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How much do veterinary externship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for veterinary externship in Virginia is $15.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $17.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 are popular job titles related to Veterinary Externship jobs in Virginia? For Veterinary Externship jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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What cities in Virginia are hiring for Veterinary Externship jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Veterinary Externship job openings:
Veterinary Externship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Veterinary Externship job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,623 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

DVM Student Externship/Preceptorship Program COTA Veterinary

COTA Veterinary

Richmond, VA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

DVM Student Externship/Preceptorship Program — COTA Veterinary

Richmond, VA

We're making an investment in the next generation of veterinary doctors!

As part of the professional veterinary curriculum, colleges encourage off-campus educational experiences in practices outside of the teaching hospital. Practical experience in a well-run and contemporary practice can be a valuable component of your veterinary education, preparing you to deliver better care after graduation. Our program is dedicated to contributing to your practice-readiness and to help you hit the ground running after graduation.

Our program structure:

Our externships are flexible—they can range from two to eight weeks during the year, according to your college curriculum—but are typically two or three weeks in length. Your schedule will include days, evenings and weekends.

Our externship rotations are designed to allow students, under veterinary supervision, to practice the problem-solving, technical and communication skills that they have acquired during their clinical preparation. Externs are given the opportunity to work alongside our veterinary team and are encouraged to participate in all aspects of patient care. A stipend of $250 per week will be provided.

What you'll be doing:

Externs experience the typical caseload of a small animal practice. Under the supervision of your mentor doctor you will gather histories, perform physical examinations, develop diagnostic and therapeutic plans, scrub in to surgery, assist in the management of medical cases, provide wellness care, develop your client communication skills, polish your technical skills and produce appropriate medical records (SOAPs) within the time limits of daily practice.

Who we're looking for:

Extern students are expected to be enthusiastic and effective participants in our patient care activities, upholding the professional and ethical standards of our practice. Students participating in the externship program are suggested to review the Veterinary Practice Act in regard to the scope of duties that may be performed, and to be familiar with the type and degree of veterinary supervision that is required. These should be followed carefully in order to protect both yourself and our practice.

As a veterinary student extern, we expect you to dress and behave in a professional manner and to meet the expectations that we have of all team members as outlined in our employee handbook.

Requirements:

Be enrolled in an accredited DVM program.

You are authorized to work in the United States.

You must carry professional liability insurance. AVMA PLIT liability insurance is free for all student members of the AVMA. You may apply for this coverage on their website. Please check to make sure your coverage is current and submit a certificate of coverage with your application.

About us:

As sponsors of the Veterinary Externship Program, we see ourselves to be part of your educational team, providing instruction, mentoring and evaluation of the students who participate. You will be assigned a mentor and work on the learning objectives as defined by your college program or to meet your specific goals. At the end of the externship your mentor will provide a written evaluation of your performance as required by your college program.

We look forward to working with you!

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