Veterinary Extern - General Practice

About the Role

This externship offers veterinary students the chance to experience real-world practice operations at Family Pet Hospital, an NVA location committed to excellent medicine and exceptional animal care. You'll work directly with Associate Veterinarians, developing core clinical skills while supporting a collaborative team environment.

Over two to eight weeks, you'll gain hands-on experience gathering patient histories, performing physical exams, developing treatment plans, assisting with diagnostics and dentistry, and observing or participating in surgical procedures. Beyond clinical work, you'll sharpen your communication skills with the medical team, support staff, and pet owners—skills that matter just as much as technical expertise.

Veterinary students in their clinical phase are eligible for a travel and living expense stipend to support your externship participation.

Key Responsibilities

• Gather patient histories and perform physical examinations under veterinarian supervision
• Contribute to the creation of treatment plans
• Assist with diagnostic procedures, dental services, and surgical cases
• Provide medical management support for patients
• Communicate effectively with the veterinary team, support staff, and clients
• Observe and learn best practices in general practice operations

Requirements

• Enrolled as a veterinary student (all class years welcome)
• Students in the clinical portion of their education eligible for travel/living expense stipend

Benefits

• Travel and living expense stipend (for students in clinical phase)
• Hands-on clinical mentorship from experienced Associate Veterinarians
• Exposure to comprehensive general practice caseload
• Supportive learning environment focused on professional development

About the Practice

Family Pet Hospital is part of NVA Canada, a network of veterinary hospitals united by a commitment to supportive environments, evidence-based medicine, and compassionate animal care. Each NVA location maintains its own unique character while sharing core values of clinical excellence and exceptional service to patients and their families.

Located in Lethbridge, Alberta, the practice welcomes veterinary students for structured externships designed to bridge academic training with real-world practice experience.