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ZOOS WITH VETERINARY TECHNICIAN
TEACHING PROGRAMS
Any questions or changes to the
"Teaching Programs" please email Jeanna Lineberger; jlineberger@riverbanks.org
In general, a prospective
extern/intern/preceptor will be performing the same duties as the employed
technician. Most zoos require that certain medical conditions be met. These may
include a negative TB test within the last 6 months, current rabies and tetanus
vaccinations.
Most zoos are not able to provide
monetary support. Room and board are the student's responsibility, but some zoos
may be able to offer assistance in locating housing.
Read a testimonial from an
externship at San Francisco Zoo by
Erin Chancey
DEFINITIONS:
Externship: A supplemental program
for instructing veterinary technician or medical technologist students in
zoo veterinary medicine. The involvement of the student's school is minor;
arrangements are made by the student and the zoo program's director. These
programs serve as an introduction to zoo veterinary medicine.
Preceptorship: A formal,
structured program for instructing veterinary technician or medical technologist
students in zoo veterinary medicine. The zoo program is approved by the
student's veterinary technical/medical technology school. In many cases, the
preceptor's work is graded by the student's supervisor.
Internship: A post-graduate
program for veterinary technicians or medical technologists. These programs
allow interns to utilize knowledge and skills acquired in school and other
veterinary experiences and apply them to zoo veterinary medicine.
| Cape Wildlife Center | | 4011 Main St. (Route 6A) | | Barnstable, MA 02630 | | eml- bmckenna@hsus.org | | phn- 508-362-0111 | | fax- 508-362-0268 | THE CAPE WILDLIFE CENTER The Cape Wildlife Center, a program of the Fund for Animals in partnership with The Humane Society of the United States, is located on a 4.5 acre former horse farm on Flax pond, in Barnstable, Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
The Cape Wildlife Center facility features: • A veterinary clinic for examination, surgery and treatment • A digital X-ray system • An indoor animal ward • A complete commissary for preparing animal diets • Outdoor holding pens and flight pens for acclimation prior to release • A separate on-site living area (dormitory style) for interns and externs that includes 2 bedrooms that accommodate 4 people each, 2 bathrooms, a kitchen and living room. A washer and dryer are available.
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING PROGRAMS AT A GLANCE Internship – The primary emphasis of the internship program is to train undergraduate and graduate students of biology, zoology, ecology, conservation or veterinary medicine in the essentials of wildlife handling, recovery, rehabilitation, and release back to the wild. The term Intern is used in the context of that used in industry and private enterprise.
Externship – The primary emphasis of the extern program is to train senior veterinary students and veterinary technician students in the current techniques of conservation and wildlife medicine. The term extern is used as defined by the AAZV (www.aazv.org )
POTENTIAL DAILY TASKS The following is a list of primary activities that interns may have the chance to participate in: Appropriate handling and restraint of certain species: Such species may include: o Raccoons, skunks, rabbits and / or opossums o Songbirds o Shorebirds, waterfowl and / or wading birds o Seabirds (sea ducks, gulls, pelagic species, etc) o Raptors o Turtles • Observing the physical exam of admitted patients • Rehabilitation and care - husbandry of infant and young mammals, birds and reptiles. • Rehabilitation and care - husbandry of adult mammals, birds, and reptiles • Prerelease conditioning of wildlife patients and raised young • Determining nutritional requirements for admitted patients (kcal requirements)
The following is a list of secondary activities that given time and proper training interns may have the chance to observe or be involved in: • Medical care of admitted wildlife – mammals, birds and reptiles • Determining fluid requirement for admitted patients • Determining drug dosages • Venipuncture • In-house laboratory work (CBC’s, fecals and profiles) • Wildlife digital radiography
The following is a list of primary activities that externs may have the chance to participate in: • Appropriate handling and restraint of certain species: Such species may include: o Raccoons, skunks, rabbits and / or opossums o Songbirds o Shorebirds, waterfowl and / or wading birds o Seabirds (sea ducks, gulls, pelagic species, etc) o Raptors o Turtles • Basic physical exam of admitted patients • Medical care of admitted wildlife – mammals, birds and reptiles o Determining health status o Developing treatment plan Determining fluid requirement Determining drug dosages Determining nutritional requirements for admitted patients (kcal requirements) o Instituting treatment plan
• Venipuncture • In-house laboratory work (CBC’s, fecals and profiles) • Wildlife digital radiography • Rehabilitation and care - husbandry of adult & juvenile mammals, birds, reptiles • Prerelease conditioning of wildlife patients and orphans
All interns and externs are required to participate in daily cleaning, feeding, diet preparation and laundry tasks. In addition it is expected that those living at the Center during their programs will participate in keeping the house clean and neat at all times.
