Veterinary Extern

About the Role

This externship is your chance to experience the reality of daily veterinary practice. You'll work closely with supervising Associate Veterinarians at Mitchell Animal Hospital, gaining practical exposure to the full scope of general practice medicine. Whether you're gathering patient histories, performing physical exams, assisting in surgery, or managing treatment plans, you'll be doing real work alongside a team committed to excellent medicine and exceptional animal care.

Most externships run between two and eight weeks, depending on your academic schedule and hospital capacity. This opportunity is designed specifically for clinical year students who are ready to put classroom knowledge into practice. Beyond the clinical skills, you'll develop your communication abilities working with the veterinary team, support staff, and clients — skills that matter just as much as your technical knowledge.

Key Responsibilities

• Gather patient histories and perform physical examinations under supervision
• Participate in creation of treatment plans and diagnostic workup
• Assist with and observe surgical procedures
• Support dentistry services
• Manage medical care of patients under veterinary direction
• Communicate with the medical team, support staff, and clients about patient care
• Learn the day-to-day operational aspects of running a veterinary practice

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in the clinical year of a veterinary medicine program
• Ability to commit two to eight weeks to the externship

Benefits

• Travel and living expense stipend for clinical year students (amount varies by location — see details on NVA's careers page)
• Hands-on mentorship from experienced Associate Veterinarians
• Real-world exposure to general practice operations and clinical medicine

About the Practice

Mitchell Animal Hospital is part of NVA Canada, a network of veterinary hospitals dedicated to supportive practice environments and excellent animal medicine. The hospital is committed to providing exceptional service to animals and the people who love them, with a focus on quality medicine delivered in a collaborative, inclusive workplace.