It’s time for Page Two: news that might not make the front page on Thursday, September 25, 2025
Ask a child what they want to do when they grow up, and chances are they will say, work with animals. For those who keep that dream into adulthood, Mat-Su College offers a Veterinary Technology program to make the dream come true.
Veterinary technicians are skilled paraprofessionals who work in animal health care. They perform diagnostic procedures, lab work, and hands-on nursing alongside veterinarians.
The Vet Tech Program at Mat-Su College aims to address the shortage of veterinary technicians in Alaska by providing skilled workers for this high-demand industry.
Prospective students can learn more at an application orientation and open forum hosted by the program on Thursday, October 3, 2025, from 6 to 7pm in rooms FSM 204 and 206 on campus. Attendees meet with faculty and staff, learn about the application process, and tour facilities including a surgery and anesthesia area, diagnostic lab, x-ray room, and ultrasound equipment.
The first cohort started last Fall. This orientation is for the second cohort that starts in fall 2026. The Veterinary Technology program is a 2 1/2-year, 72-credit, full-time course of study that leads to an Associate of Applied Science degree. Students take classes on the Mat-Su College campus and train at affiliated sites such as Mat-Su Borough Animal Care and Control, local farms, and veterinary clinics. Graduates enter the field with technical and lab skills, professional communication abilities, and animal nursing experience.
For those seeking a shorter career path, the Veterinary Assisting Occupational Endorsement Certificate requires 21 credits and prepares students for entry-level work. The program covers animal care, clinic support, client communication, and basic lab skills.
Program co-director Rebecca Walker said preparation makes the difference for applicants. She urges students to connect with a career advisor for essay and résumé support and to meet with an academic advisor early.
If you cannot attend in person, send an email to uaa_mscvettech@alaska.edu to request a Zoom link for the session and information about the Veterinary Technology Program.
In other news, the video of the Palmer City Council candidate forum hosted by the Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce on Wed. Sept. 24th is now available here under podcasts> Elections -Forums and Info.
Today from 5:30 to 8pm there’s a community celebration at the Palmer Train Depot sponsored by the Palmer Community Foundation. This free event celebrates their 2025 grantees with free food and live music by The Robotz.
Links Resource Center Night at Post 11 is from 5 to 8pm and features all you can eat chicken and fish fry for $20 per plate. There’s a silent auction, live dessert auction, and 50/50 split the pot. The event is at AMVETS Post 11, 951 Herman Rd. in Wasilla.
Here are some events coming up tomorrow:
From noon to three tomorrow, HRT K9 hosts its monthly Coffee, Canines and Camaraderie at Band of Brothers at 2050 N Merciful Circle in Wasilla
All are welcome to the Mat Made Traveling Exhibit Reception at 1:00 PM at the Veterans and Pioneer Home in Palmer. Sponsored by the Palmer Museum of History and Art, this event celebrates Palmer’s history with an updated exhibit and a scoop of ice cream.
The Big Social at the Matanuska Brewery from 6:00 to 8:00 PM is a networking event with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Alaska. Learn about mentoring youth in Alaska and socialize with Bigs and friends of Big Brothers Big Sisters.
And if you need a laugh, Mike Glazer is doing a comedy show at Everett’s Restaurant at 7:30 PM.
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That’s it for today and the news on Page Two on Thursday, September 25, 2025