Interns and externs work at least 10 hours each day and receive 2 days off per week scheduled at the discretion of the Staff.
Those seeking academic credit are requested to include appropriate school documentation during their application process. In addition, if there are evaluation forms that need to be filled out after the internship or externship is completed. Those forms must be given to the veterinary director one week prior to the last day of the program.
It is mandatory that anyone handling rabies vector species receive rabies prophylaxis vaccinations. For those interns and externs wanting to work with rabies vector species, proof of vaccination and current titers are required prior to the start of the program. Each applicant must have his or her own medical insurance coverage either personally or through their home institution.
All interns and externs for whom English is a second language are required to supply proof of English competence and comprehension.
HOUSING There is limited on site housing available. The bedrooms are set up dormitory style with 1 to 4 students per room. There will be a $50 ($25 for key deposit, $25 for clean linens) refundable cash deposit required upon arrival. This deposit will be refunded upon return of the key, the return of clean linens and following a room inspection at the end of the stay.
KITCHEN AND LAUNDRY Interns and externs have access to a kitchen with cooking utensils, stove, microwave, and coffee maker but must supply their own food. There is also a separate washer and dryer available to students but they must provide their own detergent.
TRANSPORTATION Interns and externs are required to make their own travel arrangements to and from the Center. During your stay, you should plan to provide your own transportation or rely upon other students for rides. Public transportation is available, but limited, and is most useful for sightseeing rather than grocery shopping. Hyannis is within biking distance.
CAPE COD Cape Cod is an area of Massachusetts that includes beaches, salt marshes, sand dunes, woodlands and lovely ocean-side towns. Barnstable is a rural ocean community, quiet during the off season (late fall through early spring) and bustling with activity during the rest of the year. There is much to do on the Cape from shopping in charming crafts and artisans’ shops to going on whale watches off the coast. While students spend the majority of their time at the Center we do make sure that each student has time off to enjoy the Cape and all it has to offer.
We will make every effort to make your program an experience of learning and enhancement, to expose you to new concepts and ideas and encourage you to share your knowledge with us and with the other students.
REMUNERATION Our internships and externships are unpaid. The opportunities we provide to gain experience in this field are significant. The internship and externship period will be a challenging and memorable experience. Please express your interest and availability clearly during your application process. All applicants will need to have a background check through the Humane Society of the US before being accepted into a program. We thank you, in advance, for your commitment and interest.
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| Cincinnati Zoo | | 3400 Vine Street | | Cincinnati OH 45220 | | eml- volunteers@cincinnatizoo.org | | phn- 513-559-7768 | | web- http://www.cincinnatizoo.org/ | | We offer a summer externship/preceptorship to Veterinary Technician students in their last year of school and internships to graduate students. We have housing available for a very minimum fee and is located across the street from the Zoo. A minimum of a 6 week commitment is required and the candidate will be working M-F from 9-5. The deadline to apply for the summer is March 1. All applicants must have a negative TB test within 3 months of starting, plus a current tetanus shot |
| Dallas Zoo | | A.H. Meadows Animal Healthcare Facility | | 650 South R.L. Thornton Freeway | | Dallas, TX 75203 | | eml- Cathy.Painter@dallaszoo.com | | phn- 214-670-7449 | | fax- 214-670-7409 | We are pleased to announce the return of the veterinary technology externship program at the Dallas Zoo. This program allows the student technician to explore zoo medicine while developing clinical and laboratory skills.
Duties include but are not limited to: Monitoring anesthesia, assisting technicians and veterinarians with procedures, filling prescriptions, maintaining hospital readiness, fecal and urine examinations, treating patients, and animal husbandry. Additionally, each student will be required to complete an individualized project as well as present a topic of interest to an audience of zookeepers.
