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Veterinary Internship Jobs in Columbus, OH (NOW HIRING)

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Veterinary Internship information

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$9

$16

$23

How much do veterinary internship jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for veterinary internship in Columbus, OH is $16.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $18.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Veterinary jobs in Columbus, OH? The most popular types of Veterinary jobs in Columbus, OH are:
What are popular job titles related to Veterinary Internship jobs in Columbus, OH? For Veterinary Internship jobs in Columbus, OH, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Veterinary Internship jobs in Columbus, OH look for? The top searched job categories for Veterinary Internship jobs in Columbus, OH are:
Veterinary Internship jobs near you

Elephant Internship (2026)

Columbus Zoo Family of Parks

Powell, OH • On-site

Internship

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Overview
This internship offers an opportunity to learn about the general husbandry and care of animals within the Elephant area. Interns will actively assist with daily operations and gain exposure to professional zoo practices.
Responsibilities
Interns will work alongside full-time keeper staff and may assist with:
  • Preparing animal diets
  • Cleaning and maintaining animal enclosures and exhibits
  • Observing animal behavior and documenting findings
  • Learning basic training concepts through observation
  • Maintaining area grounds and buildings
  • Adhering to all safety guidelines and protocols
  • Interacting with guests and supporting educational programs
  • Performing other duties as assigned

Interns will also complete structured learning components, including quizzes, projects, and a final reflection paper.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the internship, participants will:
  • Understand the fundamentals of elephant husbandry and zoo operations
  • Gain experience in daily care routines for large mammals
  • Learn about animal behavior observation and documentation techniques
  • Develop knowledge of safety protocols and professional standards in animal care
  • Enhance communication and teamwork skills in a zoological setting

Benefits of This Internship
  • Hands-on experience in a professional zoo environment
  • Exposure to career paths in animal care, conservation, and wildlife management
  • Networking opportunities with experienced animal care professionals
  • Development of practical skills that support future employment or advanced studies

Qualifications
  • Second-year college student or recent graduate (within 2 years) in Zoology, Biology, Wildlife Management, Animal Science, Veterinary Medicine, or related field
  • 3.0 GPA or higher preferred
  • TB test required
  • Prior animal care experience preferred
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to manage multiple assignments
  • Professional appearance and courteous behavior
  • Flexible schedule including weekends, evenings, and holidays (e.g., July 4th, Memorial Day, Columbus Day)
  • Subject to BMV and criminal background checks

Physical & Environmental Requirements
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
  • Comfortable working outdoors in varied weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, snow)
  • Ability to walk, bend, and stand for extended periods

Hours: Minimum of 20 hours a week for 12 to 16 weeks
The RISE Scholarship, generously funded by Battelle, is now open! Eligible interns can apply for a $5,000 scholarship supporting hands-on, mission-driven internship experiences across the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and The Wilds-applications are open May 1- June 30, 2026.
To Apply to the RISE Scholarship, please visit: https://www.columbuszoo.org/rise-scholarships

Apply