Make the real world your classroom and learn from the best in a supportive culture where you can grow and thrive.
Get Your Feet Wet
Dive Deep
Get Your Feet Wet
YEARS 1 & 2
DVM Summer Experiences
Work side by side with experienced veterinary professionals to provide the best medical care to owners and pets. Expand your medical skills and technical knowledge while learning about the veterinary profession.The program is active from May to September.
Serve as the primary liaison between the student body and VCA by providing answers and resources to students about VCA's programs and assisting in planning campus events.
Campus visits
Attend lectures, roundtable discussions, Q&A sessions and social mixers during VCA visits. We partner with clubs to provide up-to-date medical lectures on requested topics. Your VCA Student Ambassador will have all the information about upcoming events.
Participate in regular virtual events at your school and nationally, such as career fairs, Q&A sessions, interviews with VCA Associates, medical lectures, trivia sessions and more. Your VCA Student Ambassador can help you get connected.
Become a better doctor faster with VCA internships.
90% of interns who applied for advanced training in 2021 were accepted to the program of their choice.
Dive Deep
YEARS 3 & 4
Internships
A rotating internship is essential if you're thinking about specializing – and also happens to be the single best way to gain valuable on-the-job skills. Over the course of the year, you'll build and strengthen your skills with dedicated mentors, primary case responsibility (under the supervision of top specialists), academic training, and organized daily rounds. All VCA internships offer high-volume caseloads, often with very diverse patient populations. One year at a rotating internship can be equivalent to three to five years of clinical experience. Questions? dr.odie@vca.com
Typically 2-4 weeks, an externship is an opportunity to practice and gain constructive feedback working alongside our medical teams. Immerse yourself in daily operations, such as medical rounds, client communication, diagnostics, and patient planning. You'll also be introduced to our custom medical record management system and educational support platforms. Currently enrolled DVM students in an AVMA-accredited program are invited to apply. Externship FAQs
Explore focus areas, get the scoop from VCA Veterinarians about their experience, and set milestones for your career goals. Your talent partner can help set up opportunities that match your future interests. Our personalized programs will help you gain experience and build your network on your path to a career in veterinary medicine.
A helping hand to start your career on the right foot.
Learn and build confidence
Receive personalized mentorship for your area of interest and paid continuing education with an annual $3,000 stipend for opportunities of your choice and 40 hours of additional PTO.
Reduce financial stress$1,000 monthly direct student debt contributions and competitive salary with no negative accrual, plus a $2,500 bonus for each completed program (externship or Summer Experience) up to $10,000.
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Mentorship
The VCA Academy mentorship program is just the beginning of a dynamic career path. Available at all Primary Care locations and select Specialty and ER locations, new and recent veterinary graduates receive one-on-one mentorship with experienced, engaged veterinarians. Mentorship is customized to your interests and progression is based on your pace and skill development.
The 6-month Primary Care program has three areas of focus – surgery, dentistry, and medical appointments.
The 6-month ER program includes didactic training and a 2-day hands-on ER Skills workshop.
Weekly check-ins with your mentoring team help you decide the best next steps and tailored phases of mentorship are based on your interests and needs.
One-On-One Mentorship
With engaged doctors and staff focused on your area(s) of interest
Competitive Compensation
Along with a comprehensive benefits package, 401(k), and generous Associate discounts
Personalized Structured Mentorship Program
For the first 90 days + continued support with increased autonomy and mutual feedback
Interactive and Collaborative Learning Environments
With access to diverse medical expertise and a vast network of veterinary specialists
Online University e-Learning
With extensive educational resources in advanced clinical medicine and business education
Continued Learning and Professional Growth
Through leading-edge education, real-life work experience and focused career-path building
"The program's design is truly focused on guiding new graduates on the best trajectory to begin their careers. You can appreciate the immense effort that VCA devoted to the development of this opportunity for new doctors."
Amanda Tabone
DVM, VCA Angel Animal Hospital
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