An externship experience at an NVA hospital gives students the unique opportunity to understand day-to-day operations and gain valuable hands‑on clinical experience. Every NVA hospital shares a supportive environment committed to excellent medicine and exceptional service to animals and their owners.

Students work closely with the supervising veterinarian to gather patient histories, perform physical exams, create treatment plans, conduct diagnostics, provide dentistry services, observe or assist in surgical procedures, and manage patient medical care. They also practice communication skills with the medical team, support staff, and clients.

Externship lengths range from two to eight weeks, depending on student and hospital schedules. Externships at Community Pet Hospital are designed for clinical‑year students.

Veterinary students in the clinical portion of their education are eligible for a travel/living expense stipend. The stipend amount for Communit...