4th Year Vet Student Externship
Nashville Zoo
Salary undisclosed
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Description
VETERINARY EXTERNSHIPS & PRECEPTORSHIPS
Nashville Zoo Veterinary Department is offering an externship for 4th-year Veterinary School Students, both international and domestic, working towards a career in exotic animal medicine. This internship is posted May 1st through September 30th of every year with interviews in October.
Purpose
The Veterinary Intern assists in every aspect of the medical care of the Nashville Zoo’s animals, including veterinary procedures, clinical lab work, and care of hospitalized/quarantined animals.
Key Responsibilities
-Work with three full-time veterinarians, three full time licensed veterinary technicians, and two full-time hospital keepers.
-Assist with day-to-day operations of the zoo’s medical procedures including preventative and emergency care including examinations, clinical procedures, surgery, and necropsy.
-Assist doctors in keeping thorough records of all medical cases and procedures.
-Assist with animal husbandry (cleaning, feeding, and medicating) of hospitalized patients and quarantine animals.
-Provide laboratory support for veterinary medical technicians, including hematology, parasitology, and cytology.
-Responsible for researching and studying about upcoming and current cases
-Assist with tasks that keep the hospital function smoothly including stocking of medical supplies, wrapping surgical equipment, and maintaining the cleanliness of the hospital.
-Responsible for presenting a 25 to 30- minute presentation towards the end of their externship to the animal care staff on either a current, pertinent topic or on a research project performed by the student.
Reporting Relationships and Supervision
Dr. Louden Wright, Associate Veterinarian
Kristen Nettleton, Hospital Keeper II
Duration
Minimum of 4 weeks
Qualifications
- Must be enrolled in clinical year of Veterinary school
- Internship requires a minimum commitment of 40 hours a week
- Applicants for this position must apply and are required to submit to a criminal background check as well as show recent proof of a negative TB test.
Desired Skills
- Ability to perform duties without direct supervision
- Ability to function as a team with both paid and volunteer staff
- Ability to follow both oral and written direction
- Ability to adhere to the schedule agreed upon
- Ability to interact positively with the public, especially to give them information about the animals and the zoo
- Ability to responsibly use and maintain zoo equipment and tools
- Willingness to work with a large variety of animals
- Ability to lift 30 pounds
- Ability to perform duties outdoors in all weather conditions, as needed
Benefits to Intern
- Gain professional, hands-on experience at an AZA accredited Zoo
- Meet new and exciting people
- Gaining knowledge of Nashville Zoo’s history
- Ambassador for animal and conservation education
- Enhance personal creativity and portfolio
- Volunteer hours for organizational benefits
- Letters of reference for future job opportunities
Note: Nashville Zoo Externships are unpaid. We are, however, able to provide housing. We are not able to provide reimbursement for travel expenses. Academic requirements for institution credit are the responsibility of the student intern to fulfill. Nashville Zoo will make every effort to support the student in their academic goals as they relate to the internship position outlined in the provided position description.
TO APPLY:
You will need to include the following:
- Cover letter stating your interest in zoological/wildlife medicine
- Resume
- Contact information for two references
Applications are open May 1 to September 30
Interviews will be conducted October for the following school year
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
ABOUT NASHVILLE ZOO
Nashville Zoo is a 200-acre institution accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) whose mission is to inspire a culture of understanding and discovery of our natural world through conservation, innovation and leadership. Located in the heart of Nashville, the zoo has an extensive animal collection and attracts more than one million visitors annually, as well as serving a diverse community through outreach programs within greater Nashville and mid-Tennessee. For more information, visit www.nashvillezoo.org
Nashville Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace. Weekend, holiday, and some evening work may be required.
About this role
Nashville Zoo's veterinary department is seeking 4th-year vet students interested in exotic animal medicine for a hands-on externship running a minimum of four weeks. You'll work alongside three full-time veterinarians and licensed technicians, participating directly in preventative and emergency care, surgical procedures, clinical lab work, and animal husbandry for hospitalized and quarantined animals. This is a genuine working role—not shadowing—where you'll assist with examinations, necropsy, record-keeping, and the full range of hospital operations at an AZA-accredited facility.
The externship demands significant independence and flexibility. You'll need to commit 40 hours per week, work outdoors in all weather, handle animals of various sizes, and be comfortable functioning without constant direct supervision. Beyond clinical work, you'll contribute to laboratory support, maintain hospital supplies and equipment, and present a 25- to 30-minute case study or research project to the animal care staff before your placement ends.
The position is unpaid but includes housing. You'll gain professional experience, letters of reference, volunteer hours, and direct mentorship from the zoo's veterinary team—valuable assets for a career in exotic animal medicine. Note that you're responsible for arranging academic credit through your institution and covering your own travel costs. Applications open May 1 and close September 30, with interviews held in October.
Pay for this role
The employer didn't post a pay range for this role. That usually means pay is set in negotiation, which favors whoever arrives with numbers. Check ranges on comparable 4th Year Vet Student Externship postings in Nashville Zoo, and analyze any offer before you accept it.
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