Under veterinary supervision, Veterinary Technician students will provide medical care to aid in the initial stabilization of injuries and provide short- to long-term care for injured turtles admitted to OTCC, with the goal of rehabilitating each turtle and releasing them back into the wild. This includes injections, bandaging, health / trauma assessments, drug calculations, nursing/monitoring sick patients, post mortems, microchipping releasable turtles. The applicant may also work directly with the public through turtle admissions and phone calls, as well as perform other tasks as assigned including helping to move into our new medical facility.

Blue Ridge Wildlife Center is a full-service wildlife-exclusive teaching hospital. As soon as a wild animal is admitted, our veterinary team performs an intake exam and provides emergency care as needed before creating that patient’s treatment plan.  We perform diagnostics, such as blood work and radiographs, on-site and perform over 130 surgeries per year in our fully-equipped surgical suite. These surgeries are diverse in terms of injuries and species treated, but the bulk of our procedures are fracture and laceration repairs.  Our veterinary team works side by side with our rehabilitation team to perform necessary anesthetic procedures such as physical therapy and bandage changes as well as rechecks on specific patients.

General small animal practice offering preventative medicine and surgery. 

Our externs will experience the typical caseload of a well-run, multi-doctor private practice. Under the supervision of a veterinarian, externs will provide wellness care, gather patient histories, perform physical examinations, develop diagnostic and therapeutic plans, assist in the management of medical cases, scrub into surgery, develop client communication skills, and generate appropriate medical records. Hospital Average Daily Caseload is 90 patients per day.

Learning Objectives

1. Mastering Key Clinical Techniques: 

• Laboratory Diagnostics: We will provide you with hands-on training in essential laboratory procedures, including bloodwork analysis, fecal examinations, and cytology. You will learn proper sample collection, preparation, and interpretation of results. 
• Physical Examination: You will observe and participate in thorough physical examinations across small animals (primarily dogs and cats), honing your palpation, auscultation, and other examination skills. We will emphasize the importance of technique and observation, enabling you to identify subtle clinical signs and assess overall patient health.  
• Casework and Diagnostics: This is where theory meets practice. You will shadow the Externship Supervisor or other practice veterinarians during consultations, actively participating in case discussions and diagnostic plan formulation. We will explore differential diagnoses, interpret radiographs and other imaging modalities, and discuss evidence-based treatment options. This experience will equip you with critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for clinical decision-making. 

2. Building a Solid Knowledge Base: 

• Anatomy Review: We will review key anatomical structures relevant to clinical practice. Using clinical cases as teaching tools. 
• Zoonotic Disease Awareness: Recognizing and preventing zoonotic diseases is crucial for veterinary professionals. We will discuss common zoonotic pathogens, transmission routes, and preventive measures, ensuring you practice safe handling techniques and client education regarding responsible pet ownership. 

3. Fostering Professional Development: 

• Communication Skills: You will have ample opportunities to refine your communication skills by interacting with clients, presenting patient findings, and discussing treatment recommendations. We will provide constructive feedback and guidance to help you develop clear, concise, and empathetic communication with both clients and colleagues. 
• Professional Responsibility: We will discuss ethical considerations in veterinary medicine, emphasizing patient welfare, informed consent, and responsible antibiotic use. You will learn the importance of professional integrity and ethical decision-making throughout your career. 

4. Continuous Learning and Evaluation: 

• Regular Feedback: We will provide regular feedback on your performance throughout the externship, ensuring you understand your strengths and areas for improvement. We will set clear goals and expectations, helping you track your progress and optimize your learning experience. 
• Self-Directed Learning: We encourage you to take the initiative and actively seek out additional learning opportunities during your externship. Continuous learning is crucial for success in the ever-evolving field of veterinary medicine.