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Veterinary Externship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SC AQUARIUM

Veterinary Externship

Charleston, SC · On-site

$14 - $16.75/hr

South Carolina Aquarium - Veterinary Externship Program The South Carolina Aquarium is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization and proud accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, driven ...

AmeriVet

Veterinary Externship

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$19 - $25.25/hr

Our externship program is designed to give veterinary students meaningful, hands-on experience while fostering confidence, skill development, and professional growth. Whether you're assisting in ...

Amerivet

Veterinary Externship

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$19 - $25.25/hr

Our externship program is designed to give veterinary students meaningful, hands-on experience while fostering confidence, skill development, and professional growth. Whether you're assisting in ...

National Veterinary Associates

South Shore Equine Clinic - Externship Program Are you a passionate equine veterinary student or veterinary technician eager to gain hands-on experience in the field? Look no further! South Shore ...

Heart + Paw

Veterinary Student Externship

Berwyn, IL · On-site

Veterinary Student Externship Program - Hands-On Clinical Experience Duration :1-3 weeks Application Deadline : Year Around Kickstart Your Veterinary Career with Practical Experience Are you a ...

NVA

Veterinary Externship - Equine

Plympton, MA · On-site

South Shore Equine Clinic - Externship Program Are you a passionate equine veterinary student or veterinary technician eager to gain hands-on experience in the field? Look no further! South Shore ...

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How much do veterinary externship jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for veterinary externship in the United States is $15.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a veterinary externship?

A Veterinary Externship is a short-term, hands-on training experience for veterinary students to gain practical clinical skills under the supervision of licensed veterinarians. Externs observe and assist with medical procedures, diagnostics, and patient care in a real-world setting. These opportunities help students apply their academic knowledge, develop technical competencies, and explore different practice areas. Externships may take place in private clinics, specialty hospitals, research facilities, or shelters. They are typically unpaid and vary in length, often lasting from a few weeks to a few months.

What responsibilities can I expect during a veterinary externship?

During a Veterinary Externship, you can expect to assist with a variety of tasks such as animal exams, administering medications, collecting samples, and observing or participating in surgeries under supervision. Externs are often involved in patient care, client communications, and medical record-keeping, gaining exposure to both routine check-ups and emergency cases. While responsibilities may vary by clinic or hospital, the externship is designed to provide practical experience and mentorship that closely mirrors the day-to-day work of a practicing veterinarian. This hands-on learning environment helps externs build confidence, expand clinical knowledge, and develop professional relationships essential for future career growth.

What skills and qualifications are needed for a veterinary externship?

To thrive in a Veterinary Externship, you need a solid foundation in animal anatomy, clinical procedures, and veterinary medicine, often as an advanced veterinary student. Familiarity with diagnostic tools, laboratory equipment, and veterinary management software is beneficial. Strong observational skills, effective communication, and the ability to work well in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment are essential soft skills. These competencies are crucial for delivering quality animal care, learning efficiently, and collaborating with veterinary professionals in clinical settings.

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Veterinary Externship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Veterinary Externship job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,905 per year, or $15.8 per hour.

Veterinary Externship

Charleston, SC • On-site

SC AQUARIUM
See more jobs at SC AQUARIUMexternal

$14 - $16.75/hr

Temporary

Posted 13 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Assist the Veterinary Department in providing health care to the aquarium's animal collection, including aquatic and terrestrial animals.

  • Participate in case rounds, physical examinations, history taking, record keeping, diagnostic application, surgery, anesthesia, and necropsy activities.

  • Complete a brief research project or literature review on a topic of their choosing to share with the veterinary staff.

Job description

 

South Carolina Aquarium - Veterinary Externship Program

The South Carolina Aquarium is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization and proud accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, driven by a mission to inspire conservation of the natural world by exhibiting and caring for animals, by excelling in education and research and by providing an exceptional visitor experience. Join us in Charleston, SC - one of the top US travel destinations (Travel+Leisure, 2025) – while gaining experience in the field of aquatic medicine. 

At the South Carolina Aquarium, we are deeply committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming workplace that celebrates diversity in all forms. Our team thrives on the strength of varied backgrounds and perspectives, united by a shared passion for conservation. We welcome individuals from all walks of life and encourage all to apply.


Externship Description:

The South Carolina Aquarium invites veterinary students entering or currently in their clinical year (third or fourth year) to apply for a 3- to 4-week externship. This application cycle is for externships taking place between March 1, 2028 and August 31, 2028. As an institution dedicated to conservation and education, the South Carolina Aquarium offers a unique opportunity to engage with local South Carolina wildlife.

The veterinary externship at South Carolina Aquarium will provide third and fourth-year veterinary students the opportunity to gain experience in aquatic animal medicine. During the externship, students will assist the Veterinary Department in providing health care to the South Carolina Aquarium's animal collection, including aquatic and terrestrial turtles, snakes, amphibians, teleosts, elasmobranchs, seabirds, raptors, aquatic invertebrates, and mammals. During the externship period, students will have the opportunity to assist or participate in case rounds, physical examinations, history taking, record keeping, diagnostic application, surgery, anesthesia, and necropsy in an aquarium/zoologic setting. Students will also be encouraged to review scientific literature and problem solve while reviewing individual cases. Students will have the opportunity to be on-call with the veterinary staff during the weekends of their externship period. Students may also have the opportunity to assist the veterinary staff and the Sea Turtle Care Center staff in managing the health and husbandry of sea turtle patients admitted to the South Carolina Aquarium Sea Turtle Care Center, with a primary focus on Green, Kemp’s Ridley, and Loggerhead sea turtles. Externs will be responsible for completing a brief research project or literature review on a topic of their choosing to share with the veterinary staff. 

The veterinary externship is a non-paid position, and students are responsible for arranging their own housing and transportation. 

 

Application:

  • Resume/Curriculum Vitae 
  • Letter of Intent
    • Please include your interest in aquatic and zoological medicine, your career objectives, and how this externship will help you progress toward your future goals
  • Two Letters of Reference 
    • Letters should be from veterinarians familiar with your clinical experience


In your application, please include your expected graduation date as well as two to three preferred 3- to 4-week blocks of availability for the externship. Applications are due by November 16, 2026 for placements occurring in 2028. Students will be notified of acceptance by the end of January 2027. Once selected, program dates will be offered based on the student’s requested timeframes and the aquarium’s availability.