The extern will find a varied experience that may range from radiographing a snake in the morning to bleeding a rhinoceros in the afternoon. Requirements and Responsibilities
Proof of negative Mantoux TB test within 90 days of start date Students must have completed at least two semesters Minimum of 20 hours per week No salary or stipend is available at this time Students are responsible for room, board, and transportation (we can provide a list of zoo staff with rooms to rent)
Interested applicants should submit a resume, two letters of recommendation and a list of possible start dates a minimum of 60 days before the earliest possible start date. |
| Dolphin Discovery - Hawaii | | Sea Life Park by Dolphin Discovery | | Kalanianaole Hwy #7 | | Waimanalo, HI 96795 | | eml- tlorimor@dolphindiscoveryhawaii.com | | phn- 808-259-2512 | Applicants must have some previous veterinary technician experience. Interns will gain experience working with a huge variety of marine mammals as well as penguins, sea turtles, reef fish, and sea birds. In our veterinary department, interns have the opportunity to assist our veterinary staff with the husbandry and treatment of all animals housed in the Park. Interns also participate and assist with lab procedures, sample processing, and record keeping." INTERN CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS: CANDIDATES MUST: . Be at least 18 years of age. . Be enrolled in or have graduated from a University or College. . Commit to the full internship date period. . Be able to financially support themselves (internships are non-paid, but lunches are included daily). . Have strong swimming skills and physically able to work in in-water interactive programs. . Be comfortable with public speaking. ACCEPTED APPLICANTS MUST: . Commit to the full internship date period. . Attend all required seminars and training courses. . Work within your group to complete a research project/present results at end of internship. . Work with your group to create an environmental enrichment device. . Commit a minimum of 40 hours per week (including nights and weekends). . Submit to random drug tests. APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS: APPLICATION PACKETS MUST INCLUDE: . Application . 2 Letters of recommendation . College transcript(s) (non-official is fine) . Statement of interest . CV or Resume STATEMENT OF INTEREST: Please include a 1-2 page typed statement of interest that explains your reasons for applying, your background information, your interests, and your academic and field related experiences. Also describe your goals and objectives in obtaining a Sea Life Park by Dolphin Discovery internship. SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS: To apply for a Sea Life Park Internship, download the internship application below, complete it in full, attach all required materials, and mail to tlorimor@dolphindiscoveryhawaii.com |
| Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo | | 3411 Sherman Blvd | | Fort Wayne, IN 46808 | | eml- maraiah@kidszoo.org | | phn- 260-427-6815 | | web- http://www.kidszoo.org | | Externship: College students with a long term interest in zoo/wildlife medicine. Students enrolled in an accredited veterinary technology program preferred. Applicants should be available to work at least 30 hrs/week for at least 4 weeks and must be able to work a flexible schedule. A negative tuberculin test within the past year is required. Current rabies, hepatitis B, and tetanus vaccinations are recommended. No stipend or housing provided. |
| Houston Zoo, Inc | | 1513 No. Macgregor | | Houston, TX 77030 | | eml- gfuhrman@houstonzoo.org | | phn- 713-533-6632 | | PRECEPTORSHIP: The Houston Zoo now offers a year-round preceptorship for senior students of veterinary technology interested in zoo medicine. The position is unpaid with flexible start and end dates. The program is a minimum of four weeks; however, length of time will be based on the school’s requirement. The hours of work are M-F 730am-430pm. Housing is not provided, but affordable housing may be available from zoo staff. Students must provide a negative TB test within three months of arrival and will be required to complete forms upon acceptance that will be used for a background check. During the preceptorship, students will be supervised by an RVT and will participate in a variety of animal procedures with veterinary staff. Students should submit in a single package, a cover letter stating why they are interested in the program, a resume and a letter of reference from the Veterinary Technology Program Director. Incomplete applications will not be processed. There are no deadlines for applications; selections will be made after the interview process on a first come first serve basis. |
| Indianapolis Zoo | | Office of Volunteer Services | | 1200 W. Washington Street | | eml- volunteer@indyzoo.com | | phn- 317-630-2041 | | fax- 317-630-5119 | | web- http://www.indyzoo.com/ | | PRECEPTORSHIP/EXTERNSHIP: The vet tech student will perform the duties of a veterinary technician under the direction and supervision of the staff veterinary technicians. Duties include assisting in all aspects of animal diagnostics and treatments, in-house lab work, hospital maintenance, and record keeping. Only Vet Tech students qualify for the Externship/Internship. Minimum term of 4 weeks, but prefer longer. Experience based only, no stipend or housing provided. Current negative TB test required. For application procedures, go to http://www.indyzoo.com/content.aspx?cid=272 |
| John G. Shedd Aquarium | | 1200 South Lake Shore Drive | | Chicage, Illinosis 60605 | | eml- rvanvalkenburg@sheddaquarium.org | | phn- 312-692-3229 | | fax- 312-939-8634 | | web- http://www.sheddaquarium.org | We are currently offering openings in either an internship or externship form.
