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Veterinary Intern Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Hopecentervet

Small Animal Internist

Vienna, VA · On-site

$180 - $350/hr

Hope Advanced Veterinary Center is a 24‑hour specialty and emergency practice in Vienna, VA. Our ... We also help to train and support an internal medicine intern yearly as well as two general ...

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All JobsVeterinary Intern JobsVeterinary Intern Jobs in Virginia

Veterinary Intern information

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$7

$16

$28

How much do veterinary intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for veterinary intern in Virginia is $16.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.86 and $18.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a veterinary intern?

Veterinary Interns are recent veterinary school graduates who participate in a structured, supervised training program, typically lasting one year, at a veterinary hospital or clinic. This internship allows them to gain advanced practical experience in areas such as medicine, surgery, and emergency care under the guidance of experienced veterinarians. The goal is to further develop clinical skills, deepen medical knowledge, and prepare for potential specialization or residency programs. Veterinary internships are common in both small animal and large animal practices and are often seen as a stepping stone to advanced veterinary careers.

What are some typical challenges faced by veterinary interns during their internship year?

Veterinary Interns often encounter the challenge of managing a steep learning curve while adapting to a fast-paced clinical environment. Balancing long hours, emergency cases, and overnight shifts can be demanding, particularly when transitioning from academic settings to practical, hands-on patient care. Interns are expected to quickly develop clinical judgment, communication skills, and the ability to collaborate with experienced veterinarians, technicians, and support staff. Building confidence while seeking mentorship and feedback is essential for success and professional growth in this role.

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

To thrive as a Veterinary Intern, you need a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, foundational clinical skills, and a strong understanding of animal health and diagnostics. Familiarity with veterinary practice management software, laboratory equipment, and diagnostic imaging tools is typically required. Strong communication, teamwork, and adaptability are vital soft skills for interacting with clients and collaborating with veterinary staff. These skills and qualities are essential for providing effective patient care, learning in a fast-paced environment, and laying the groundwork for a successful veterinary career.

What is the difference between Veterinary Intern vs Veterinary Technician?

AspectVeterinary InternVeterinary Technician
Required CredentialsTypically enrolled in veterinary school or recent graduateLicensed or certified veterinary technician
Work EnvironmentVeterinary clinics, hospitals, research facilitiesVeterinary clinics, hospitals, laboratories
Employer & Industry UsageVeterinary schools, hospitals, research institutionsVeterinary clinics, animal hospitals, labs
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding training roles in veterinary medicineCareer path and certification details

Veterinary interns are typically veterinary students gaining practical experience during or after their studies, while veterinary technicians are licensed professionals providing ongoing support in animal care. Interns focus on learning and observation, whereas technicians perform technical tasks and assist veterinarians regularly.

Are veterinary internships worth it?

Veterinary internships provide hands-on experience, skill development, and industry exposure that can enhance a candidate’s qualifications and job prospects. They often include mentorship, training in clinical procedures, and networking opportunities, making them valuable for those pursuing a veterinary career.

How to get a veterinary internship?

To obtain a veterinary internship, candidates typically need to have completed relevant coursework in veterinary medicine and possess basic animal handling skills. Applying through veterinary schools, animal hospitals, or research institutions, and demonstrating strong academic performance and a passion for animal care, can improve chances. Some internships may require certifications such as CPR or animal first aid.

What are the most commonly searched types of Veterinary jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Veterinary jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Veterinary Intern jobs in Virginia?

For Veterinary Intern jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Veterinary Intern jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Veterinary Intern jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Veterinary Intern jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Veterinary Intern job openings:

Veterinary Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Veterinary Intern job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 13% Internship, 67% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,805 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

Rotating Veterinary Intern

VCA Animal Hospitals

Fairfax, VA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago

VCA Animal Hospitals rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 660 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 52 rated veterinary

Job description

VCA SouthPaws Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Center currently has openings for a rotating specialty internship position for intern classes starting in June 2026, as well as opportunities for an off-cycle class of interns starting in March 2027.

We are located in Northern Virginia, just outside of Washington DC, and offer a wide variety of on-site referral specialty services along with 24-hour emergency/critical care services.

The internship program is designed to provide a broad clinical experience under the supervision of highly-skilled specialists and seasoned practitioners with a focus on emergency medicine. On-site specialty rotations include cardiology, dermatology, emergency/critical care, internal medicine, oncology, radiology, and surgery. Off-site nearby rotations include general practice, neurology, ophthalmology, and shelter medicine. Additional elective off-site rotations are often available for our interns in dentistry, holistic medicine, behavioral medicine, and zoological medicine.

You can find our most recent VIRMP ad at https://www.virmp.org/Program/Detail/18056.

Please contactVCASouthPawsInternships@gmail.comfor more detailed information about our program.

To apply, please click below to submit your CV and letter of intent.

If you are a current associate, you need to apply through our internal career site. Please log into Workday and click on the Jobs Hub app or search for Browse Jobs.

Benefits: We offer competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and paid vacation/sick days, 401(k), generous employee pet discounts and more!The information in this position description indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates assigned to this job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, change in personnel, workload, or technical development).We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans / Disabled. For a complete EEO statement please see our career page at vcacareers.com.

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