What is a Veterinary Extern? Everything You Need to Know About Veterinary Externships

1. What is a Veterinary Extern?

A veterinary extern is a student or recent graduate of veterinary school who temporarily works with licensed veterinarians to gain hands-on experience. Unlike an internship, which may be paid, an externship is typically short-term and unpaid. It allows aspiring veterinarians to observe and participate in various aspects of veterinary care, from surgery to animal diagnostics, in real-world settings.

2. Benefits of Being a Veterinary Extern

Becoming a veterinary extern offers numerous benefits for those looking to advance their veterinary careers. These benefits include:

• Hands-on experience with patients and procedures.
• Learning directly from experienced veterinarians in a clinical setting.
• Building valuable connections that may lead to job offers after graduation.
• Enhancing resumes with real-world clinical experience that can stand out in competitive job markets.

Externships also provide a unique opportunity to confirm one’s interest in specific areas of veterinary medicine, such as surgery, emergency care, or animal rehabilitation.

3. Externship Opportunities in Veterinary Medicine

Veterinary externship opportunities are widely available and can be found in private practices, animal hospitals, research labs, wildlife organizations, and even zoos. Many veterinary schools have partnerships with local practices and clinics to provide externship placements for students. Some students also seek out externships abroad, offering them exposure to global veterinary practices.

Externships are especially common during the summer months, but they can also be offered year-round depending on the institution or organization. The duration of an externship can vary, typically lasting anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.

4. What Are the Requirements for a Veterinary Extern?

While the requirements for veterinary externships may vary by program or organization, most externships require students to be currently enrolled in a veterinary program or have recently graduated. Some programs may require a minimum GPA, specific coursework completed, or previous experience working with animals. Additionally, candidates are often expected to demonstrate strong communication skills, a passion for veterinary medicine, and a willingness to learn.

5. Real World Examples of Veterinary Externships

Many veterinary externs have shared their experiences on how these placements have influenced their careers. For example, a veterinary extern at a small animal clinic in California may find themselves assisting in surgeries, conducting routine checkups, and managing emergency cases, providing invaluable exposure to day-to-day veterinary practice. Others, like externs placed in large animal medicine, may spend time on farms working with livestock, gaining hands-on skills in a different area of veterinary care.

Externships are not only about technical skills; they also provide valuable professional development. Externs often work alongside seasoned veterinarians who mentor them, offering advice on client communication, case management, and navigating the challenges of the profession.

6. How to Get Started with a Veterinary Externship

Getting started with a veterinary externship typically involves researching available opportunities, networking with professionals in the field, and applying through your veterinary school or directly to clinics and hospitals. Many schools maintain lists of externship opportunities or have established relationships with clinics that regularly take externs. Once accepted, it’s important to prepare for the externship by ensuring you have the necessary vaccinations, medical records, and other administrative requirements in place.

Before starting, it can also be helpful to research the clinic or hospital to understand their area of expertise. This can help you better align your expectations with the type of experiences you will gain during the externship.