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How difficult is it to get an internship, specifically in veterinary medicine?
I'm a high school senior looking to pursue a career in veterinary medicine and I'm curious how difficult it is to start networking.
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Updated
Doc’s Answer
Yes Luis, veterinary medicine internships can be considered difficult to get, as they are generally very competitive, with the level of difficulty depending on the specific program and your academic record; highly regarded institutions or specialized fields like surgery or exotics often have a higher competition for internship spots compared to general practice options.
VERY COMPETITIVE INTERNSHIPS
• Due to a high number of veterinary graduates seeking internships and a limited number of available positions, the application process can be competitive.
• Your GPA, clinical performance during vet school, letters of recommendation, and relevant experience will significantly impact your chances of getting an internship.
• Internships in specialized fields like surgery, oncology, or exotic animal medicine are typically more competitive than general small animal practice internships.
VETERINARY INTERN TIPS
The Veterinary Internship & Residency Matching Program (VIRMP) search tool from the American Association of Veterinary Clinicians (AAVC) is regarded as the top way to find internship opportunities on a national level. This tool lets you search by specialty area and internship type to help match you with the right program. From there, you can submit your application. Increase you intern application by developing a personal connection with a hospital before the match process, you can leverage your externship experience to build relationships. Doing so may help you match with your ideal program later on since they’ll know you and want to work with you, too.
When you’re on clinics, you can use your elective rotations to visit hospitals that have internships in locations you want to be or specialties you want to explore. While you’re there, don’t be afraid to pitch yourself. Bring a CV and let them know you’re interested. Some programs may consider offering you a position before the match, or you can set yourself apart from the crowd during the matching process.
Hope this was helpful Luis
VERY COMPETITIVE INTERNSHIPS
• Due to a high number of veterinary graduates seeking internships and a limited number of available positions, the application process can be competitive.
• Your GPA, clinical performance during vet school, letters of recommendation, and relevant experience will significantly impact your chances of getting an internship.
• Internships in specialized fields like surgery, oncology, or exotic animal medicine are typically more competitive than general small animal practice internships.
VETERINARY INTERN TIPS
The Veterinary Internship & Residency Matching Program (VIRMP) search tool from the American Association of Veterinary Clinicians (AAVC) is regarded as the top way to find internship opportunities on a national level. This tool lets you search by specialty area and internship type to help match you with the right program. From there, you can submit your application. Increase you intern application by developing a personal connection with a hospital before the match process, you can leverage your externship experience to build relationships. Doing so may help you match with your ideal program later on since they’ll know you and want to work with you, too.
When you’re on clinics, you can use your elective rotations to visit hospitals that have internships in locations you want to be or specialties you want to explore. While you’re there, don’t be afraid to pitch yourself. Bring a CV and let them know you’re interested. Some programs may consider offering you a position before the match, or you can set yourself apart from the crowd during the matching process.
Hope this was helpful Luis
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Luis!
You’ve got some great questions, and it’s awesome that you’re thinking ahead! Getting an internship in veterinary medicine can definitely be tough, as a lot of people are trying to get into the field. But the difficulty depends on the program and where you apply. Specialized fields like surgery or exotic animal care? Those are ultra-competitive. But don’t get discouraged!
Dr. Frick mentioned how important it is to have a strong GPA, clinical experience, and great recommendations. So focus on building your academic and hands-on skills now, even while you're still in high school. Think about it like laying the foundation for a really strong future.
Kory Kline brought up some good ideas too—talk to your school counselor, check with local animal hospitals or animal welfare organizations, and even look into volunteer opportunities. It's all about building connections, so even if you’re just starting out, every bit of experience counts!
Michelle also had some helpful advice—while it may not be an internship just yet, volunteer work is a fantastic way to start! It's not just about knowing the medical side of things; you'll pick up key skills like communication, organization, and working with a team. Plus, being around animals and gaining that experience will set you up perfectly for when you’re ready to apply for more hands-on roles later.
Well, Network, get your hands dirty with volunteer work, and stay proactive! The more experience you have, the better you’ll stand out when those internship opportunities come around. Best of luck with everything, and I’m sure you’ll be on your way to an amazing career in veterinary medicine! All the best! 😉🥰
You’ve got some great questions, and it’s awesome that you’re thinking ahead! Getting an internship in veterinary medicine can definitely be tough, as a lot of people are trying to get into the field. But the difficulty depends on the program and where you apply. Specialized fields like surgery or exotic animal care? Those are ultra-competitive. But don’t get discouraged!
Dr. Frick mentioned how important it is to have a strong GPA, clinical experience, and great recommendations. So focus on building your academic and hands-on skills now, even while you're still in high school. Think about it like laying the foundation for a really strong future.
Kory Kline brought up some good ideas too—talk to your school counselor, check with local animal hospitals or animal welfare organizations, and even look into volunteer opportunities. It's all about building connections, so even if you’re just starting out, every bit of experience counts!
Michelle also had some helpful advice—while it may not be an internship just yet, volunteer work is a fantastic way to start! It's not just about knowing the medical side of things; you'll pick up key skills like communication, organization, and working with a team. Plus, being around animals and gaining that experience will set you up perfectly for when you’re ready to apply for more hands-on roles later.
