DVM Mission Launch: Externship + New Grad Opportunity

Mission Pet Health; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Externship stipend

Path to full-time role

Job summary

River City Veterinary Hospital in Richmond, VA is offering an externship track for DVM students graduating in 2027. This paid externship includes a $1,000/week stipend and a clear path toward a full‑time doctor role for qualified candidates.

You will gain hands‑on clinical experience, mentorship from experienced veterinarians, and exposure to a broad caseload while maintaining a team‑oriented, compassionate practice focused on high‑quality patient care and client communication.

Qualifications

• Active enrollment in a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program, graduating in 2027.
• Authorization to work in the United States.
• Professional comportment and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Gain hands-on clinical experience under supervision.
• Observe and participate in medical and surgical procedures and diagnostic processes.
• Develop diagnostic and clinical skills in a supportive environment.

Skills

Mentorship

Observation

Teamwork

Education

Active enrollment in a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program

Job description

River City Veterinary Hospital, proudly serving the Richmond area since 2014, is rooted in providing a collaborative, compassionate, and pro‑active healthcare experience for every patient. The community trust is evident—we hold an exceptional 4.9‑star Google rating and have consistently been recognized as a top provider, earning Richmond Magazine’s Best Veterinary Hospital since 2019, Style Weekly’s Best Animal Hospital since 2016, and Virginia Living Magazine’s Best of Virginia since 2019. If you are seeking a practice where your medical dedication is recognized by both your teammates and the local pet owners you serve, this is where you can truly do your best work. As a future teammate at River City Veterinary Hospital, you will be joining a team recognized for its deep dedication to medicine and client empathy. The leadership here believes that easing the minds of concerned pet parents, especially in urgent situations, is as vital as the diagnosis itself. This commitment creates an environment built for professional growth. Though we maintain a local, personalized feel, joining us means you have access to broader programs designed to help all teammates achieve their career goals, whether you are pursuing credentialing as an LVT or moving toward a leadership role within the organization. We are focused on helping you succeed professionally. We focus intently on comprehensive veterinary services, including animal rescue initiatives and emergency medical topics, ensuring we handle the full spectrum of complex cases. We understand the urgency needed when a pet is not feeling well, providing both diagnosis and crucial emotional support. To streamline client communication and improve workflow efficiency, we utilize modern digital tools like PetPage by AllyDVM, allowing for seamless communication, appointment requests, and prescription refills, even outside of our regular office hours (M‑F 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM, Saturday 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM). You will be fully supported by a dedicated team that prioritizes delivering pro‑active healthcare. Richmond, VA, known as River City, is a dynamic community offering rich history combined with modern vibrancy. Located conveniently on West Broad Street, our facility places you in the heart of a city renowned for its arts, diverse food scene, and extensive park systems bordering the James River. This location provides you with the perfect backdrop for a balanced life, allowing you to easily connect with the community you serve and enjoy ample opportunities for recreation and relaxation outside of the practice.

DVM Mission Launch: Externship + New Graduate Opportunity

$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.