Veterinary Student Externship

Take your learning to the next level with real-world practice exposure. Observe and assist with client communications and out-patient care. Gain hands-on surgical experience (as appropriate). Perform fine needle aspirates & interpret cytology. Review bloodwork and preanesthetic values. Learn business management and leadership skills, and so much more!

PetWow offers both a 2-week Externship Program (open to veterinary students from all universities), and a 4-week Externship Program (primarily designed for Lincoln Memorial University students). See "Program Progression" outlines below for both Programs.

Visit to explore full details about PetWow's Student Externship Programs, as well as all of the other student programs and career offerings at PetWow.

Requirements

• Must be actively enrolled in a program in pursuit of a degree as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.

Benefits

• General Externship Program Benefits
• Generous Housing Stipend
• PetWow's Externship Programs include a generous housing stipend so that, if needed, the extern can cover the costs of an Airbnb or other temporary housing during the Externship. Any housing stipend monies unused can be kept by the extern!
• Generous Meal Stipend
• PetWow's Externship Programs also includes a generous meal stipend to assist with meal costs during the Externship. Again, any meal stipend monies unused can be kept by the extern!
• Structured Program
• PetWow's Externship Programs are carefully developed programs, designed to provide veterinary students with real-world experience in all aspects of veterinary medicine.
• 2-Week Externship Program Progression
• PHASE I - Client Communication & Clinical Skills
• Kick off your externship with immersive, guided training in both client communication and essential clinical skills. From patient handling and anesthesia protocols to radiology, surgery support, and preventive care, this phase builds the foundation for confident, real-world veterinary practice.
• PHASE II - Surgical Skills & Introduction to Business Management-Leadership
• Build on your skills with real-world surgical exposure and clinical practice while also exploring the business side of veterinary medicine. From assisting in surgery and diagnostics to leadership training and career planning, this phase prepares you for success both in practice and beyond.
• PROGRAM WRAP-UP - Program Feedback & Review
• A closing lunch with PetWow’s Career Partner gathers program feedback and provides personalized guidance for your next steps.
• 4-Week Externship Program Progression
• PHASE I - Orientation & Team Introductions
• Start with full orientation, team introductions, and a building tour before diving into observational shadowing. This first phase emphasizes communication, patient advocacy, and diagnostic skills while working through common clinical cases alongside experienced educators.
• PHASE II - Client Communication & Clinical Skills Focus
• Build confidence in core clinical skills while training alongside technicians and DVMs. From venipuncture and anesthesia protocols to surgical exposure and diagnostic testing, this phase provides hands-on experience that bridges classroom learning with real-world practice.
• PHASE III - Surgical Skills Focus
• Advance your surgical skills with guided hands-on practice, progressing to more complex procedures as your comfort level allows. Depending on the case, you’ll either assist directly or gain valuable insights through observation.
• PHASE IV - Phases I, II & III Review Plus Introduction to Business Management-Leadership
• This phase combines practice and review of all Phases 1-3. This phase also includes the opportunity to attend a leadership meeting and a short meeting with the CEO to discuss business fundamentals and contract negotiation. Students will gain both medical proficiency, business insight, and career guidance to prepare for their next steps.
• PROGRAM WRAP-UP - Program Feedback & Review
• A closing lunch with PetWow’s Career Partner gathers program feedback and provides personalized guidance for your future goals.