Although every NVA 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 NVA Compassion-First Specialty 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 NVA externships, though preference may be given to students in their final year(s) of veterinary school.