Description & Requirements

At River Forest Animal Hospital, we focus on the whole person! We value learning and practicing good medicine while building true relationships with coworkers and clients. We want everyone to feel like their ideas matter and no opinion or idea is too small or unimportant. We strive for our clinic to be a place where everyone wants to stay for the long run. We encourage all to challenge themselves in a way that leads to fulfillment while also managing the critical work/life balance. With everything from surgery to ultrasound and dentistry to laser therapy, students can learn a bit of everything or pick an area to focus on that they love or want to improve in. We will make sure you have fun (and snacks!) while you do it!

Students will work closely with the supervising veterinarian to gain experience in gathering patient histories, performing physical exams, creation of treatment plans, diagnostics, dentistry services, observing/assisting or performing surgical procedures, and medical management of patients. In addition to practicing their clinical skills, student externs will have the opportunity to practice their communication skills with the medical team, support staff, and clients.

Most externship experiences 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.

Veterinary students who are in the clinical portion of their education are eligible for a travel/living expense stipend. Click HERE to view list of stipend amounts and HERE for details on the stipend program.