Veterinary Extern - General Practice

Abqpetcarehospital; Aurora Township (IL); On-site; USD 11,000 - 17,000; Full time

Job summary

Randall Orchard Crossing Animal Hospital invites veterinary students to extern at our small, two-doctor practice. You will join a supportive team focused on compassionate care and exceptional medicine, with mentors guiding your clinical growth.

Externs engage in history taking, exams, diagnostics, dentistry, and observing or assisting during surgeries, with strong emphasis on client communication and case management.

Qualifications

• Externship requires veterinary student status; clinical rotations encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Obtaining patient histories and performing physical examinations
• Developing diagnostic and treatment plans
• Interpreting diagnostic results
• Dentistry procedures and oral health care
• Observing and assisting with surgical procedures when appropriate
• Medical case management and patient care
• Communicating effectively with veterinarians, support staff, and clients

Job description

Randall Orchard Crossing Animal Hospital invites you to extern at our small, two-doctor veterinary practice where compassionate care, exceptional medicine, and a supportive team culture come together. We proudly consider ourselves the 'land of misfit toys,' welcoming team members from all backgrounds who share a passion for veterinary medicine and client care.

Our doctors are highly involved in both patient care and mentoring. One veterinarian has a special interest in exotic animal medicine, while the other is accredited to perform international health certificates. Together, they are committed to providing hands‑on learning opportunities and personalized guidance for future veterinarians.

An externship at our hospital provides veterinary students with the unique opportunity to experience the day‑to‑day operations of a general practice hospital while gaining valuable clinical experience in a supportive learning environment. Like all NVA hospitals, we are committed to excellent medicine, exceptional client service, and the well‑being of the animals entrusted to our care.

During the externship, students will work closely with the supervising veterinarians and medical team to gain experience in:

• Obtaining patient histories and performing physical examinations
• Developing diagnostic and treatment plans
• Interpreting diagnostic results
• Dentistry procedures and oral health care
• Observing, assisting with, and when appropriate, performing surgical procedures
• Medical case management and patient care
• Communicating effectively with veterinarians, support staff, and clients

Our hands‑on approach allows students to actively participate in cases while learning from experienced mentors who are passionate about teaching and helping future veterinarians grow.

Externships typically range from two to eight weeks, depending on hospital and student schedules. All veterinary students, regardless of class year, are encouraged to apply.

If you're looking for a welcoming hospital where you can expand your clinical skills, explore diverse areas of veterinary medicine, and become part of a truly unique team, we'd love to meet you.

Veterinary students who are in the clinical portion of their education are eligible for a travel/living expense stipend.

National Veterinary Associates (NVA) is a leading North American pet health care company with nearly 1,300 locations spanning general practice veterinary hospitals, Ethos emergency and specialty hospitals, and pet resorts and equine veterinary care. With approximately 40,000 team members, we care for pets and support pet families in communities across the United States and Canada. Our purpose is to give pets and the people who love them more quality years together, and our mission is to make care more personal, easy and accessible while advancing medicine and care across every stage of life. Across NVA, we support our teams with the resources, expertise and opportunities they need to deliver exceptional care and help shape the future of veterinary and pet care.

Purpose

Give pets and the people who love them more quality years together

Mission

Transform the pet family experience to be personal, easy and accessible, while advancing medicine and care across every stage of life.

Values

Care Deeply, Do What's Right, One Team, Own It, Shape What's Next

One NVA: Bringing General Practice & Ethos Together

NVA is built to make care personal, easy and accessible, while advancing medicine across every stage of a pet's life.

At National Veterinary Associates, we want to make sure your experience connecting with us is seamless and straightforward. Here's what we expect when interacting with us:

• We'll always reach out via verified LinkedIn profiles or emails ending in @nva.com
• We may also contact you via text message from an identified NVA representative for recruiting‑related communication
• All job opportunities and applications are hosted on our official careers site: careers.nva.com
• There is no cost or confidential information required to apply or be considered for a position
• If you have any doubts about a communication, feel free to visit our careers page to verify authenticity or email us at [e-mail]. Thank you for exploring opportunities at NVA!

NVA offers a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, a 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.