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Veterinary Internship Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

... Veterinary Referral Center - Waukesha At Wisconsin Veterinary Referral Center (WVRC), you'll do ... You'll work alongside a large emergency team, rotating interns, dedicated technicians, and client ...

Mentor interns, residents, clinicians, and team members on diagnostic imaging interpretation and utilization. * Work closely with veterinarians, technicians, and support teams to provide seamless ...

Externs are invited to apply for a year-long internship program upon graduation from veterinary school. On-Site housing is provided and allows students to be involved in cases throughout the duration ...

... Veterinary Referral Center (WVRC) At Wisconsin Veterinary Referral Center (WVRC), you'll do more ... WVRC also supports active internship programs, emergency doctor development, and surgical training ...

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Veterinary Internship information

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$17

$24

How much do veterinary internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for veterinary internship in Wisconsin is $17.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.29 and $19.18 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 Wisconsin?

The most popular types of Veterinary jobs in Wisconsin are:

Infographic showing various Veterinary Internship job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, 69% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,195 per year, or $17.4 per hour.

Veterinary Extern - Specialty & Emergency

National Veterinary Associates

Waukesha, WI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


National Veterinary Associates rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 281 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 52 rated veterinary


Job description

About the Program
Externships are available to veterinary students in any year of school.  Scheduling priority will be given to clinical year students.  Student externs gain broad experience working in the emergency department of a busy emergency/referral setting. Full externships or partial time with specialty departments can also be arranged, with schedules more subject to change in solo DVM departments.

Externs shadow  emergency and critical care staff veterinarians, veterinary interns and veterinary technicians. Externs are expected to be interactive with the staff, attend case rounds when available, perform physical exams and discuss cases (including differential lists and treatment plans), and actively contribute to the general workload as appropriate. Hands on experiences are an important part of veterinary student education and will be dependent on the individual student, caseload and supervising veterinarians.

Program Location

We currently offer opportunities at our Waukesha location in Wisconsin.

https://www.wvrcwi.com/locations/waukesha


Program Schedule
Veterinary student externships are generally a 2-week block, although 1-4 week blocks are also an option.

Externs generally work 8-10 hr shifts, with evenings and weekends being busiest caseload opportunity times for ER. Daytime shifts may also be scheduled to accommodate more than one extern in the same time period or for specialty departments. Overnight shifts are not expected but can be arranged, if desired. 

About You

  • Applicants must be students of accredited domestic or international veterinary schools, pursuing a DVM, VMD or foreign equivalent.  First, second and third-year veterinary students who are interested in emergency/critical care and/or our training programs, are encouraged to apply.
  • Students are required to have liability coverage either through their veterinary school or personal coverage through the AVMA's student liability coverage program.  AVMA insurance is free to all SAVMA members.  Please follow this link:http://www.avmaplit.com/products/student-liability/
  • Externs must provide their own housing and transportation.

Externship Availability
We currently offer externships at our Waukesha location except during new intern orientation mid June though July.

If interested, it may be possible to schedule either intermittent days or a block with a specialty department. Options include Anesthesia, Critical Care, Cardiology, Internal Medicine, Rehab and Integrative Services, Neurology, Oncology, Ophthalmology, and Surgery.

Application information
Once we've received your application, you will receive an email confirmation.  If your application contains all the necessary information, please allow 2 weeks for us to schedule and confirm your externship. 

If you have any questions not answered by this page, please contact Dr. Kari Severson, Medical Director, at kseverson@ethosvet.com.


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About National Veterinary Associates

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

National Veterinary Associates, based in Agoura Hills, CA, US, is a leading provider in the veterinary healthcare industry. Established in 1996, it operates independently owned veterinary practices across the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. With a passion for pet health, National Veterinary Associates supports over 1000 veterinary hospitals and pet resort entities. Though their website, nva.com, doesn't explicitly describe their mission, it is evident that their aim is to empower veterinarians with the resources they need to provide high-quality, compassionate pet care services. They have made remarkable strides in advancing veterinary medicine, which is a testament to their industry influence and commitment.

Industry

Veterinary services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Agoura Hills, CA, US

Year founded

1996