DVM Student Externship - Chicago

Bond Vet; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 20,664 - 27,552; Full time

Job summary

A veterinary clinic in Chicago is offering a DVM Student Externship for 3rd and 4th-year veterinary students. This program provides hands-on experience in a fast-paced environment, allowing externs to interact with clients, assist with medical procedures, and receive mentorship from experienced veterinarians. Externships last a minimum of two weeks, with a focus on developing clinical skills and gaining real-world experience in urgent and routine care.

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled in an accredited DVM program.
• Possess proof of medical insurance and required vaccinations.
• Demonstrate confidentiality in handling sensitive information.

Responsibilities

• Interact with pet parents and assist in appointments.
• Observe and assist with procedures under supervision.
• Perform physical exams and help with lab tests.

Skills

Effective communication skills

Team collaboration

Ability to work independently

Willingness to learn

Physical ability to lift up to 40 pounds

Education

Enrolled in 3rd or 4th year of an AVMA-accredited DVM Program

Job description

Bond Vet is on a mission to strengthen the human‑animal bond through better pet care. We offer primary and urgent care and we balance this design with a strong focus on technology built in-house, enabling continuous innovation in veterinary workflow and client experience.

Step out of the classroom and into real‑world veterinary medicine! BondVet’s DVM Student Externship Program gives 3rd‑ and 4th‑year veterinary students the chance to gain hands‑on experience in a fast‑paced, mentorship‑driven clinic environment.

You’ll work directly with patients, assist with procedures, observe surgeries, and engage with pet parents—all under the guidance of our experienced doctors and veterinary team. This is your opportunity to sharpen your skills, explore your clinical interests, and grow as a future veterinarian.

Program Overview

(You must be enrolled in vet school in order to apply). During your time as a DVM Student Extern at Bond Vet, you can anticipate exposure to a wide array of urgent care cases and routine wellness scenarios, and receive mentorship from our exceptional Doctors.

Activities & Responsibilities

Appointments/Client Communication

• Interact with pet parents
• Observe the development of treatment plans, estimate creation and presentation
• Review medical records and take patient history
• Perform physical exams

Treatments

• Assist the treatment team administering medications, SQ fluids, IV fluids, etc. (under direct supervision of LVT or DVM)

Procedures/Surgeries

• Place urinary catheters in male dogs (under direct supervision of LVT and/or DVM)
• Draw blood on stable animals from cephalic and saphenous veins, under supervision by a nurse
• Help in use of ultrasound to identify anatomy
• Scrub in and assist in any procedure under full supervision of the Doctor performing said procedure

Laboratory Tests

• Observe sample preparation for reference laboratory testing
• Prepare and review ear cytology samples and blood smear samples

Qualifications

• Currently be enrolled in your 3rd or 4th year of an AVMA‑accredited DVM Program
• Have an open mind, a willingness to learn, and a collaborative spirit
• Demonstrate the ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Uphold confidentiality standards for sensitive information
• Possess effective communication skills
• Be capable of lifting objects up to 40 pounds and performing physical tasks like bending, crouching, squatting, and carrying equipment
• Provide proof of medical insurance, rabies vaccine/titer, tetanus vaccine, and a recent TB test prior to starting the program

Time Commitment

• Externships are a minimum of two weeks and can extend up to three weeks based on your school requirements
• Your schedule will be created based on your school requirements and provided to you before your first day in the clinic
• Weekend hours may be required based on your school requirements and supervising Doctors schedule
• You will never be asked to work a late or early shift as all of our clinics have standard operating hours based on the region and do not offer overnight boarding