Veterinary Extern - General Practice

Star Valley Veterinary Clinic; Silverdale (WA); On-site; USD 15,000 - 18,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

AAHA accreditation

Externship stipend

Mentorship

Job summary

Ridgetop Animal Hospital in Silverdale, WA is offering an externship for veterinary students to gain hands-on experience. You'll work with supervising DVMs on real cases and observe or assist surgeries, gaining exposure to soft tissue and orthopedic procedures.

The program emphasizes mentorship, teamwork, and client communication, with AAHA accreditation and community involvement. DVM students in clinical portions may receive a travel/living stipend of $1,500.

Qualifications

• DVM students in the clinical portion are eligible for externships.
• Externships range from two to eight weeks depending on schedules.
• A travel/living expense stipend of $1,500 is offered.

Responsibilities

• Work side-by-side with supervising DVMs on real cases.
• Assist or observe advanced soft tissue and orthopedic surgeries.
• Sharpen your communication skills with our team and clients.

Job description

Hands-on learning. Supportive mentors. Scenic views.

Ridgetop Animal Hospital is a thriving AAHA-accredited hospital where you won’t just watch from the sidelines — you’ll be part of the action. Our 6 DVMs, 3 Licensed Veterinary Technicians, and 2 almost-LVTs (taking the VTNE in early 2026) are ready to share their expertise and welcome you into our collaborative, high-energy team.

What You’ll Do:

• Work side-by-side with supervising DVMs on real cases
• Assist or observe advanced soft tissue and orthopedic surgeries (TPLO, CBLO, fracture repair, FHOs, amputations, and more)
• Sharpen your communication skills with our team and clients

What Makes Us Different:

• Fully integrated learning: You’ll be treated as a valued contributor, not 'just' an observer.
• Surgical variety: Complex cases and high-volume dentistry (minimum two procedures daily).
• Exotics & backyard poultry: Expand your patient portfolio beyond dogs and cats.
• Mentorship culture: Our Managing DVM has onboarded 4 new grads in the last 5 years, and our tenured LVTs excel at teaching.
• Team spirit: We love what we do - and have fun while doing it!

Tools & Tech:

• In-house radiology with radiologist review
• Traveling ultrasonographer & cardiologist
• Fluid warmers, orthopedic surgical equipment
• AI scribing software, online pharmacy, PetPage app
• Nestled in Silverdale, WA on the Kitsap Peninsula - suburban charm with breathtaking Olympic Mountain views
• Close to local ER and specialty hospitals (ophthalmology, rehabilitation)

Bonus Points:

We’ve been AAHA-accredited since 2010, partner with the Kitsap Humane Society, and stay active in our community through fundraisers and outreach.

Ready to grow your skills in a welcoming, high-paced, and fun environment?

Come join us — where learning is constant, mentorship is genuine, and your externship is anything but ordinary.

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

DVM students who are in the clinical portion of their education are eligible for a travel/living expense stipend. The stipend amount for Ridgetop Animal Hospital is $1,500.