The John G. Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, IL is home to more than 32,500 animals. Exhibits range from the tropical Amazon with fish, reptiles and monkeys, to Wild Reef, full of coral and sharks to Cold Arctic waters, home of the beluga whales, Pacific white sided dolphins, sea otters and penguins. See our website http://www.sheddaquarium.org/ for more info.
Our Animal Health Department includes in-house Microbiology lab and Environmental Quality lab. Interns/Externs will focus mainly on Clinics and Clinical Pathology but spend time in both the Microbiology and Environmental Quality lab areas.
Requirements: Currently enrolled or post graduate from a Veterinary Technician Program. At least 18 yrs of age Must commit at least 6 weeks 30-40 hours a week Up to date Rabies and Negative TB in last 6 months is recommended
Applications taken on a rolling basis.
Please include available start and end dates.
Applications should include: -Cover letter -Resume -10 Goals hoping to achieve during time at Shedd -Copy of transcripts from Vet Tech Program -3 References and/or letters of recommendation
Please fax or email.
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| Lincoln Park Zoo | | 2001 N. Clark Street | | Chicago IL 60614 | | eml- jpond@lpzoo.org | | phn- 312-742-7211 | | EXTERNSHIP/PRECEPTORSHIP/INTERNSHIP: minimum time commitment is 6-8 weeks; no stipend or housing provided; negative TB test and tetanus vaccination required. Preference is given to preceptors. |
| Louisville Zoological Garden | | P. O. Box 37250 | | Louisville KY 40233 | | eml- Virginia.crossett@loukymetro.org | | phn- 502-459-2181 ex | | PPRECEPTORSHIP/EXTERNSHIP Or INTERNSHIP: prefer time commitment of 8 weeks, negotiable; no stipend or housing provided; negative TB test required; measles and hepatitis B vaccinations suggested. (More Information available here - Precpeptorship/Externship or Internship - See definitions at top of page) |
| Nashville Zoo at Grassmere | | 3777 Nolensville Rd. | | Nashville, TN 37211 | | eml- mjulien@nashvillezoo.org | Nashville zoo at Grassmere sits on 188 acres in the heart of downtown Nashville, TN. We are AZA accredited and our facility houses approximately 260 different species represented by approximately 1600 animals. We participate in a number of SSP’s (species survival plan) including Siamang, African Elephants, Hyacinth Macaws, and Clouded Leopards to name a few. As well as a number of other research and conservation projects such as captive breeding programs for Giant Anteaters, Puerto Rican Crested Toads, Haitian Giant Galliwasps (lizard), and Baird’s Tapirs which help to provide valuable husbandry and medical data to zoos nationwide. Internship: Post-graduate. Minimum 2 month obligation. 40hour/week must have flexible schedule. No stipend or housing provided (affordable housing may be available from zoo staff). Spring/Summer only. Restricted to one position. Requirements: Current negative TB test and tetanus vaccine. Cover letter and resume (including references) along with a letter of interest stating: Why are you interested in this program? What are your main areas of interest in this field (i.e. anesthesia, research, parasitology)? What do you feel you have to contribute to our institution? What do you hope to get out of this program? Upon acceptance intern must complete Nashville Zoo Adult Volunteer Application and Background Check Authorization (both can be found on our website: www.nashvillezoo.org). Duties: Intern will be under the direct supervision of 1 full time veterinarian and 2 full time LVT’s on staff. Intern will assist vet staff with daily tasks such as radiology, anesthesia, in house labwork, collecting and preparing samples for shipment, data entry and filing, hospital maintenance, refilling prescriptions, calculating and administering medications, and assisting with animal diagnostics and treatments. Skills: Applicant should have a positive attitude and work well as a member of a team. Must possess good communication skills, discipline, and the ability to stay focused and level headed under sometimes stressful conditions. But most of all you must have an eagerness and a willingness to learn. Application Deadlines: Spring – February 15 / Summer – April 15 |
