Oakwell Animal Hospital, TN

Join the Oakwell Animal Hospital Externship Program!

Why We Offer This Opportunity:

At Oakwell Animal Hospital, we are passionate about shaping and improving the veterinary field by mentoring the next generation of veterinarians. We believe in the power of hands-on experience and long-term mentorship to foster the growth of future veterinary professionals. By offering our facility as an externship site, we aim to contribute to the development of skilled, compassionate, and innovative veterinarians. Additionally, we are committed to promoting better trends in veterinary medicine, emphasizing the importance of self-care and mental health for veterinarians.

Why Choose Oakwell Animal Hospital?

• State-of-the-Art Facility: Learn in a modern clinic equipped with the latest technology and resources.
• Highly Trained Staff: Work alongside experienced veterinarians and support staff dedicated to your growth and development.
• Comprehensive Experience: Our program includes guided, hands-on experience in general practice, surgery, dentistry, urgent care, and emergency services.
• Mentorship: Benefit from long-term mentorship opportunities, guiding you through your learning journey and beyond.
• Well-being Focus: Learn the importance of self-care and mental health in veterinary practice, ensuring a sustainable and fulfilling career.

Explore Our Cutting-Edge Facilities, Talented Team, and Passionate Mentors

At Oakwell Animal Hospital, we offer more than just an externship—we provide a hands-on, real-world learning experience in a state-of-the-art facility alongside a team dedicated to your growth and success. Our externs have the opportunity to work with experienced veterinarians who are passionate about mentoring the next generation of veterinary professionals. Our doctors are not only committed to teaching but also to delivering the highest standard of care to every patient, every time.

We believe that a strong team and a supportive culture create the best environment for learning. Our focus on cultivating a positive workplace allows us to attract and retain top-tier veterinary assistants, technicians, and doctors, creating an ideal space for students to gain practical experience and grow in confidence.

Equipment & Technology

Hands-on experience with modern equipment is crucial for your development. At Oakwell, you’ll have access to advanced tools and diagnostics, including:

• Ultrasound
• Digital Radiography
• Dental Radiography
• Complete In-House Laboratory for rapid, real-time diagnostics, including:
  • Sedivue
  • Hematology Analyzer
  • Blood Chemistry Analyzer

  • Coagulation Analyzer

     

• Comprehensive Anesthetic Monitoring, including:
  • EKG
  • Non-Invasive Blood Pressure (NIBP) Monitoring
  • End-Tidal CO₂ (ETCO₂) Monitoring
  • Pulse Oximetry and more

These tools help streamline diagnostics and treatment planning, giving you a well-rounded experience in patient care.

Library & Educational Resources

Our externs have access to a complete in-house library of up-to-date veterinary reference materials. Whether you’re researching a specific case or expanding your knowledge, our resources will support you throughout your learning journey.

Passionate Mentors & Experienced Team

One of Oakwell’s greatest strengths is its people. We have built a culture that emphasizes collaboration, mentorship, and continuous growth.

• Veterinarians Who Care About Your Growth: Our doctors are highly experienced and passionate about mentoring, offering one-on-one guidance and practical insights that go beyond the textbook.
• Top-Notch Support Staff: Our veterinary assistants and technicians are among the most experienced in the field, bringing exceptional skill and dedication to their roles.
• Collaborative Case Rounds: Regular case discussions and deep-dive sessions allow you to explore complex medical cases and learn directly from our team in a personalized setting.
• Focus on Well-being: We help you develop a sustainable approach to veterinary practice by teaching self-care and promoting work-life balance alongside clinical skills.

What You’ll Gain

Externs at Oakwell Animal Hospital will gain practical, hands-on experience in areas such as:

• Outpatient and inpatient care
• Surgery and anesthesia
• Dentistry and dental radiology
• Urgent care and emergency triage

By the end of your externship, you’ll leave with enhanced technical skills, practical clinical experience, and the confidence to manage real-world cases.

Join Us!

At Oakwell Animal Hospital, your growth and success are our priorities. Join our team and experience a welcoming, state-of-the-art practice that combines cutting-edge technology, exceptional mentorship, and a team culture that sets us apart. We look forward to helping you on your journey to becoming a skilled and compassionate veterinarian.

Extern Responsibilities at Oakwell Animal Hospital

As a 4th-year veterinary student extern at Oakwell Animal Hospital, you’ll be fully immersed in our day-to-day operations, gaining valuable hands-on experience and clinical confidence. Under the guidance of our experienced veterinarians, you will be involved in a wide variety of cases in general practice, urgent care, and surgery.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Assisting with Outpatient and Inpatient Care: Performing physical exams, creating differential diagnoses, and developing treatment plans.
• Scrubbing in on Surgeries: Participating in soft tissue and other surgical procedures, where you'll assist and gain valuable surgical experience.
• Diagnostics & Case Management: Interpreting laboratory results, radiographs, ultrasounds, and monitoring hospitalized patients.
• Client Communication: Observing and participating in client education and discharge instructions to build your communication skills.

• Case Rounds and Discussions: Engaging in regular case rounds and topic deep-dives with our veterinarians to enhance your clinical knowledge.

  Program Structure:

• Duration: The program is divided into 2-week blocks, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in each area of practice.
• Hands-On Learning: Gain practical experience in both inpatient and outpatient medical care under the direct supervision of our skilled veterinary team.

• Focused Case Discussions: We integrate breaks for rounding about cases or subjects of interest, providing an opportunity to explore these topics in depth and enhance student learning through one-on-one interactions with our veterinarians.

  Schedule:

• Work Hours: Students are expected to work 40 hours per week, fitting their hours within the clinic's operating hours.
• Clinic Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 am – 6 pm; Saturday, 8 am – 1 pm.
• Lunch Break: Enjoy a 1.5-hour lunch break daily.

We strive to give externs a meaningful, hands-on experience where you’ll leave with practical skills and a better understanding of life in small animal practice. At Oakwell, you’ll be part of a collaborative team that is passionate about teaching and helping you grow into the best veterinarian you can be.

We offer a local airbnb which is pet friendly in Jonesborough, TN - a short 10 minute drive from our facility.

1041 Hamilton Place
Johnson City, TN 37604
United States