Veterinary Extern - General Practice
Aurora Animal Hospital is a flourishing nine doctor practice that practices high quality medicine with a balance of wellness and surgery as well as urgent care. While we mostly serve dogs and cats, we do see reptiles, small mammals, and chickens as well. Students will work closely with the supervising Associate Veterinarians to gain experience in gathering patient histories, performing physical exams, creation of treatment plans, diagnostics, dentistry services, observing/assisting or performing surgical procedures, and medical management of patients. All of our doctors are very friendly and enjoy mentoring. In addition to practicing their technical skills, student externs will have the opportunity to practice their communication skills with the medical team, support staff, and clients.
An externship experience at Aurora Animal Hospital will give students the unique opportunity to understand the day-to-day operations of the practice, and to gain valuable hands-on clinical experience. Although every NVA hospital is unique, we all have some things in common: an environment that is supportive, committed to excellent medicine, and provides exceptional service to animals and the people who love them. Visit our website at
Externship options range from two to four weeks depending on student and hospital schedules. We are open 7 days a week so there is flexibility in scheduling. All veterinary students (regardless of class year) are encouraged to participate in NVA externships. Salary is $0 (legal requirement to specify). $1000 stipend for a 2 week externship during is available to veterinary students in their clinical year. Veterinary students who are in the clinical portion of their education are eligible for a travel/living expense stipend. Click HERE to view list of stipend amounts and HERE for details on the stipend program.
Available Externship dates:
Unfortunately we do not have any dates available until winter 2028.
National Veterinary Associates (NVA) is a leading North American pet health care company with nearly 1,300 locations spanning general practice veterinary hospitals, Ethos emergency and specialty hospitals, and pet resorts and equine veterinary care. With approximately 40,000 team members, we care for pets and support pet families in communities across the United States and Canada. Our purpose is to give pets and the people who love them more quality years together, and our mission is to make care more personal, easy and accessible while advancing medicine and care across every stage of life. Across NVA, we support our teams with the resources, expertise and opportunities they need to deliver exceptional care and help shape the future of veterinary and pet care.
Purpose: Give pets and the people who love them more quality years together
Mission: Transform the pet family experience to be personal, easy and accessible, while advancing medicine and care across every stage of life.
Values: Care Deeply, Do What’s Right, One Team, Own It, Shape What’s Next
One NVA: Bringing General Practice & Ethos Together
NVA is built to make care personal, easy and accessible, while advancing medicine across every stage of a pet’s life.
At National Veterinary Associates, we want to make sure your experience connecting with us is seamless and straightforward. Here’s what to expect when interacting with us: