Veterinary Externships & Other Opportunities for Vet Students

Launch Your Career in Emergency Veterinary Medicine

At Emergency Veterinary Care Centers (EVCC), we’re committed to helping the next generation of veterinary professionals build confidence, gain hands-on experience, and develop essential ER skills. 

We offer a variety of opportunities for high school students, pre-veterinary and undergraduate students, veterinary technology students, and DVM students at all our locations.  

Below is your guide to every program we offer, from immersive externships to apprenticeships and campus leadership positions.  

Externships

A Real-World Look into Emergency Veterinary Medicine

Our externships are designed to give DVM students meaningful, case-based exposure inside a high-volume emergency hospital. You’ll work alongside experienced DVMs, participate in medical decision-making, develop your technical skills, and deepen your confidence in the ER environment. 

What We Offer

  • Hands-on experience with real emergency cases 
  • Personalized learning goals set by you and your mentor 
  • Collaboration with seasoned ER veterinarians 
  • Opportunities to refine clinical, diagnostic, and client communication skills 

Program Details

For DVM Students:

  • Externships typically run 2–4 weeks, depending on your schedule and learning goals 
  • Competitive compensation is provided 
  • Housing may be available on a limited basis 
  • Open to 1st – 4th year veterinary students currently enrolled in an accredited DVM program 

For Veterinary Technician Students:

  • Applicants must be enrolled in an AVMA/CVTEA-accredited veterinary technology program 
  • Compensation is provided for all technician externs 

Why Choose an EVCC Externship?

Administering Meds To Dog

As an extern at EVCC, you are more than an observer. You’ll gain hands-on experience working alongside our skilled veterinary team in a supportive environment that encourages learning and growth.  

Each externship is tailored to your academic goals and career objectives, giving you meaningful opportunities to build practical skills. Throughout the program, you’ll engage in professional development that will grow your confidence to make an informed career choice in veterinary medicine.  

Summer Apprentice Program

Hands-On Learning for High School & Undergraduate Students

This summer program offers an introduction to veterinary emergency care for students who are early on in their career journey. Apprentices work closely with experienced veterinary teams to learn foundational skills and observe ER workflow. 

This program is ideal if you’re exploring the veterinary profession and want real experience inside a fast-paced hospital. 

Who is Eligible?

  • High school seniors 
  • Pre-veterinary or undergraduate students interested in veterinary medicine 

What to Expect

  • Guided exposure to daily ER operations 
  • Full-time, paid position 
  • Mentorship from our medical support team 
  • Skill-building in patient care, communication, and veterinary teamwork 

Schedule

Flexible, 32-40 hours/week, including evenings and weekends. 

Explaining Procedure

Campus Ambassador Program

Represent EVCC at Your College

Our Campus Ambassador Program gives motivated students an opportunity to build leadership experience, strengthen professional relationships, and promote EVCC’s student programs within their campus community. 

What Campus Ambassadors Do

  • Represent EVCC at campus career fairs and recruiting events. 
  • Build relationships with fellow veterinary students and serve as a liaison between your campus and the EVCC team. 
  • Coordinate “Lunch & Learn” sessions and connect faculty or student groups with the appropriate EVCC representatives. 
  • Participate in a training call with an EVCC representative to review key contacts, expectations, and resources for a successful ambassador experience. 
  • Provide regular updates to your EVCC representative on campus opportunities, new contacts, student interest, and ongoing needs. 
  • Submit a brief monthly recap to keep the EVCC team informed and aligned

Current Participating Universities

  • Michigan State University
  • University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
  • The Ohio State University 
  • Purdue University

Continuing Education That
Supports Your Growth

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At EVCC, we believe in investing in the development of veterinary professionals whether you’re a seasoned professional, new DVM graduate, or current student.  

That’s why we host free, RACE-approved CE events throughout the year—ranging from dinner events to almost full day events of expert-led learning, networking, and hands-on insights in emergency care. 

Why Attend?

  • Years Experience Icon 01

    Earn RACE Approved CE Credits

  • Community Icon 01

    Network with Peers

  • Services Icon 01

    Learn from Leaders in the Field

  • Teamwork Icon 01

    Enjoy a Day of Learning, Food, and Branded Swag—On Us!

We support your growth; because when you thrive, so do the animals we care for. 

Want to stay informed about our next CE event? Click here to sign up for our quarterly e-newsletter, "The Critical Companion," to be the first to know about all of our upcoming CE events!

How to Apply

Whether you're looking for an externship, summer apprenticeship opportunity or campus ambassador role, we’d love to support your journey. 

Tell us which program you’re interested in applying for, and our team will guide you through the next steps! If you have any questions during the application process, please feel free to email us at opportunities@evcc.com. 

FAQs – Student Opportunities at EVCC

Are these positions paid?

Some roles are paid, while others are observational learning experiences. Compensation varies by program. 

Where are opportunities located?

Externship and apprenticeship positions are available at any of our emergency vet hospitals. 

Do I need any previous experience?

Requirements vary. Apprenticeships and ambassador roles do not require prior medical experience, while externships generally require enrollment in an accredited DVM program or AVMA/CVTEA-accredited veterinary technology program. 

Why should I participate in a student opportunity with EVCC?

Joining a student program at EVCC is a chance to roll up your sleeves and learn alongside a team of dedicated veterinary professionals. You’ll get real, hands-on experience, see what life in an emergency hospital is really like, and grow your skills in a supportive, encouraging environment.  

Plus, you’ll make connections with mentors and peers who can guide and inspire you as you shape your future career in veterinary medicine. 

Stay Connected

Get an inside look at real ER veterinary medicine and start building your professional foundation with “From the ER Floor: Vet Talk,” EVCC’s bi-weekly LinkedIn newsletter. You’ll find first-hand stories from our emergency team, practical lessons you won’t learn in textbooks, and honest insights into what it’s really like to work in not only emergency vet care, but veterinary medicine in general. 

Want even more student-focused content? Sign up today for our quarterly e-newsletter, “The Critical Companion,” where you’ll be the first to get real-life case deep dives, updates on upcoming student events, and more.

Plus, if you’re a vet or tech student looking to grow, connect, and explore future career paths, join the Vet Professionals Collective on LinkedIn. It’s a place to ask questions, learn from experienced clinicians, discover opportunities in emergency medicine, and stay ahead of industry trends.