Veterinary Extern - General Practice

Job Description

Deerfield Animal Care Center is a small animal practice located close to the North Shore of Chicago. We are primarily feline and canine and will occasionally see exotics. We offer spay, neuter, and dental procedures weekly. We also offer a variety of soft tissue surgeries, such as mass removals. We have ultrasound, radiology, kennel areas (your pet is welcome here while you work!), as well as a large breakroom and doctor's office.


We have ultrasound, in-house lab suite (procyte dx, catalyst 1, IDEXX vet lab UA, IDEXX sedivue DX, IDEXX snap pro, IDEXX coag DX) new digital radiography, dental and surgical suites.

At our hospital, veterinary students and new graduates are welcomed into a supportive, hands-on learning environment guided by a team of compassionate doctors trained in internal medicine, general practice, and integrative medicine. Our veterinarians are passionate about sharing their knowledge, mentoring future colleagues, and helping each learner gain confidence in clinical decision-making and client communication. As a practice in a season of growth and renewal, we value collaboration, accountability, and curiosity-qualities that drive both personal and professional development. We take pride in caring for pets through every life stage and in teaching clients how to do the same, always maintaining a culture of respect, integrity, and teamwork. Together, we're building not just a stronger hospital, but a brighter future for our patients, clients, and the veterinary profession.

Our hospital is nestled in the vibrant, family-friendly community of Deerfield, where small-town charm meets suburban convenience. The area is filled with great restaurants, cozy coffee shops, and plenty of walking and biking paths perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. We're just 15 minutes from the shores of Lake Michigan and a quick drive to Ravinia-the renowned open-air music venue that hosts artists and world-class performances, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, in a relaxed, picnic-style setting. Whether you're in the mood for a city adventure or a peaceful weekend getaway, we're only 30 minutes from downtown Chicago, 40 minutes from the Chain O'Lakes, and about an hour from Milwaukee. It's an ideal spot for anyone who loves variety-urban energy, natural beauty, and a strong sense of community all in one place. Come extern with us - we are excited to have you!!


Externships range from two to eight weeks, depending on student and hospital schedules. We offer externships to 3rd and 4th year veterinary students.

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.