Experienced support for veterinary students
Your future in veterinary medicine starts here—with hands-on learning, mentorship, and real-world support from day one. Veterinarian Partners is committed to supporting veterinary students through every stage of their education and early career. From immersive externships to NAVLE prep to long-term mentorship opportunities, we’re here to help you build the foundation for a successful, fulfilling veterinary career.
About our externship program
Our Externship Program is your gateway to a rewarding career—and often the first step toward a full-time position within our network. Designed to build your confidence and strengthen your clinical skills, this experience is immersive, supportive, and structured with your growth in mind.
You’ll get to:
Shadow experienced veterinarians and credentialed technicians
Gain hands-on experience with surgical prep, anesthesia, diagnostics, and more
Interact with clients to practice real-world communication strategies
Contribute ideas in collaborative case discussions and brainstorming sessions
Grow your professional network with mentors and peers across the industry
By the end of your externship, you won’t just be observing. You’ll be leading appointments, creating treatment plans, and understanding how a veterinary hospital operates from front to back.
Real experience, real growth, real impact.
Program benefits
Surgical Experience: Assist in surgeries and anesthesia prep, write surgical reports, and learn essential techniques with a focus on patient safety.
Appointments & Case Management: Take part in real cases, shadow appointments, and ultimately take the lead on your own cases.
Training & Development: Learn clinical skills such as venipuncture and anesthesia monitoring, as well as hospital operations and client service.
Client Communication: Develop client-facing confidence through observation, role-playing, and feedback.
Collaborative Projects: Bring your ideas to the table! You’ll contribute during brainstorming sessions and collaborate on hospital projects.
NAVLE Support: You’ll receive a complimentary lifetime subscription to Pocket Prep, a trusted online NAVLE preparation tool.
How to apply
Ready to take the next step? Here's how to get started:
Check your eligibility.
Must be an active veterinary student enrolled in an accredited program.Submit your application.
Include your resume and a cover letter highlighting your interests, goals, and what you hope to gain.Complete the interview.
Chat with us so we can learn more about your interests, expectations, and best-fit placement.Find the right placement.
We’ll work with you to find the right hospital location and schedule for your externship.
Partnering with veterinary schools
We’re proud to collaborate with veterinary schools across the country to provide valuable externship experiences and mentorship for students. These partnerships ensure our program aligns with curriculum goals while giving students real-world exposure to general practice, surgery, and client communication.
If you're part of a university looking to collaborate or expand externship opportunities, let’s talk.
From student to leader
An externship is just the beginning. Many of our externs go on to become associates, and some even grow into Medical Directors. Want to see how that journey unfolds?
Discover how Dr. Annie Biele built Maple Grove Animal Hospital from the ground up with the support of Veterinarian Partners.