Veterinary Technician Externship
Location: Boston West Veterinary Emergency & Specialty | Natick, MA
Program: Veterinary Technician Student Externship | Specialty & Emergency Medicine
Are you a veterinary technology student ready to take what you’re learning in the classroom and apply it in a fast-paced clinical setting?
Your Veterinary Technician Externship gives students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience alongside credentialed veterinary technicians and other veterinary professionals in a high-volume specialty and emergency hospital. You’ll gain exposure to real cases, strengthen your technical skills, and see firsthand what it’s like to work as part of a collaborative, multi-department veterinary team.
About the Externship
Veterinary Technician Externs work under the supervision of a credentialed veterinary technician and participate in a structured clinical learning experience based on their current skill level, academic program requirements, hospital workflow, and patient safety.
Depending on the department and your level of training, your externship experience may include: Participating in clinical rounds and patient discussions
Assisting with patient treatments and diagnostics
Obtaining and monitoring patient vital signs
Practicing appropriate patient restraint and handling techniques
Assisting with radiographs and patient positioning
Performing or assisting with phlebotomy and other clinical procedures when appropriate
Gaining experience with laboratory and patient monitoring equipment
Assisting with surgical procedures and patient care
Practicing drug dosage and CRI calculations
Documenting patient treatments and clinical activity
Observing client interactions and learning about case management
Participating in educational or departmental meetings when available
Learning how emergency, specialty, and support teams work together within a multi-department hospital
The specific skills performed will depend on your demonstrated competency, program requirements, applicable regulations, and the level of supervision required.
Program Schedule
Externship length and department placement may vary based on your veterinary technology program requirements, interests, experience level, and hospital availability.
Externs should be prepared for the schedule of a 24/7 specialty and emergency hospital. Weekend participation may also be required.
Special scheduling requests may be considered based on the student’s program requirements, experience level, department availability, and the hospital’s ability to accommodate the request.
What We’re Looking For
Applicants must: Be actively enrolled in an AVMA-accredited Veterinary Technology Program
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU): An active MOU between the student's veterinary technology program and our organization must be in place prior to externship placement. If you're unsure whether an agreement already exists, please connect us with your Program Director so we can confirm and coordinate any necessary next steps.
Provide any required externship documentation, learning objectives, skills checklists, or evaluations from their veterinary technology program
Have liability coverage through their school or personal student liability coverage
Have reliable transportation and arrange their own lodging (if needed) for the duration of the externship
A positive, team-oriented approach and comfortability working collaboratively with veterinary technicians, assistants, doctors, and other members of the hospital team
Follow hospital safety practices, policies, procedures, and applicable clinical protocols
The self-awareness to ask questions, seek help when needed, and recognize the boundaries of your knowledge, training, and role.
A track record of dependability, punctuality, and following through on commitments.
Strong communication and listening skills when working with clients and colleagues.
The ability to adapt to changing priorities and remain effective in a busy, high-stress…