Externship - Veterinary Student (Jan - May 2028)

Texas State Aquarium•Corpus Christi, TX

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Texas State Aquarium (TSA) offers a valuable externship opportunity for veterinary students to gain hands-on experience in clinical medicine and the rescue/rehabilitation of aquatic species. Located on the Corpus Christi waterfront, the AZA-accredited aquarium focuses on species from the Gulf and Caribbean Sea, with a diverse collection including aquatic animals, terrestrial birds, reptiles, amphibians, and a few mammals. The Wildlife Rescue Center also rehabilitates stranded sea turtles and occasional marine mammals. Externs will collaborate with TSA's veterinary staff, comprising two full-time veterinarians and two licensed veterinary technicians, on the medical management of both the captive display collection and stranded animals. The program is designed for students entering their 3rd or 4th year of veterinary school, with positions available from January to May 2028. The externship duration is a minimum of two weeks and a maximum of four weeks.

Requirements

Must be a veterinary student entering their 3rd or 4th year at the time of the externship.
Minimum externship length of 2 weeks.
Maximum externship length of 4 weeks.
Must be available between January 1 - May 31, 2028.
Must submit a Curriculum vitae/resume.
Must submit a Letter of intent reflecting the applicant’s externship goals, future career goals and any prior zoo/aquatic/exotic experience.
Must submit proof of enrollment in a veterinary school (electronic copy of transcript, unofficial acceptable).
Must submit 2 letters of reference.
Must provide 3 sets of available dates in order of preference during the period between January 1 - May 31, 2028.

Nice To Haves

Preference given to students in their 4th year of veterinary school.
Preference given to those with previous experience in aquatic animal medicine.
Preference given to those interested in pursuing a related field post-graduation.

Responsibilities

Gain experience in clinical medicine of aquatic species.
Gain experience in rescue/rehabilitation medicine of aquatic species.
Work closely with TSA’s veterinary staff in the medical management of a large captive display collection.
Assist in the medical management of stranded animals presenting to the wildlife rescue center.
Be flexible to assist with procedures scheduled outside of general working hours, including potential weekend assistance.