4th Year Vet Student Externship

Posted 5/13/2026 · last confirmed live 8/26/2026

VETERINARY EXTERNSHIPS & PRECEPTORSHIPS Nashville Zoo Veterinary Department is offering an externship for 4th-year Veterinary School Students, both international and domestic, working towards a career in exotic animal medicine. This internship is posted May 1 st through September 15 th of every year with interviews in October. Purpose The Veterinary Intern assists in every aspect of the medical care of the Nashville Zoo’s animals, including veterinary procedures, clinical lab work, and care of hospitalized/quarantined animals. Key Responsibilities -Work with three full-time veterinarians, three full time licensed veterinary technicians, and two full-time hospital keepers. -Assist with day-to-day operations of the zoo’s medical procedures including preventative and emergency care including examinations, clinical procedures, surgery, and necropsy.  -Assist doctors in keeping thorough records of all medical cases and procedures.  -Assist with animal husbandry (cleaning, feeding, and medicating) of hospitalized patients and quarantine animals.   -Provide laboratory support for veterinary medical technicians, including hematology, parasitology, and cytology. -Responsible for researching and studying about upcoming and current cases -Assist with tasks that keep the hospital function smoothly including stocking of medical supplies, wrapping surgical equipment, and maintaining the cleanliness of the hospital. -Responsible for presenting a 25 to 30- minute presentation towards the end of their externship to the animal care staff on either a current, pertinent topic or on a research project performed by the student. Reporting Relationships and Supervision Dr. Louden Wright, Associate Veterinarian Kristen Nettleton, Hospital Keeper II Duration Minimum of 4 weeks Qualifications - Must be enrolled in clinical year of Veterinary school - Internship requires a minimum commitment of 40 hours a week - Applicants for this position must apply and are required to submit to a criminal background check as well as show recent proof of a negative TB test. Desired Skills - Ability to perform duties without direct supervision - Ability to function as a team with both paid and volunteer staff - Ability to follow both oral and written direction - Ability to adhere to the schedule agreed upon - Ability to interact positively with the public, especially to give them information about the animals and the zoo - Ability to responsibly use and maintain zoo equipment and tools - Willingness to work with a large variety of animals - Ability to lift 30 pounds - Ability to perform duties outdoors in all weather conditions, as needed Benefits to Intern - Gain professional, hands-on experience at an AZA accredited Zoo - Meet new and exciting people - Gaining knowledge of Nashville Zoo’s history - Ambassador for animal and conservation education - Enhance personal creativity and portfolio - Volunteer hours for organizational benefits - Letters of reference for future job opportunities Note:  Nashville Zoo Externships are  unpaid . We are, however, able to provide housing. We are not able to provide reimbursement for travel expenses. Academic requirements for institution credit are the responsibility of the student intern to fulfill. Nashville Zoo will make every effort to support the student in their academic goals as they relate to the internship position outlined in the provided position description.     TO APPLY: You will need to include the following: Cover letter stating your interest in zoological/wildlife medicine Resume Contact information for two references   Applications are open May 1 to September 15 Interviews will be conducted October for the following school year We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. ABOUT NASHVILLE ZOO Nashville Zoo is a 200-acre institution accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) whose mission is to inspire a culture of understanding and discovery of our natural world through conservation, innovation and leadership. Located in the heart of Nashville, the zoo has an extensive animal collection and attracts more than one million visitors annually, as well as serving a diverse community through outreach programs within greater Nashville and mid-Tennessee. For more information, visit  www.nashvillezoo.org Nashville Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a  Drug-Free  Workplace. Weekend, holiday, and some evening work may be required.

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