Veterinary Extern - General Practice

National Veterinary Associates; Harley Corners (PA); On-site; USD 14,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits program

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with employer match

Paid time off

Paid time off

Job summary

National Veterinary Associates offers externships for veterinary students at their hospitals, providing a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on clinical experience. Responsibilities include working with veterinarians on patient care, diagnostics, and surgical procedures, allowing externs to develop essential skills in a supportive environment.

The externship typically lasts between two and eight weeks and is open to all veterinary students. A travel/living expense stipend is available for eligible participants, fostering professional growth in a unique, community-focused setting.

Qualifications

• Students must be in the clinical portion of their veterinary education.
• Ability to gather patient histories and perform physical exams is essential.
• Students are expected to assist in surgical procedures.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with supervising Associate Veterinarians.
• Observe and perform diagnostics and treatment plans.
• Practice communication with the medical team and clients.

Skills

Clinical skills

Communication skills

Patient management

Education

Veterinary student

Job description

Externship Overview

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

Clinical Experience & Responsibilities

Students will work closely with the supervising Associate Veterinarians to gain experience in gathering patient histories, performing physical exams, creation of treatment plans, diagnostics, dentistry services, observing/assisting or performing surgical procedures, and medical management of patients. 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.

Externship Duration & Eligibility

Most externship experiences at Creature Comforts Veterinary Hospital range from two to eight weeks depending on student and hospital schedules. All veterinary students (regardless of class year) are encouraged to participate in NVA externships.

Veterinary students who are in the clinical portion of their education are eligible for a travel/living expense stipend. Click HERE to view list of stipend amounts and HERE for details on the stipend program.

About National Veterinary Associates

National Veterinary Associates is a leading global pet care organization united in the love of animals and the people who love them. At NVA, we’re on a mission to improve the lives of pets and the people who love them. That starts by empowering our care teams. We nurture their growth with resources to practice medicine their way. Our network of 1,000 hospitals connects them to a community of professionals who share their passion so they can learn and grow together. Our national presence enables us to deliver technology and innovations that simplify work and expand care for all. At NVA, we're committed to your professional growth. We support your entire career journey, offering opportunities ranging from mentorship to ownership.

Interaction & Application Expectations

Here’s what to 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!

Benefits

NVA offers a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, a 401(k) 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.