Veterinary Student Externship
Our veterinary externship provides veterinary students with hands-on clinical experience in a busy, collaborative hospital environment. Externs will work alongside experienced veterinarians, credentialed veterinary technicians, and support staff while gaining exposure to the daily operations of a high-quality veterinary practice.
During the externship, students may observe and participate in physical examinations, diagnostic testing, treatment planning, case discussions, surgical procedures, anesthesia, dentistry, emergency care, and hospitalized patient management, depending on their level of training and the hospital’s caseload. Externs are encouraged to ask questions, develop clinical reasoning skills, and practice effective communication with clients and the veterinary team.
The program is designed to help students strengthen their medical knowledge, technical skills, professionalism, and understanding of the veterinarian’s role in patient care. Each externship experience may be tailored to the student’s interests, educational goals, and experience level.
Ideal candidates are currently enrolled in an accredited veterinary medicine program and demonstrate professionalism, curiosity, initiative, compassion, and a commitment to patient care. Externs must comply with all hospital safety, confidentiality, dress code, and professional conduct requirements.
This externship offers students the opportunity to explore veterinary practice, build professional relationships, and gain meaningful experience in a supportive clinical setting.
VCA Pacific Avenue Animal Hospital is a general practice and urgent care hospital serving cats and dogs in Tacoma, Washington. We provide comprehensive care throughout every stage of life, from neonatal and preventive care to senior care and compassionate end-of-life support.
Our hospital offers walk-in urgent and emergency services, including surgical care when needed. Routine general practice services include spay and neuter procedures, dental care, mass removals, and other common soft-tissue surgeries. Our emergency surgical capabilities include laceration repair, cesarean sections, traumatic injury treatment, emergency mass removals, and additional urgent procedures.
Our facility is equipped with digital radiography, dental radiography, two surgical suites, an ICU oxygen unit, multiple oxygen and anesthetic delivery systems, surgical monitoring equipment, and hands-free radiology technology. We also maintain an updated in-house laboratory and partner with Antech for send-out diagnostic testing. An endoscope is expected to be added to our diagnostic capabilities in the coming weeks.
Our medical team includes three general practice veterinarians, two veterinarians dedicated to urgent and emergency care, and several doctors experienced in both routine and emergency surgical procedures. The clinical support team includes three full-time licensed veterinary technicians, nine veterinary assistants, and additional administrative support staff.
Students are expected to arrive on time for all scheduled shifts and actively participate throughout their externship. They should demonstrate initiative, curiosity, and a willingness to ask thoughtful questions. Students will have opportunities to engage with multiple doctors and staff members and are encouraged to interact professionally with patients and clients, creating a comprehensive and well-rounded learning experience.
10234 Pacific Ave S
Tacoma, WA 98444
United States