Veterinary Extern - General Practice

Job Description

Located in Metairie, Louisiana, just minutes from the heart of New Orleans, Metairie Small Animal Hospital offers the unique opportunity to practice high-quality medicine while enjoying all the culture, food, music, and history that make the New Orleans area such a special place to live and work.

Since 1946, Metairie Small Animal Hospital has been a trusted leader in veterinary care, combining a nearly 80-year legacy of excellence with advanced technology, a diverse caseload, and a collaborative team environment. Our doctors provide comprehensive wellness, preventive, medical, surgical, dental, and urgent care services while also having access to advanced resources including CT, ultrasound, cardiology, oncology, ophthalmology, laser therapy, and an extensive in-house diagnostic laboratory to support the best possible outcomes for patients.

An externship at Metairie Small Animal Hospital provides veterinary students with a unique opportunity to gain valuable hands-on clinical experience while learning the day-to-day operations of a progressive, high-quality veterinary practice. As part of the NVA network, students will experience a supportive environment committed to exceptional medicine and outstanding client service.

During the externship, students work closely with our veterinarians to develop their clinical skills through activities such as:

• Gathering patient histories and performing physical examinations
• Developing diagnostic and treatment plans
• Participating in diagnostic procedures and case management
• Gaining experience in dentistry services
• Observing, assisting with, and when appropriate, performing surgical procedures
• Managing medical cases alongside experienced veterinarians
• Enhancing communication skills with clients, veterinarians, and support staff

Beyond clinical training, externs are immersed in a collaborative culture that emphasizes mentorship, continuous learning, and professional growth. Students will have the opportunity to work alongside experienced colleagues, explore areas of veterinary medicine that interest them most, and build meaningful relationships with clients, patients, and the community.

Most externship experiences range from two to eight weeks, depending on student and hospital scheduling needs. This program is designed for third- and fourth-year veterinary students seeking real-world experience in a busy, full-service small animal hospital.

Join us at Metairie Small Animal Hospital and discover what it means to practice exceptional medicine while experiencing the unique charm and vibrant culture of the New Orleans area.

Veterinary students who are in the clinical portion of their education are eligible for a travel/living expense stipend. Click HERE to view list of stipend amounts and HERE for details on the stipend program.


National Veterinary Associates (NVA) is a leading North American pet health care company with nearly 1,300 locations spanning general practice veterinary hospitals, Ethos emergency and specialty hospitals, and pet resorts and equine veterinary care. With approximately 40,000 team members, we care for pets and support pet families in communities across the United States and Canada. Our purpose is to give pets and the people who love them more quality years together, and our mission is to make care more personal, easy and accessible while advancing medicine and care across every stage of life. Across NVA, we support our teams with the resources, expertise and opportunities they need to deliver exceptional care and help shape the future of veterinary and pet care.

Purpose : Give pets and the people who love them more quality years together

Mission : Transform the pet family experience to be personal, easy and accessible, while advancing medicine and care across every stage of life.


Values : Care Deeply, Do What's Right, One Team, Own It, Shape What's Next


One NVA: Bringing General Practice & Ethos Together

NVA is built to make care personal, easy and accessible, while advancing medicine across every stage of a pet's life.


At National Veterinary Associates, we want to make sure your experience connecting with us is seamless and straightforward. Here's what to expect when interacting with us:

- We'll always reach out via verified LinkedIn profiles or emails ending in @nva.com

- We may also contact you via text message from an identified NVA representative for recruiting-related communication

- All job opportunities and applications are hosted on our official careers site: careers.nva.com

- There is no cost or confidential information required to apply or be considered for a position

If you have any doubts about a communication, feel free to visit our careers page to verify authenticity or email us at View email address on click.appcast.io. Thank you for exploring opportunities at NVA!

NVA offers a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, a 401k with employer match, and paid time off (including sick time) for all eligible employees. The team can provide more information about compensation and benefits for your specific location during the process. For positions based in Colorado, NVA provides eligible employees with paid sick and safe leave and public health emergency leave in accordance with the requirements of Colorado's Healthy Families and Workplaces Act.

NVA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and any other state or local hiring regulations, we will consider for employment any qualified applicant, including those with arrest and conviction records, in a manner consistent with the applicable regulation.