Gain Hands-on Clinical Experience
Externships
YOUR VETERINARY JOURNEY STARTS HERE
EXTERNSHIP & PRECEPTORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Lakefield’s family of hospitals welcomes student externships and preceptorships, which provide hands-on training, mentorship, and management skill development for both students and recent graduates. Lakefield’s core values of Learning, Respect, Fun, WOW Service, and “Do the Right Thing” foster our unique family culture, creating a great learning environment. Our partnership with World Vets and giving-back mindset further demonstrate our practice philosophy.
We believe veterinary practices are as unique as the pets they serve, but the best have one thing in common, they are a labor of love. We share your passion for veterinary medicine and are grateful for the opportunity to work with you!
"I had a wonderful time at Emergency Veterinary Hospital, and it was one of the most productive externships I've had. In clinical year for school, we are rarely allowed to perform surgeries (laceration repairs, learn how to unblock a cat, etc.) unless out on an externship. They guided me in making differential lists and coming up with treatment plans, emphasizing the standard of care. All of the staff were wonderfully supportive, respectful, and professional. There is a notable difference between when I started and at the end of my externship."
"I loved my time spent at Indian Trail Animal Hospital for a two-week externship during my fourth year of vet school. After spending most of the year in the specialty teaching hospital, being able to spend time at a general practice gave me great experience seeing what the day-to-day life is like as a general practitioner. I especially liked seeing the dermatology and surgery cases, and I learned a lot about client communication while shadowing multiple different vets at the practice."
"My externship at Pendleton Veterinary Clinic was absolutely wonderful. I was provided with ample opportunity for hands-on skills (surgery, dentistry, wellness, orthopedics) as well, and all of my questions were answered. The staff showed me new ways of doing things that I had been taught previously, which helped to boost both my understanding and my confidence in veterinary medicine in general. The clinic also showcased an enriching environment full of learning, laughter, and general positivity, as well as putting just the right amount of pressure on to encourage growth and development."
"This externship was a very fun and educational experience. There was a wide variety of cases to be seen on the ER floor, which was a great reflection of how the emergency room works, and it was great to see what high-quality medicine can look like. I was able to practice a lot of physical exams and see a wide variety of discussions that the doctors had among themselves to collaborate on cases, in addition to watching the thorough in-hospital rounds that take place daily."
"I had a wonderful time at Emergency Veterinary Hospital, and it was one of the most productive externships I've had. In clinical year for school, we are rarely allowed to perform surgeries (laceration repairs, learn how to unblock a cat, etc.) unless out on an externship. They guided me in making differential lists and coming up with treatment plans, emphasizing the standard of care. All of the staff were wonderfully supportive, respectful, and professional. There is a notable difference between when I started and at the end of my externship."
"I loved my time spent at Indian Trail Animal Hospital for a two-week externship during my fourth year of vet school. After spending most of the year in the specialty teaching hospital, being able to spend time at a general practice gave me great experience seeing what the day-to-day life is like as a general practitioner. I especially liked seeing the dermatology and surgery cases, and I learned a lot about client communication while shadowing multiple different vets at the practice."
"My externship at Pendleton Veterinary Clinic was absolutely wonderful. I was provided with ample opportunity for hands-on skills (surgery, dentistry, wellness, orthopedics) as well, and all of my questions were answered. The staff showed me new ways of doing things that I had been taught previously, which helped to boost both my understanding and my confidence in veterinary medicine in general. The clinic also showcased an enriching environment full of learning, laughter, and general positivity, as well as putting just the right amount of pressure on to encourage growth and development."
"This externship was a very fun and educational experience. There was a wide variety of cases to be seen on the ER floor, which was a great reflection of how the emergency room works, and it was great to see what high-quality medicine can look like. I was able to practice a lot of physical exams and see a wide variety of discussions that the doctors had among themselves to collaborate on cases, in addition to watching the thorough in-hospital rounds that take place daily."
"I had a wonderful time at Emergency Veterinary Hospital, and it was one of the most productive externships I've had. In clinical year for school, we are rarely allowed to perform surgeries (laceration repairs, learn how to unblock a cat, etc.) unless out on an externship. They guided me in making differential lists and coming up with treatment plans, emphasizing the standard of care. All of the staff were wonderfully supportive, respectful, and professional. There is a notable difference between when I started and at the end of my externship."
"I loved my time spent at Indian Trail Animal Hospital for a two-week externship during my fourth year of vet school. After spending most of the year in the specialty teaching hospital, being able to spend time at a general practice gave me great experience seeing what the day-to-day life is like as a general practitioner. I especially liked seeing the dermatology and surgery cases, and I learned a lot about client communication while shadowing multiple different vets at the practice."
"My externship at Pendleton Veterinary Clinic was absolutely wonderful. I was provided with ample opportunity for hands-on skills (surgery, dentistry, wellness, orthopedics) as well, and all of my questions were answered. The staff showed me new ways of doing things that I had been taught previously, which helped to boost both my understanding and my confidence in veterinary medicine in general. The clinic also showcased an enriching environment full of learning, laughter, and general positivity, as well as putting just the right amount of pressure on to encourage growth and development."
"This externship was a very fun and educational experience. There was a wide variety of cases to be seen on the ER floor, which was a great reflection of how the emergency room works, and it was great to see what high-quality medicine can look like. I was able to practice a lot of physical exams and see a wide variety of discussions that the doctors had among themselves to collaborate on cases, in addition to watching the thorough in-hospital rounds that take place daily."
Real-World Experience. Meaningful Mentorship.
Gain clinical confidence and make lasting connections through a hands-on externship at a Lakefield Veterinary Group hospital.
At Lakefield, externships are more than a glimpse into veterinary practice, they’re an opportunity to step into the day-to-day life of a thriving hospital and build your skills alongside experienced, supportive mentors. From diagnostics and surgery to client communication and practice operations, you’ll be fully immersed in a collaborative environment that values your growth.
With hospitals across 12 states, our externship opportunities span general practice, urgent care, emergency medicine, and specialty services, giving you the flexibility to explore what matters most to you. Start gaining real-world experience while building relationships that can shape your future career.
Meet Our Recruiting Team
