VETERINAY EXTERNSHIPS & PRECEPTORSHIPS
Nashville Zoo Veterinary Department is offering an internship for 4th-year Veterinary School Students working towards a career in zoo and wildlife medicine. This internship is offered year-round based on availability.
Purpose
The Veterinary Intern assists in every aspect of the medical care of the Nashville Zoo’s animals, including veterinary procedures, clinical lab work, and care of hospitalized or quarantined animals.
Key Responsibilities
-Work with the veterinary team, including two staff veterinarians, a veterinary intern, three licensed veterinary technicians, and two hospital keepers.
-Assist with day to day operations of the zoo’s medical procedures including preventative and emergency care including examinations, clinical procedures, surgery, and necropsy.
-Assist doctors in keeping thorough records of all medical cases and procedures.
-Assist with animal husbandry (cleaning, feeding, and medicating) of hospitalized patients and quarantine animals.
-Provide laboratory support for veterinary medical technicians, including learning about and aiding in hematology, parasitology, and cytology.
-Research and plan for upcoming and current cases. Contribute to discussion in morning and afternoon rounds regarding case planning.
-Participate in weekly journal club with Nashville Zoo and University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine staff
-Assist with tasks that keep the hospital functioning smoothly including stocking of medical supplies, wrapping surgical equipment, and maintaining the cleanliness of the hospital.
-Present a 30-minute presentation towards the end of the externship to the animal care staff on either a pertinent current topic or on a research project undertaken by the student.
Reporting Relationships and Supervision
Dr. Louden Wright, Associate Veterinarian
Duration
Minimum of 4 weeks, 6-8 weeks preferred
Qualifications
- Must be enrolled in 4th year (or clinical year) of Veterinary School
- Internship requires a minimum commitment of 40 hours/week
- Applicants for this position must submit a complete application and are required to submit to a criminal background check as well as show recent proof of a negative TB test within the last year.
Desired Skills
- Ability to perform duties without direct supervision
- Ability to function as a team with both paid and volunteer staff
- Ability to follow both oral and written direction
- Ability to adhere to the schedule agreed upon
- Ability to interact positively with the public, especially to give them information about the animals and the zoo
- Ability to responsibly use and maintain zoo equipment and tools
- Willingness to work with a large variety of animals
- Ability to lift 30 pounds
- Ability to perform duties outdoors in all weather conditions, as needed
Benefits to Intern
- Gain professional, hands-on experience at an AZA-accredited Zoo
- Work in a state-of-the-art 24,000sqft veterinary facility with specialists in zoological medicine
- Gaining experience working with a wide variety of zoological species
- Ambassador for animal and conservation education
- Sense of pride in community resource
- Enhance personal creativity and portfolio
- Volunteer hours for organizational benefits
- Letters of reference for future job opportunities
Note: Nashville Zoo Internships are unpaid. We are unable to provide reimbursement for travel expenses. Basic housing is available for externs at the veterinary hospital, subject to availability and staff approval. Academic requirements for institution credit are the responsibility of the preceptor/extern to fulfill. Nashville Zoo will make every effort to support the student in their academic goals as they relate to the position outlined in the provided description.
You will need to include the following:
1. Cover letter stating your interest in zoological/wildlife medicine. Should also include dates available and whether externship will need to count for course credit.
2. Curriculum vitae
3. Two or more professional references with contact information
ABOUT NASHVILLE ZOO
Nashville Zoo is a 200-acre institution accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) whose mission is to inspire a culture of understanding and discovery of our natural world through conservation, innovation and leadership. Located in the heart of Nashville, the zoo has an extensive animal collection and attracts more than one million visitors annually, as well as serving a diverse community through outreach programs within greater Nashville and mid-Tennessee. For more information, visit www.nashvillezoo.org
