Veterinary Technician Student Externship - Des Moines, IA

ABOUT VEG

In 2014, VEG was born with a mission to help people and their pets when they need it most. This meant challenging the status quo and fixing everything that was wrong with the ER experience. Since then, we’ve expanded rapidly, with hospitals nationwide open 24/7, 365 days a year, and created a better emergency experience—not only for people and their pets, but also for everyone who works here—our VEGgies!

At VEG we find a way to say yes to the career you want in veterinary emergency medicine. This means transforming how ER works, from our open-concept hospitals, where you can handle emergency cases of every kind (even exotics!) to our immersive, customer-focused experience, which helps us give people and their pets the care they deserve.

This also means saying yes to creating the greatest experience possible for our VEGgies. Yes to working in an environment where you can find your place and feel valued for the amazing work you do. Yes to having unparalleled opportunities for learning and mentorship so you can grow where you want to go in your career. And yes to making an impact here in ways you never thought possible.

VEG is a 2025 and 2026 certified Great Place to Work®.

THE PROGRAM

At VEG we find a way to say yes to helping future veterinary technicians grow into their potential. Our Veterinary Technician Student Externship Program offers a hands-on, immersive experience in emergency medicine alongside our credentialed emergency veterinary technicians.

You won’t just observe—you’ll engage. You’ll get close to the action, ask questions, try new techniques, and explore everything that excites you about life in the ER. From patient triage to diagnostics to inpatient care, you'll gain exposure to what emergency medicine is really like—and explore whether it’s the future you want to chase. This is your chance to build a strong foundation, get inspired, and be a part of something bigger.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Learn from the top emergency veterinary professionals in the business.
• Pair up with an emergency credentialed veterinary technician for real-time mentoring and on-the-floor learning
• Shadow and assist with triage, outpatient visits, diagnostics, anesthesia, inpatient care, and more
• Practice skills required by your school’s proficiency checklist with mentorship and guidance
• Experience the teamwork, pace, and heart that defines emergency care at VEG
• Explore whether or not being an ER superhero is what you want to do next

WHAT YOU NEED

• Currently enrolled in an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology or nursing program, or a program actively seeking accreditation; this program is only for students, not future veterinarians or veterinary assistants
• Enrolled in a course that requires externship hours or skills
• Able to start the program within six months of application
• Current rabies vaccination or titer required 
• Ability to stand for prolonged hours, kneel, and work on the floor as well as ability to lift up to 25 kg on own and able to support up to 40 kg with assistance
• Must be willing to work in a noisy environment with strong or unpleasant odors
• Work well in a fast-paced environment with people from all backgrounds and different personality types

WHO YOU ARE

• Empathetic, instinctively taking a people-centric approach, whether supporting your colleagues or making an effort to understand different perspectives
• Have a sense of humility; acknowledging mistakes, sharing credit with others, and lifting up your team’s’ accomplishments
• Feel a strong sense of ownership over your work, taking responsibility for outcomes and staying committed to achieving long-term, impactful results 
• Curious by nature; you ask insightful questions and continuously seek out opportunities to learn and grow your skills and knowledge

HOW WE INVEST IN YOU

• Flexibility: You choose the length of your externship based on your program requirements.
• Location: You pick the VEG hospital that works best for you (based on availability).
• Mentorship: You’ll be supported by a credentialed veterinary technician throughout your externship.
• Immersion: You’ll be fully engaged in the fast-paced, hands-on world of emergency medicine.
• Future opportunities: We love hiring former externs! If you fall in love with VEG, we’ll be the first to help you find a role when you're ready.

Note: This is an unpaid externship opportunity.

DEI

At VEG, diversity is not just a word—it's a strength that fuels innovation and kindness. Our mission is “Helping people and their pets when they need it most.” And we do that better when our VEGgies (employees) feel valued, respected, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. That's why we're devoted to creating an environment that reflects the diverse communities we serve—where different perspectives are not only welcomed but celebrated.

We are focused on providing equitable opportunities for growth, promoting inclusive decision-making, and ensuring that everyone's perspective is considered. Saying yes to VEG means helping us build a culture where your unique experiences and background contribute to a shared vision: being the world’s veterinary emergency company.