Veterinary Externship

SC AQUARIUM • Charleston, SC

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The South Carolina Aquarium, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization and accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, is seeking veterinary students entering or currently in their clinical year (third or fourth year) for a 3- to 4-week externship. This program, running from March 1, 2028, to August 31, 2028, offers a unique opportunity to gain experience in aquatic animal medicine and engage with local South Carolina wildlife. Externs will assist the Veterinary Department in providing healthcare to a diverse collection of animals, including aquatic and terrestrial species, seabirds, raptors, invertebrates, and mammals. The externship involves participation in case rounds, physical examinations, history taking, record keeping, diagnostic applications, surgery, anesthesia, and necropsy. Students will also review scientific literature, problem-solve cases, and may have the opportunity to assist with the health and husbandry of sea turtle patients at the Sea Turtle Care Center. A brief research project or literature review is required. This is a non-paid position, and students are responsible for their own housing and transportation.

Requirements

• Veterinary students entering or currently in their clinical year (third or fourth year).
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Letter of Intent detailing interest in aquatic and zoological medicine, career objectives, and how the externship will aid future goals.
• Two Letters of Reference from veterinarians familiar with clinical experience.
• Expected graduation date included in the application.
• Two to three preferred 3- to 4-week blocks of availability for the externship.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Veterinary Department in providing health care to the South Carolina Aquarium's animal collection.
• Participate in case rounds, physical examinations, history taking, record keeping, diagnostic application, surgery, anesthesia, and necropsy.
• Review scientific literature and problem-solve while reviewing individual cases.
• Be on-call with the veterinary staff during weekends of the externship period.
• Assist veterinary staff and Sea Turtle Care Center staff in managing the health and husbandry of sea turtle patients.
• Complete a brief research project or literature review on a topic of their choosing to share with the veterinary staff.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level