Well, Network, get your hands dirty with volunteer work, and stay proactive! The more experience you have, the better you’ll stand out when those internship opportunities come around. Best of luck with everything, and I’m sure you’ll be on your way to an amazing career in veterinary medicine! All the best! 😉🥰
Updated
Cristina’s Answer
Good things are not easy to get. Try to go directly to a veterinary clinic, show your interest in this area, your willingness to learning and submit your application directly to them for an internship.
Direct interaction with people comes often with an accomplishment.
Direct interaction with people comes often with an accomplishment.
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Luis !
While in high school it's a great time to learn about careers !
Internships are for applicants that have the basic knowledge and skills for a profession and are able to do the work while picking up new information on the job. High School is not the time for this and you won't learn how to be a Veterinarian until you go to Veterinary School years from now.
If you can change your word from Internship to Volunteer Work, you'd have a much more increased chance to hone some skills. Skills you will need as a college undergraduate student. The skills you will need for college are writing, verbal and reading comprehension skills, organizational skills, social skills, presentational skills and good study habits. You can work on these through volunteer work. Any volunteer work will do and it doesn't have to be around animals just yet but it would give you a good foundation to find a volunteer position working around animals.
First, go to Happy Hollow Park and Zoo in your city of San Jose. Go to the Human Resources Department and ask about volunteer work. Even if you work in their Puppet Theatre, it will be great experience and you will be there around animals. Since there is no ASPCA in San Jose, you can inquire about volunteering at the City of San José Animal Care Center. I have an idea - why not apply for a paid job at the Petco on Cottle Road ? That would be a great experience for you.
People are not able to tell you the level of ease or difficulty about finding opportunities. It takes some internet searching, foot work and speaking directly to staff at places you'd like opportunities at. You can always ask around at your school about volunteer work as they may know of opportunities that I didn't mention or that are not listed online. Taking the initiative for this and keeping a positive outlook will be in your favor.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
While in high school it's a great time to learn about careers !
Internships are for applicants that have the basic knowledge and skills for a profession and are able to do the work while picking up new information on the job. High School is not the time for this and you won't learn how to be a Veterinarian until you go to Veterinary School years from now.
If you can change your word from Internship to Volunteer Work, you'd have a much more increased chance to hone some skills. Skills you will need as a college undergraduate student. The skills you will need for college are writing, verbal and reading comprehension skills, organizational skills, social skills, presentational skills and good study habits. You can work on these through volunteer work. Any volunteer work will do and it doesn't have to be around animals just yet but it would give you a good foundation to find a volunteer position working around animals.
First, go to Happy Hollow Park and Zoo in your city of San Jose. Go to the Human Resources Department and ask about volunteer work. Even if you work in their Puppet Theatre, it will be great experience and you will be there around animals. Since there is no ASPCA in San Jose, you can inquire about volunteering at the City of San José Animal Care Center. I have an idea - why not apply for a paid job at the Petco on Cottle Road ? That would be a great experience for you.
People are not able to tell you the level of ease or difficulty about finding opportunities. It takes some internet searching, foot work and speaking directly to staff at places you'd like opportunities at. You can always ask around at your school about volunteer work as they may know of opportunities that I didn't mention or that are not listed online. Taking the initiative for this and keeping a positive outlook will be in your favor.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Updated
Paige’s Answer
It can be difficult depending on where you live. Most places require you to at least be 18 due to bite risk. You may be able to volunteer at animal shelters to help out and get in the door of the animal industry.
Updated
Kory’s Answer
Hello Luis my name is Kory! This is a very good question ! I know it says you are in the state of California. I have worked in the state of California as a licensed veterinary technologist. Now I shouldn’t assume here, but I’m assuming you were wanting to pursue a career as a veterinarian or a credentialed, veterinary technician? If this is true, they have many programs out there or hospitals that will take on sort of “apprentices” or persons who are looking to get into the veterinary field. In my experience and again I started out wanting to go to vet school. I am located in the state of New Jersey. They had plenty of programs for someone in high school who wanted a career in veterinary medicine now in my state, It’s not that difficult they actually have a trade school(we have vocational schools per county in New Jersey) That offers animal science 101 anatomy, physiology, behavioral, ETC courses like that. My advice to you would be first and foremost, see if your guidance counselor has any information about seeking a veterinary career. I know some counselors can point you jn the right direction or have information. If not I would contact your local animal hospitals, ASPCA, MSPCA-ANGELL, or even AHAA. A AHAA accredited hospital again in my state I know Veterinary Information Network (VIN/VPN) helped out a lot with people in the same boast as you are in. I believe it is a state by state basis(don’t quote me on that). I am speaking on my experience!! I’ve practiced in 10 different states, I don’t know exactly what you want to pursue in veterinary medicine like I said, a veterinarian or be a vet tech that’s credentialed, but in the meantime I’m going to try to reach out to my resources in California and see if there’s anything in the state for somebody looking to get into the field! I am a board-certified, licensed veterinary technologist in the state of California. I can even reach out to the board of California to see if they have any ideas on veterinarians or vet techs. I hope this helps and again you should be hearing from me if I have any updated information for you.
Talk to your HS guidance counselor
Stopping at your local animal hospitals
Contact nonprofit organizations
Kory recommends the following next steps: