Confused about Externship + Undergrad?

[bluesails]

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I thought externships were mainly for vet students in their 3rd and 4th years of vet school, but I was recently looking at websites of equine clinics around NH and found links to externships that said "Open to Veterinary / Pre-Veterinary / Vet Tech people." (Specifically I found these at New England Equine and Myrhe Equine Clinic, easy to google).

So I feel a little dumb asking this, but I guess I just assume a lot of meanings - what exactly does 'externship' mean? And if it's open to veterinary AND pre-vets does it mean you have to have lots more experience when you apply for one? Does anyone have experience with externships like these - is it tougher than the usual experience or something? And are the spots really hard to get if you're a pre-vet and not a vet student?

 

[VeganSoprano]

It sounds like something organized by that particular place. I'd recommend calling or emailing them for specifics. It sounds like a good opportunity, though potentially competitive.

 

[Azarael]

Hi bluesails,

I did an externship like that last year. I think that what some clinics do is open up a spot for a few students (whether veterinary, pre-vet, or vet tech) each year and call it an "externship". Typically the word externship is used to describe the clinical experience veterinary students need to go through as required by their schools, but I think some clinics are happy to accept any students to their practice who are looking for the experience and are willing to learn. Usually these externships are temporary, ranging from a few weeks to a few months in length. Often times housing is available to the students as well. Also depending on the practice, you might receive a stipend for the length of time you're there.

To answer your question about experience, I think it depends on the clinic and the area it is in. I had no experience in the field I was applying to last year and it was not a big deal. Once again, I think that some clinics will be happy and willing to train you. (Keep in mind though, that equine clinics often want students with previous experience with horses regardless.) When it comes to priorities though, I think clinics will try to accept veterinary students and vet techs over pre-vets, because they need to do supervised/graded externships as a part of their education.

I would definitely contact the clinic. They'll be able to tell you exactly the kind of person they are looking for. Don't be discouraged by the word externship! I'm sure it could turn out to be a great experience and if you're a good worker the clinic would love to have you.

Hope this helps!

 

[cowgirla]

Don't know about Mhyre, and how he runs his (very nice guy, by the way!) but the ones at New England Equine, I can probably shed some light on.


You sign up for a time period (anywhere from 2 to 8 weeks, I believe.) During that time period, you assist the intern / resident (either a 4th year vet student or recent grad). You will be on call pretty much every night--they provide accomodations, which are actually relatively nice, even if they are cramped. You will be doing midnight / 2 am rounds, checking on the patients, medicating etc. If an emergency comes in, you are the assistant for the resident. if the resident can't handle it, they call the vet, and you then assist the both of them. Lots of medication, feeding, grooming, bandaging, mucking stalls and general cleaning. They also have specialists come in during day time hours (opthamology, especially) so you do get the chance to observe there, and observe surgeries and all that. Be prepared to get very little sleep, but you will learn a lot! I like (most) of the vets there. They are all very nice, but there's one I have a bit of a personality clash with outside of the office!

As far as I know, you DO need some basic horse experience, and you DO need to be rabies vaccinated. Externships are on a first come, first served basis for qualified applicants (you pick 3 time periods that you'd prefer, and if one is available, it's yours!). They will probably do most of your training when it comes to the basic medical things, like medication and wrapping. They generally want things done "their way" even if you already know how to do some of it. I doubt you'd be doing much as a technician (drawing blood, injections and things like that).


"Externship" is basically a mini internship (which is 1 year long). They recommend vet students do an externship before becoming an intern to make sure they are a good fit for the practice. It's also open to the pre-vets/techs just so they can do the grunt work 🙂

 

[bluesails]

Thanks so much for the replies! It sounds like an awesome opportunity and I'm just worried that vet students will take all the slots. 😀

 

[VeganSoprano]

Apply! You definitely won't get it if you don't apply, and it sounds like an amazing opportunity. If you apply and don't get the position, it's hardly the end of the world.