Veterinary Externships & Summer Apprenticeships

We offer a wide variety of hands-on externship and summer apprenticeship opportunities across our General Practice, Feline Specialty, and Emergency hospitals.

The O’Brien Veterinary Group is passionate about advancing education through clinical experience. Externships are available for 2nd through 4th year students enrolled in a college of veterinary medicine, as well as those attending AVMA-accredited Veterinary Technology Programs. Summer Apprenticeships are available to all students.

"My externship was the highlight of my summer. I worked with very knowledgeable doctors and staff that guided me through cases. I really appreciated the opportunity for hands-on experience with wonderful doctors who encouraged and supported me."

- Amanda R., Class of 2024

About these Student Experiences

Externships

O’Brien Veterinary Group believes that in order for externships to be effective, they must take place with the right team and in the right environment. As such, the first step in our process is for a member of our team to speak directly with you so that we can determine your academic needs and personal goals.

At O’Brien, we recognize the individuality of both our hospital teams and our student externs. Every clinical rotation is personalized based on scheduling needs, academic institution requirements, and areas of clinical interest.

Summer Apprenticeships

O’Brien Veterinary Group offers a summer apprenticeship to give you the experience, training, and guidance you need to begin building a successful career. During this 6 to 10 week summer program, you will be working under the direct supervision of our veterinarians/ technical team members as a veterinary assistant.

We have student apprenticeships for technicians and veterinary students alike, in areas including general medicine, emergency medicine, and feline medicine.

As a Veterinary Student Extern, you will:

  • Gather patients’ medical histories
  • Perform comprehensive physical exams
  • Formulate and implement diagnostic and therapeutic care plans
  • Scrub-in and assist with surgical procedures
  • Help your supervising DVM manage various medical cases
  • Provide patient care
  • Refine your client communication skills
  • Hone your clinical and technical skills

Requirements

To apply for an externship, you must be:

  • Enrolled in an accredited doctor of veterinary medicine program
  • Must carry professional liability insurance

**This can be done through your school or AVMA**

For program placement, applicants must participate in the application, selection, and onboarding process.

Our Technician Student Externships include instruction in:

  • Client communication and education
  • Animal husbandry and restraint techniques
  • Laboratory sample collection and analysis
  • Medication handling, calculations, and administration
  • Diagnostic imaging techniques
  • Medical record keeping
  • Medical and surgical procedural assistance
  • Anesthetic Management

Requirements

For eligibility, applicants must be:

  • Enrolled in an AVMA/CVTEA accredited Veterinary Technology program

For program placement, applicants must participate in the application, selection, and onboarding process.

In our virtual Practice Management and Operations Workshop, you will gain experience in:

  • Practice Assessment
  • Staff Scheduling and Meeting Management
  • Team Utilization
  • Daily Operations
  • Facilities Management
  • Driving Revenue and Managing Costs
  • Practice Technology
  • Social Media Strategy and Management
  • Marketing Tools

Requirements

To apply for the workshop, you must be:

  • Enrolled in an accredited doctor of veterinary medicine program
  • Currently a 3rd or 4th year student of veterinary medicine

For program placement, applicants must participate in the application, selection, and onboarding process.

Some of your responsibilities in our summer apprenticeship program will include:

  • Providing the appropriate care to your patients
  • Using diagnostic tools such as lab tests, X-rays, etc.
  • Analyzing and interpreting various diagnostic materials
  • Learning how to prepare for surgical procedures
  • Monitoring patients that are under anesthesia
  • Team Utilization
  • Improving your interpersonal communication skills with training

Requirements

  • Authorized to work in the United States
  • Available for a 6 to 10-week period during summer break and committed to a flexible schedule (32-40 hours a week) including weekends

For program placement, applicants must participate in the application, selection, and onboarding process.

Apply Now

"This was the best externship! My mentors were always willing to answer any questions that I had and would challenge me clinically. I was able to take on a few cases myself under their supervision and assisted quite a bit in numerous emergency procedures. Everyone I worked with was so supportive, helpful, and wonderful to work with!"

- Sean A., Class of 2024

"I could not imagine a better experience for any student interested in business management, effective leadership, or practice ownership to try out and grow their skills…I am thrilled that I completed this externship as one of my first rotations, because I am looking forward to building upon everything I have learned as I go into different hospitals and experiences in the next year. I cannot recommend this externship enough!”

- Amanda L., DVM Class of 2022, Michigan State University