska

Top Veterinary Schools in Alaska

Residents of Alaska may consider any of the accredited programs below for their DVM.

Explore nearby states for education and training:

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Licensure & Certification Requirements

After earning their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees, veterinarians in Alaska are still expected to meet the state licensing requirements before starting to work professionally. Currently, the Alaska Board of Veterinary Examiners maintains licensing requirements for veterinarians in the state.

To be licensed, candidates must pay a total fee of $800, which includes $200 for the application and $600 for the license itself. This license is valid for two years, after which candidates must renew by showing proof of 30 hours of continuing education in the last two years.

The state allows a temporary license of $125 and requires transcripts and professional references. Candidates must also pass an open-book jurisprudence examination before they can be officially licensed.

Salary & Career Outlook

The average salary of a veterinarian in Alaska will depend on their career experience, state location, professional credentials, and specialty area, among other factors.

A survey of veterinarians in the state shows that those favorable to these factors can make up to $187,733 annually, grouping them among the top 10% of earners. The bottom 10% of earners still make an annual average salary of $87,518.

The most common are those among the median earners, and they manage an annual average salary of $128,179. When we look at specific locations, candidates in Barrow take first place with an annual average salary of $151,871.

Veterinarians in Wasilla are also highly rewarded relative to other locations in the state, thanks to an annual average salary of $151,871. The employment rate in the field is projected to keep increasing over the next decade.