Veterinary Assistant Schools in Alaska

Veterinary assistants are professionals who have been trained in areas such as laboratory work, equipment sanitization, post-operative care, and animal restraining duties. They can also schedule appointments, contact clients, and manage inventory.

These are important to keep a veterinary clinic running smoothly. Thankfully, Alaska is one of the states nationwide where candidates enjoy a straightforward process to start a veterinary assistant career.

We explore the minimal requirements and considerations that candidates need to know to achieve success in the field below. We also examine some notable training programs and possible annual incomes for those starting their careers.

How to Become a Veterinary Assistant in Alaska

The following are the steps to becoming a successful veterinary assistant in Alaska.

High School Diploma or GED

The state of Alaska does not require candidates to attend a training program. Employers are in charge of setting requirements and training programs. Currently, both of these parties favor candidates who have a high school diploma or GED equivalent.

Training Solutions

A prospective veterinary assistant in Alaska needs to receive both classroom training and hands-on experience in the real world. Luckily, several training programs offer these learning arrangements, including the ones we highlight below.

Candidates who are busy and cannot commit to full-time will be glad to know they can participate in part-time training or an online program that allows them to progress at their own speed. Although not compulsory, candidates must attend a training program accredited by NAVTA.

Job Opportunities

Alaska offers several job opportunities for properly trained veterinary assistants. However, individuals should consider pursuing certification to shore up their career chances.

We will discuss this particular issue in the next section.

Explore careers with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a veterinary technician in Alaska

Top Veterinary Assistant Training Schools in Alaska

The schools below are notable for their top-class veterinary assistant programs for candidates in Alaska.

Explore neighboring states for education and training:

• Veterinary assistant schools in Washington

Licensure & Certification Requirements

The most relevant and highly rated credential for veterinary assistants in Alaska is the Approved Veterinary Assistant designation, offered by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians of America.

However, before they search for it, it is worth pointing out to individuals in the state that no law in Alaska requires them to be licensed or certified before starting a professional career.

Those who choose to become certified do so based on their predictions that they will enjoy more career opportunities than those who are not certified. This sentiment is usually true.

Certified veterinary assistants often seem more credible. They are also expected to maintain their credentials through continuing education, which gives them the platform to continue improving their skills and growing on the job.

Salary & Career Outlook

Anyone beginning a veterinary assistant career in Alaska will earn an annual average salary of $45,198, consistent with the median earners. It is also possible to start slightly lower, with a figure of $35,069, which is relevant for the bottom 10% of earners.

Ultimately, veterinary assistants in Alaska can earn as much as $58,254 per year. However, this is only relevant for those in the top 10 percent.

Candidates can achieve this income level by working on their experience level, specialty skills, employer, and specific state locations.

Regarding average income, Fairbanks is currently the best place to work as a veterinary assistant in Alaska. Here, the average annual salary is $52,257, while those who work in Anchorage manage an average salary of $44,625—good enough for second place in the state.

It is also worth pointing out that the projections for the field of veterinary assisting in Alaska are very promising. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts more employment as the upcoming decade approaches.