Veterinary Extern - General Practice

An externship experience at an NVA hospital will give students the unique opportunity to understand the day-to-day operations of the practice, and gain valuable hands‑on clinical experience. Although every NVA hospital is unique, we all have some things in common: a supportive environment, a commitment to excellent medicine, and providing exceptional service to animals and the people who love them.

Students will work closely with the supervising DVMs to gain experience in GP medicine by gathering patient histories, performing physical exams, creating treatment plans, reviewing diagnostics, dentistry services, observing/assisting or performing surgical procedures, and medical management of patients. In some cases, the students may experience clinical skills in urgent and emergency care 24/7 or orthopedic surgery.

In addition to practicing their clinical skills, student externs will have the opportunity to practice their communication skills with the medical team, support staff, and clients.

Most externship experiences at Animal Medical Center of Plainfield range from two to eight weeks depending on student and hospital schedules. All DVM students (regardless of class year) are encouraged to participate in NVA externships.

Students can expect to gain a full, well‑rounded experience not only with in‑hospital procedures and daily wellness care, but also with shelter and emergency medicine.

• Assist veterinarians, fellow veterinary students, and technicians with medical/patient care.
• Prepare and administer medication dosages.
• Conduct in‑house labs and diagnostics.
• Assist in surgical prep and procedures.

DVM students who are in the clinical portion of their education are eligible for a travel/living expense stipend.  to view list of stipend amounts and HERE for details on the stipend program. The stipend amount for Animal Medical Center of Plainfield is $1,500.

NVA offers a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, 401k with employer match, and paid time off (including sick time) for all eligible employees. The team can provide more information about compensation and benefits for your specific location during the process. For positions based in Colorado, NVA provides eligible employees with 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.