Veterinary Extern - General Practice

National Veterinary Associates; North Aurora (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 82,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Travel stipend

Living expense stipend

Job summary

Randall Orchard Crossing Animal Hospital invites veterinary students to extern at our small, two-doctor practice. You will gain hands-on clinical experience, mentored by caring veterinarians, in a supportive team environment focused on medicine and client service.

Externships range from two to eight weeks, with opportunities to observe surgeries, perform exams, and participate in case management. Travel/living stipends are available for eligible students.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled veterinary student.
• Willing to commit to externship lasting 2–8 weeks.
• Opportunity to observe and assist with surgeries under supervision.
• Exposure to general practice medicine and client care.

Responsibilities

• Obtain patient histories and perform physical examinations.
• Develop diagnostic and treatment plans with supervising veterinarians.
• Assist with dentistry procedures and oral health care.
• Observe and assist with surgical procedures when appropriate.
• Participate in medical case management and patient care.
• Communicate effectively with veterinarians, support staff, and clients.

Skills

Patient histories

Physical examinations

Diagnostic planning

Surgical observation

Client communication

Team collaboration

Education

Veterinary student

Job description

Hospital Name: Randall Orchard Crossing Animal Hospital

Job Type: Veterinary Extern

Description & Requirements

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
• 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. Click HERE to view list of stipend amounts and HERE for details on the stipend program.