DVM Mission Launch: Externship + New Grad Opportunity

Indian Ridge Animal Hospital Inc; Preston Forest (TN); On-site; USD 40,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

Indian Ridge Animal Hospital in Kingsport, TN is seeking a compassionate veterinary extern for an externship track designed for students ready to start their careers. The program pairs hands-on experience with mentorship and a clear path toward a full-time role.

You will gain broad clinical exposure in small animal care and urgent medicine, observe procedures, and refine diagnostic skills in a supportive team.

Qualifications

• Active enrollment in a DVM program, graduating in 2027.
• Prepared to participate in medical and surgical procedures.
• Strong professional conduct and communication.

Responsibilities

• Observe and participate in medical and surgical procedures.
• Gain broad clinical experience with mentorship.
• Engage in client communication when possible.

Skills

Mentorship

Client communication

Teamwork

Clinical observation

Education

DVM program enrollment

Job description

Indian Ridge Animal Hospital in Kingsport, TN, is dedicated to delivering medical excellence backed by deep community trust. As an established AAHA Accredited practice, we demonstrate our commitment to the highest standards of veterinary care every day. The community recognizes our dedication, reflected in our excellent 4.6-star Google rating. We are seeking a compassionate and driven professional to join our practice and continue building on this exceptional legacy. This is an exciting opportunity for you to do your best work alongside collaborative teammates in a highly respected environment.Your career success is our priority. While focusing on your day-to-day role in small animal and urgent care, you will be joining a supportive network committed to your professional development. We ensure our teammates have access to advanced training programs, continuing education funds, and structured mentorship to help you achieve your career goals, whether that means earning a new credential or moving into a leadership role. Veterinarians benefit from direct access to internal specialty consultations, guaranteeing that you always have the resources and peer support needed to provide comprehensive patient care.Our commitment to providing exceptional medicine starts with our AAHA accreditation, which means our facility and protocols meet rigorous standards for quality and safety. We are focused entirely on comprehensive small animal veterinary services, offering critical urgent care options for the surrounding area. You will be working in an environment that prioritizes diagnostic accuracy and comprehensive treatment planning. Joining our team means having the opportunity to consistently practice high-quality, evidence‑based medicine while receiving support to continuously grow your clinical skills.Kingsport, Tennessee, offers a fantastic blend of historic charm and modern convenience in the scenic Appalachian Highlands. Nestled in the Tri‑Cities region, you will find an affordable, community‑focused lifestyle with immediate access to stunning outdoor recreation, including hiking, biking, and water sports on nearby lakes and rivers. Kingsport provides a wonderful balance, allowing you to establish deep professional roots while enjoying an exceptional quality of life outside of the hospital, benefiting from a lower cost of living and a friendly, welcoming community.

Job Description

$1,000/Week Stipend | Open to the Class of 2027

We’re doing more than offering a great externship—we’re looking for the veterinarians who will join our team. This is an externship track designed for students who are ready to start thinking about where they’ll launch their careers.

Externs in this track receive an enhanced stipend of $1,000/week —double our standard rate—because this experience is tied to a hiring opportunity. This hospital has an open new‑grad doctor position, and your externship here is a genuine first step toward a full‑time role. You get paid, hands‑on experience, and we both get the chance to see if this is the right fit for your career.

This externship is designed to give you a real, working look at what it’s like to practice here—the team, the caseload, the community, and the day‑to‑day. Think of it as a two‑way conversation. You get to evaluate whether this is where you want to begin your career, and we get to know you as a future colleague. There’s no obligation, and there’s no pressure. But if it clicks, the path from extern to full‑time doctor here is a short one.

What To Expect

• Gain broad clinical experience: Receive mentorship & supervision from experienced veterinarians
• Observe & participate: Get involved in medical and surgical procedures, the diagnostic process, and (when possible) client communication
• Genuine mentorship: You won't get lost in the shuffle. Our team invests in the students who train here
• Enhance your diagnostic skills: Practice interpreting fecal samples, blood smears, radiographic images, urinalysis, and CBC/Chemistry panels
• Fine‑tune your technical skills: Put your classroom knowledge to the test and develop your hands‑on abilities in a supportive environment

What You'll Bring to the Team

• Active enrollment in a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program at an accredited university, graduating in 2027
• Professional comportment and appearance, with excellent interpersonal skills and a positive, friendly attitude.
• A commitment to practicing the highest standard of medicine and upholding the veterinary code of ethics.
• A compassionate, team‑player attitude and a respect for clients and their pets.
• Authorization to work in the United States.

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