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Veterinary Internship Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

NVA

Veterinary Extern - Specialty

Bowie, MD · On-site

... interns, and residents. Hands-on skills that may be practiced or observed include TPR ... All Veterinary students (regardless of class year) are encouraged to participate in Ethos ...

NVA

Veterinary Extern - Specialty

Annapolis, MD · On-site

... interns, and residents. Hands-on skills that may be practiced or observed include TPR ... All Veterinary students (regardless of class year) are encouraged to participate in an Ethos ...

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Veterinary Internship information

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$11

$19

$26

How much do veterinary internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for veterinary internship in Washington is $19.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.16 and $21.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a veterinary internship?

A veterinary internship is a one-year, structured postgraduate training program designed for recent veterinary graduates. It provides hands-on clinical experience under the supervision of experienced veterinarians, allowing interns to further develop their medical and surgical skills. Internships are often completed at veterinary hospitals, clinics, or universities and may focus on general or specialized areas of veterinary medicine. Completing an internship can improve job prospects and is often a prerequisite for residency programs in veterinary specialties.

What types of hands-on experience can I expect during a veterinary internship, and how is mentorship typically structured?

During a veterinary internship, you can expect a significant amount of hands-on experience with clinical cases, including patient exams, surgeries, diagnostics, and emergency care. Most programs pair interns with experienced veterinarians who provide close mentorship, feedback, and guidance through daily rounds, case discussions, and direct supervision. Interns often rotate through different specialties, such as surgery, internal medicine, and anesthesia, allowing a well-rounded exposure to various aspects of veterinary medicine. This structure not only builds clinical competence but also helps interns develop critical decision-making and communication skills essential for future career advancement.

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 knowledge, and practical animal care skills. Experience with diagnostic tools, laboratory equipment, and veterinary management software is typically expected. Strong communication, attention to detail, and the ability to work well under supervision are vital soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure effective patient care, support learning and professional growth, and contribute to successful collaboration within veterinary teams.

What is the difference between Veterinary Internship vs Veterinary Technician?

AspectVeterinary InternshipVeterinary Technician
Required CredentialsTypically pre-veterinary students or recent graduates; no formal certification requiredLicensed or certified; usually requires an associate degree in veterinary technology
Work EnvironmentPrimarily educational; shadowing veterinarians in clinics, hospitals, or research settingsHands-on clinical work assisting veterinarians with patient care in veterinary clinics or hospitals
Employer & Industry UsageVeterinary schools, clinics, research facilities for training purposesVeterinary clinics, hospitals, animal shelters for patient care and support

Veterinary internships are primarily educational opportunities for students aiming to become veterinarians, focusing on observation and learning. Veterinary technicians are trained professionals providing direct patient care. While internships are temporary and educational, veterinary technicians are employed staff with certification, performing essential clinical tasks.

Are veterinary internships worth it?

Veterinary internships provide hands-on experience, skill development, and industry exposure that can enhance a candidate’s resume and improve job prospects. They often include mentorship and training in clinical procedures, making them valuable for those pursuing a veterinary career. However, the value depends on the internship's quality and how well it aligns with career goals.

Do you get paid for veterinary internships?

Veterinary internships are often unpaid or offer a stipend, as they are primarily educational experiences designed to provide hands-on training. Some programs may offer compensation or academic credit, but payment is not guaranteed and varies by organization and location.

How do veterinary internships work?

Veterinary internships are structured programs that provide hands-on experience in veterinary clinics or hospitals, often lasting several months. Interns work under supervision, assisting with patient care, gaining practical skills, and sometimes completing specific training or certifications as part of their educational development.

How to get a veterinary internship?

To obtain a veterinary internship, applicants typically need to have completed relevant coursework in animal science or veterinary medicine and demonstrate a strong interest in animal care. Applying through veterinary schools, animal hospitals, or research institutions, and preparing a resume highlighting relevant experience and skills, can improve chances. Some internships may require background checks or certifications such as animal handling or safety training.

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

The most popular types of Veterinary jobs in Washington are:

What are popular job titles related to Veterinary Internship jobs in Washington?

For Veterinary Internship jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Veterinary Internship jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Veterinary Internship jobs in Washington are:

Veterinary Internship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Veterinary Internship job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, 69% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,614 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

Veterinary Extern - Specialty

National Veterinary Associates

Bowie, MD • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Although every Ethos hospital is unique, we all have some things in common: an environment that is supportive, committed to excellent medicine, and provides exceptional service to animals and the people who love them. 

An externship experience at an Ethos Veterinary Health hospital gives students real-life clinical experience in a single or multi-specialty hospital, and the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills while working alongside experienced clinicians, board-certified specialists, current interns, and residents. Hands-on skills that may be practiced or observed include TPR's, examinations, anesthesia, surgical procedures, catheterization, ultrasound, and other diagnostic procedures as they are available.  

Most externship experiences at Dogs and Cats Emergency & Specialty range from two to eight weeks depending on student and hospital schedules. All Veterinary students (regardless of class year) are encouraged to participate in Ethos externships, though preference may be given to students in their final year(s) of veterinary school. 


 



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About NVA

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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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