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Veterinary Assistant Extern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NVA

Veterinary Extern - Equine

Cave Creek, AZ · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Externship Responsibilities: Assist with treatments, participate in rounds and journal clubs ... the extern and the doctors. Prerequisites: Must be a veterinary student. Highest priority will be ...

National Veterinary Associates

This is a hands-on externship that will expose senior veterinary students to a variety of ... On weeknights and weekends, the extern is expected to assist treating hospitalized patients when ...

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How much do veterinary assistant extern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for veterinary assistant extern in the United States is $17.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a veterinary assistant extern?

A Veterinary Assistant Extern is a student or recent graduate who participates in a short-term, supervised training program at a veterinary clinic or hospital. The externship allows them to gain hands-on experience by assisting veterinarians and veterinary technicians with tasks such as animal care, preparing equipment, and maintaining clean facilities. This role is typically part of a veterinary assistant educational program and helps students apply their classroom knowledge in a real-world setting. Externs do not receive pay but benefit from valuable mentorship and professional networking opportunities.

What types of hands-on experiences can I expect during a veterinary assistant externship?

As a Veterinary Assistant Extern, you'll gain practical experience by assisting with animal exams, preparing treatment areas, restraining animals during procedures, and supporting veterinary staff with daily tasks. You may also observe surgeries, learn to administer medications, and participate in client communication under supervision. This externship is designed to give you a comprehensive view of clinic operations and help you build confidence in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a veterinary assistant extern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Veterinary Assistant Extern, you need a foundational understanding of animal care, basic clinical procedures, and relevant coursework or enrollment in a veterinary program. Familiarity with veterinary practice management software, laboratory equipment, and safety protocols is typically expected. Strong communication, attention to detail, and a compassionate approach to both animals and clients distinguish successful externs. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring animal welfare, maintaining clinic efficiency, and supporting veterinary teams in a learning environment.

What is the difference between Veterinary Assistant Extern vs Veterinary Assistant?

AspectVeterinary Assistant ExternVeterinary Assistant
CredentialsTypically requires enrollment in veterinary assisting program or related courseworkUsually requires certification or on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentExternship setting, often unpaid, in veterinary clinics or hospitalsPaid position in veterinary clinics, hospitals, or animal shelters
Employer & Industry UsageEducational experience, often part of training programsFull-time or part-time employment in veterinary practices

The main difference is that a Veterinary Assistant Extern is a student gaining practical experience during training, often unpaid, while a Veterinary Assistant is a paid professional working in veterinary settings. Both roles involve assisting with animal care, but the externship is part of an educational program, whereas the assistant role is a job position.

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Veterinary Assistant Extern jobs near you

Veterinary Extern - Equine

National Veterinary Associates

Cave Creek, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Goals of Externship: The goal of our externship is to expose to students to our varied caseload with both an in-hospital, boarded specialist component as well as an ambulatory medicine component. We also have a busy, after-hours emergency caseload that allows for more participation of the extern, especially as we develop more comfort with their knowledge base and skill set.

Externship Responsibilities: Assist with treatments, participate in rounds and journal clubs, assist with daily tasks and accompany/observe veterinarians on calls.

Other Information: We recommend at least a two-week block, but most students benefit from a three to four-week block if possible. For students interested in application for the internship program, a two-week visit is highly recommended. This allows for a working interview, for both the extern and the doctors.

Prerequisites: Must be a veterinary student. Highest priority will be given to third- and fourth-year veterinary students with an interest in pursuing an equine internship.


Living Quarters: an extern room on-site with full bathroom is available to visiting externs. Residence at the clinic during the externship is strongly encouraged to take advantage of after-hours experiences.


Estimated Workload: Externs will be expected to assist with treatments as deemed appropriate on hospitalized patients. The majority of the time will be assisting during daytime appointments either in-hospital or on an ambulatory basis.


 

 
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About NVA

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Nashville Veterinary Specialists + Animal Emergency (NVS) is a veterinary specialty and emergency hospital group with two locations in Nashville and Clarksville, Tennessee. Our Mission and primary focus is to honor the human-animal bond in all we do, focusing on patient care, client experience, and the health of our team. We believe we can never stop improving and strive to improve in all we do. Not only do we focus on patient care, but core to our hospital culture is also a focus on the health of our team, our community, and the environment. We are committed to sustainable environmental practices. NVS works in partnership with National Veterinary Associates-Compassion-First (NVA C-F). NVA-CF is the largest private owner of freestanding veterinary hospitals in North America with over 1400 locations worldwide.

Headquarters location

Agoura Hills, CA, US

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