This veterinary preceptorship opportunity is specifically designed for students with an interest in aquatic and zoo animal medicine. Students spend 5-8 weeks working in the Animal Health Department and are exposed to the multi-faceted nature of veterinary practice in a large public aquarium with over 15,000 animals.

Preceptors are exposed to preventative and clinical medicine. The majority of the case load consists of reptiles, birds, fish, and amphibians. The aquarium also has a large dolphin group and some tamarins, bats, and sloths. While veterinary staff try to provide students with as much clinical practice as possible, much of the students' participation is observational, particularly with the birds and marine mammals. Hands-on experience is provided wherever possible, but will be dependent on the experience of the student and comfort level of the staff. 

An applicant for the Veterinary Preceptorship Program must be a student in good standing enrolled in an AVMA-accredited school of veterinary medicine and must have completed the first two years of basic courses. Preceptors will be selected on the basis of interest in the  field, quality of their course work in veterinary school, and the strength of their recommendations. Each student will be assigned a specific 5-8 week time block and overlap between students will be minimized. Applications are accepted all year and are considered as they arrive.