Externship

Externship Program

VCA West Los Angeles (VCA WLA) offers an externship program to veterinary students across the country (and the globe). Our program has grown to over 50 participants on average annually. We accept veterinary students in any part of their veterinary learning for rotations, specialty services, or other requirements.

Our objective is to educate veterinary student externs, maintain tertiary referral patient care, as well as exemplary referral communication and service to our clients and referring veterinarians. Boarded specialists, experienced emergency clinicians, residents, and interns are all involved in teaching visiting students. A senior clinician from each department is designated as a mentor to students assigned to that department; however, students are encouraged to be involved in cases with all clinicians from the assigned department.

VCA WLA's externship program is for you, if:

• You are currently enrolled in an AVMA-accredited university veterinary degree program.
• You are looking for experience in a specialty/referral practice.
• You are considering applying for an internship following graduation (particularly, if you are considering application to VCA WLA's internship program).
• You are hard-working, motivated, intelligent, friendly, and enjoy working with others.

Potential externs are encouraged to fill out the DVM Externship Application at the link below which will ask for your preferences in schedule, mentorship, and goals.

Additional Information for Potential Externs

Insurance

We do not require nor do we provide professional liability (malpractice) insurance, health insurance, or worker's compensation for externs. If an extern's university mandates that insurance coverage be obtained, it is the responsibility of the extern to arrange such coverage. We are happy to provide a letter confirming your acceptance if this is required.

Fees/Cost/Stipends

VCA WLA does not charge visiting students for participation in our externship program, nor do we provide any compensation/payment to externs.

Housing

We are not able to provide or assist in the arrangement of housing accommodations for visiting students. Many externs stay with relatives or acquaintances in the Los Angeles area. Other options include local hotels, area hostels, or Airbnb.

International Students

VCA WLA accepts applications from students attending AVMA-accredited universities abroad. At this time, we are not able to accept applications from students of non-accredited universities or non-US Residents.

Questions?

Please feel free to fill out the form below that are not addressed online. Our team will reply to emails within 1-2 weeks.