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Nin ilts ik k'eerahtii -
"Place where animals are healed" (Athabascan)

Training in veterinary science and medicine provides a strong base for careers in farming, dog mushing, wildlife management, public health, tribal resource management, environmental health, veterinary technology and as a veterinarian.

Incorporated into these courses are information and training for work with domestic small animals, domestic farm animals, reindeer, bison and musk ox. The courses provide a unique insight by including Alaska Native knowledge, terminology, and ethics.

Certificate graduates are prepared to continue on in learning tracks for veterinary technology, public health, wildlife diseases, veterinary medical illustration and veterinary medicine.

- Proposed Course Outline

For more information contact Dr. Sarah Love at the Interior Aleutians Campus at 1-888-474-5207 or 907-474-7485.

Outreach and Enrichment Activities: Hands-on veterinary science mini-labs have been held at many of the high schools in the Interior and Northern parts of Alaska.

Students practicing suturing in Tok, Alaska.
Students practicing suturing in Tok, Alaska.

Vision Statement

This program will provide an educational pathway for rural residents to:

  1. provide preventative and emergency care to their animals;
  2. provide the training to become a licensed veterinary technician;
  3. provide the training to begin a career in veterinary medical illustration;
  4. provide care for food animals including reindeer, musk ox and bison;
  5. provide the training to monitor wildlife and zoonotic diseases, and;
  6. have the educational and skill base to be accepted into veterinary school.

Veterinary Science Certificate

New Veterinary Science Certificate Core Courses:

  • VTS 101 - Introduction to Veterinary Science
  • VTS 110 - Veterinary Medical Terminology and Communication
  • VTS 130 - Animal Anatomy and Physiology
  • VTS 140 - Animal Husbandry
  • VTS 150 - Basic Animal Nutrition and Feeding
  • VTS 160 - Basic Animal Diseases and Medicine
  • VTS 199 - Veterinary Science Practicum

First Student Michelle Reakoff, Wiseman
First Student Michelle Reakoff, Wiseman.

Veterinary Science

These tracks are currently in development:

Veterinary Technician Track*
After completion the student would be eligible to sit for the veterinary technician national examination.
Veterinary Medical Illustration Track*
Graduates would be able to find employment as a medical illustrator.
Pre-Veterinary Track*
Graduates would be able to apply for admission to a veterinary college.

*Students wishing to pursue these tracks should contact I-AC.

Laboratory Intensives

Selected courses in the Veterinary Science curriculum have intensive laboratory sessions. These range from 2 to 5 days and may be held in Fairbanks, rural campus centers or other locations that are appropriate for students. Examples include an anatomy laboratory at the main UAF campus and an animal husbandry laboratory at a variety of agricultural sites.

Students participating in a practical laboratory.
Students participating in a practical laboratory.

Program Progress

The Veterinary Science program is in a the process of University approval. Students are being accepted a the piloting stage of the program. Tuition, fees, and student travel are provided by USDA for 24 Alaska Native enrolled students.

For More Information

Call the I-AC and Chukchi Campus Rural Center Near You:

Yukon-Koyukuk Center (Galena) 888-656-2130
McGrath Center 800-478-3074
Aleutian-Pribilof Center (Unalaska) 877-581-1666
Tok Center 800-478-2773
Yukon Flats Center (Ft. Yukon) 800-709-8566
Nenana Center 800-474-5826

View the Veterinary Science Program Brochure [PDF]

Click here to view more photos of students in their classes.