Animal Clinic of Monett (ACM) Veterinary Student Externship opportunities are designed for third and fourth-year veterinary students seeking additional training and experience at a busy mixed practice veterinary clinic. Since externships and observation hours are requirements of most academic programs, undergraduate pre-vet students and first and second-year veterinary students are also welcome to apply. Due to time and space constraints, precedence is given to third and fourth-year veterinary students.
We offer a supportive environment with state-of-the-art technology and hands-on opportunities. Students who participate in ACM’s Externship program should be motivated, eager to learn, organized, punctual and have a strong work ethic. Applicants must be ready to immerse themselves in the day-to-day operation of a busy mixed practice veterinary clinic.
We currently have eight doctors on staff and seven veterinary technicians.
We are a full service, mixed animal veterinary hospital with a particular emphasis on beef and dairy cattle herd health. A few of our clinic amenities for large animals include a pull through large animal unloading facility, hydraulic tilt chute, equine stocks, multiple ultrasound units for in-clinic and on-farm use, and a power float for equine dentistry. We are also a USDA certified Equine Infectious Anemia lab.
Our small animal equipment includes in-house bloodwork equipment, digital radiography, therapy laser, gas anesthesia machines, advanced orthopedic repair equipment, and a state-of-the-art surgery suite.
Our clinic also has an extensive library.
The student schedule will be 8am-5pm, Monday-Friday, and Saturday 8am-12p. These times are approximate due to emergencies, if the student spends time assisting out at Joplin Regional Stockyards on Monday's and Wednesday's, etc. Students are welcome to directly support when they feel comfortable in a task. An outline of responsibilities is below but is not all inclusive.
1. Shadowing and Assisting:
- Shadow veterinarians during consultations, surgeries, herd checks and other medical procedures to gain practical knowledge and skills.
- Assist in patient examinations, medication administration, laboratory sample collection, diagnostic imaging, and herd health consultations.
- Observe and participate in emergency and critical care situations.
2. Communication and Client Interaction:
- Accompany veterinarians in client communication and education.
- Assist in explaining treatment plans and offering medical advice to livestock/pet owners.
- Enhance interpersonal skills by interacting with clients in a professional and empathetic manner.
3. Administrative Support:
- Contribute to maintaining accurate and up-to-date medical records for each patient/herd.
- Assist in inventory management, including ordering supplies and restocking trucks/treatment areas/exam rooms.
- Collaborate with the administrative team to ensure efficient clinic operations.
Housing is provided here at the clinic free of charge. We have a furnished apartment with private bedrooms; bed linens and pillows are included.
In the kitchen there is a full-sized refrigerator, electric stove and oven, a microwave, a toaster oven, blender, air fryer, pots, pans, plates, bowls, flatware, and cooking utensils.
In the bathroom we provide bath towels, paper towels and toilet paper.
We have laundry facilities on site.
Free WIFI.
We have a television available in the common area and a Netflix subscription.
Pet friendly.