Veterinary Extern: Surgery, Exotics & Mentorship

National Veterinary Associates; Silverdale (WA); On-site; USD 1,350 - 1,650; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentorship program

Expense stipend for travel/living

AAHA accreditation

Job summary

A leading veterinary organization is seeking DVM students for externships at Ridgetop Animal Hospital in Silverdale, WA. The externship offers a unique opportunity to work closely with experienced DVMs on real cases, assist in surgeries, and develop communication skills in a fun, mentorship-driven environment. This position includes a travel/living expense stipend of $1,500 for eligible students.

Qualifications

• Must be a DVM student during clinical education phase.
• Willingness to learn and participate actively in surgeries.
• Desire to work in a collaborative team environment.

Responsibilities

• Work alongside supervising DVMs on real cases.
• Assist or observe in various surgical procedures.
• Communicate effectively with team and clients.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Ability to assist in surgeries

Team collaboration

Education

Currently enrolled in DVM program

Tools

AI scribing software

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. Click HERE to view list of stipend amounts and HERE for details on the stipend program. The stipend amount for Ridgetop Animal Hospital is $1,500.

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.

At National Veterinary Associates, we want to make sure your experience connecting with us is seamless and straightforward. 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!

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.