General Job Description for Externship in Exotic Animal Medicine

Externs are typically 3rd or 4th year veterinary students that have a strong interest in the care of nontraditional pets. Externs are expected to spend a 6 week rotation at the hospital but exceptions may be made for shorter or longer stays. Externs are ancillary positions to the hospital’s veterinarians, technicians, and customer service staff. The externs will assist the doctor and technicians with a patient during the taking of a medical history, examination, diagnosis, and treatment phases. The externs will help maintain the veterinary facilities, equipment, veterinary records, and supplies. They also assist in the care of boarding animals. The externs are expected to participate fully in all aspects of patient care under the supervision of the hospital staff. The hospital is open 6 days a week with some evening hours. Externs are expected to work 40+ hrs/week.

Case studies are provided to help the student think out common scenarios seen in practice.  Some students may be able to assist in surgery but it is all depenent on the cases.  Supervised exams will be done on shelter animals. Sometimes there is off site exams.

Qualifications / Requirements

1. Currently enrolled in veterinary school as a junior or senior with prior experience in a clinical setting
2. AVMA PLIT Insurance for externs (or its equivalent for international students)
3. Preference given to students with demonstrable experience in the fields of exotic animal husbandry, medical care, or natural history
4. Work requires lifting and carrying animals and equipment up to forty (40) pounds (will be assisted by other staff members in lifting items over 40 pounds). Walks or stands for extended periods of time; frequently works in a bent position. No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch, balance and agility of movement which might interfere with ability to work. No allergies to plants or animals which might interfere with ability to work. No immunocompetence issues which might interfere with ability to work.
5. Working Conditions: May be exposed to: unpleasant odors; loud harsh noises; zoonotic and other contagious diseases; animal feces; animal urine and other bodily fluids; animal dander; potentially dangerous and unpredictable animal species; dust; potentially dangerous chemicals (including but not limited to acid fast stain, Gram stain, cytology stains, polyvinyl alcohol, ammonia, chlorine bleach, quaternary ammonium compounds, Cidex and related gluteraldehyde products, and 10% buffered formalin); potentially dangerous drugs (including, but not limited to, opioids, chloramphenicol, and occasional waste gas such as isoflurane); radiology equipment (produces x-ray radiation); potentially dangerous machinery; etc. Frequent use of protective clothing (i.e. goggles, masks, gloves, gowns) is required.

Credits & Wages 

Externs will receive credit only if their school has approved the program. The extern is responsible for coordinating any paperwork that must be completed for the school’s requirements. At this time no wages are paid to externs and no housing is provided. There are a variety of extended stay hotels in the area.