Veterinary Extern - General Practice

Externship Overview

The externship experience at National Veterinary Associates (NVA) provides veterinary students with a unique opportunity to understand the day‑to‑day operations of a veterinary practice and to gain valuable hands‑on clinical experience. Students work closely with supervising Associate Veterinarians to gather patient histories, perform physical exams, create treatment plans, conduct diagnostics, provide dentistry services, observe, assist, or perform surgical procedures, and manage patient medical care.

In addition, externs have the chance to develop communication skills with the medical team, support staff, and clients.

• Gather patient histories
• Perform physical examinations
• Create treatment plans
• Conduct diagnostics
• Provide dentistry services
• Observe, assist, or perform surgical procedures
• Manage patient medical care
• Practice communication skills with the medical team, support staff, and clients

All veterinary students – regardless of class year – are encouraged to participate. Most externship experiences at Lake Chatuge Animal Hospital range from two to eight weeks, depending on student and hospital schedules. Students in the clinical portion of their education are eligible for a travel and living expense stipend.

National Veterinary Associates offers a comprehensive benefits program that includes medical, dental, vision, a 401(k) with employer match, and paid time off, including sick time. Eligible employees located in Colorado receive paid sick and safe leave, and public health emergency leave in accordance with the requirements of Colorado's Healthy Families and Workplaces Act.

NVA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and any other state or local hiring regulations, we will consider for employment any qualified applicant, including those with arrest and conviction records, in a manner consistent with the applicable regulation.