Veterinary Technician Externship

Ethos Veterinary Health•Woburn, MA

5d•$21 - $23•Onsite

About The Position

The Veterinary Technician Externship is a structured clinical learning experience for students enrolled in veterinary technology programs. Externs work under the supervision of a credentialed veterinary technician at a high-volume specialty and emergency hospital, with activities based on their skill level, academic requirements, hospital workflow, patient safety, and required supervision. Depending on department placement and training, externs may participate in rounds and patient discussions; assist with treatments, diagnostics, surgery, and patient care; monitor vital signs; practice patient handling and restraint; assist with radiographs, phlebotomy, and other clinical procedures when appropriate; use laboratory and patient-monitoring equipment; practice drug dosage and CRI calculations; document treatments and clinical activity; observe client interactions; and attend educational or departmental meetings when available. Skills performed depend on demonstrated competency, program requirements, applicable regulations, and supervision requirements. Externship length and department placement may vary according to program requirements, interests, experience, and hospital availability. Students should be prepared for the schedule of a 24/7 specialty and emergency hospital. Special scheduling requests may be considered based on the student’s needs and the hospital’s ability to accommodate them.

Requirements

Be actively enrolled in an AVMA-accredited Veterinary Technology Program.
An active Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the student’s veterinary technology program and the organization must be in place before externship placement.
Provide required externship documentation, learning objectives, skills checklists, or evaluations from the veterinary technology program.
Have liability coverage through the school or personal student liability coverage.
Have reliable transportation and arrange personal lodging if needed for the duration of the externship.
Demonstrate a positive, team-oriented approach and comfort collaborating with veterinary technicians, assistants, doctors, and other hospital team members.
Show self-awareness by asking questions, seeking help when needed, and recognizing the boundaries of one’s knowledge, training, and role.
Have a track record of dependability, punctuality, and following through on commitments.
Have strong communication and listening skills when working with clients and colleagues.
Adapt to changing priorities and remain effective in a busy, high-stress environment.
Have basic computer skills and comfort learning new technology and systems.
Be prepared for the schedule of a 24/7 specialty and emergency hospital.

Nice To Haves

Special scheduling requests may be considered based on program requirements, experience level, department availability, and hospital capacity.

Responsibilities

Participate in clinical rounds and patient discussions.
Assist with patient treatments and diagnostics.
Obtain and monitor patient vital signs.
Practice appropriate patient restraint and handling techniques.
Assist with radiographs and patient positioning.
Perform or assist with phlebotomy and other clinical procedures when appropriate.
Gain experience with laboratory and patient-monitoring equipment.
Assist with surgical procedures and patient care.
Practice drug dosage and CRI calculations.
Document patient treatments and clinical activity.
Observe client interactions and learn about case management.
Participate in educational or departmental meetings when available.
Learn how emergency, specialty, and support teams work together in a multi-department hospital.
Follow hospital safety practices, policies, procedures, and applicable clinical protocols.