| North Carolina Zoological Park | | 4401 Zoo Parkway | | Asheboro, NC 27203 | | eml- Cheryl.Purnell@ncmail.net | | phn- 336-879-7636 | | INTERNSHIP: 6-month duration, 2 students per year. No stipend or housing provided. Must have negative TB test and rabies vaccination series. Hepatitis b vaccine series is also necessary if hands on experience with primates are desired. |
| San Francisco Zoological Gardens | | 1 Zoo Road | | San Francisco, California 94132 | | eml- ellenw@sfzoo.org | | phn- 415-753-7078 | | EXTERNSHIP: The goal of this program is to familiarize senior accredited veterinary technician students with an understanding of Zoo medicine. As an extern, you are required to spend at least one month, but no greater than two months, working full-time at the Zoo Hospital. Generally, the workweek will be Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. You must provide a negative TB test within three months of arrival to our institution. You will also be required to complete two forms that we will provide for doing a background check on you. During your time you will follow the RVTs on rounds, assist in performing laboratory testing, assess cases for review by the veterinarians and RVTs, assist in treatment of animals and performing necropsies and complete a small project or write a case report that is suitable for publishing. No stipend or housing provided. Please submit: a cover letter stating why you are interested in the program, a completed course list (unofficial transcript), your curriculum vitae and three letters of reference. The letters of reference should be individually sealed and signed by the author across the seal of the envelope to assure privacy. Please make sure to compile all of these items and send them in a single package. Incomplete applications will not be processed. Also be sure to specify three different time periods during which you could work and we will do our best to accommodate your request. We do not have deadlines for applications; it is first come first serve. |
| Toledo Zoological Gardens | | PO BOX 140130 | | Toledo, OH 43614 | | eml- april.deiter@toledozoo.org | | phn- 419-385-5721x21 | | INTERNSHIP: Post-graduate internship for a duration of 3 months; housing provided; no stipend; negative TB test (current) required. |
| White Oak Conservation Center | | 67459 Owens Farm Road | | Yulee, Florida 32097 | | eml- csteare@wogilman.com | | phn- 904-225- 3380 | | web- http://www.wogilman.com/ | | INTERNSHIP: Six month program. Two students are accepted each year; stipend and housing provided; Negative TB test required (current). |
| Wildlife Center of Virginia | | P. O. Box 1557 | | Waynesboro, VA 22980 | | eml- lhorne@wildlifecenter.org | | phn- 540-942-9453 | | web- http://www.wildlifecenter.org | The Wildlife Center of Virginia is a non-profit wildlife hospital nestled in the mountains of central Virginia. The Center was founded in 1982 and since then has grown to become one of the nations leading teaching wildlife hospitals. In 2007 The Wildlife Center of Virginia was awarded the National Conservation Achievement Award for an Organization by the National Wildlife Federation. In its history the Center has treated more than 45,000 wild animals, representing over 200 species of native birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibian. At any time there may be from 80 to 250 animals on the premises. Students from all over the United States and abroad have come to the Center to gain skills and experience in treating and caring for numerous wildlife species. The Center itself is a full service veterinary hospital with an onsite laboratory, radiology and surgery suite. The Center also includes a large area of outdoor flight conditioning pens and other rehabilitation enclosures for all native species in Virginia. The Center also provides training classes to those interested in wildlife rehabilitation and includes an environmental education department that travels the state teaching conservation lessons to schools, nature groups, and other organizations. For more information about the Wildlife Center of Virginia please visit our website at www.wildlifecenter.org. The goal of the veterinary technician training program is to provide technicians and tech students a hands-on experience in all aspects of wild animal handling, maintenance, and treatment. Throughout the technician’s time at the Center he or she is taught anatomy, physical restraint, anesthesia, radiography, laboratory analysis, emergency triage, first aid, medications and hospital maintenance. In addition, animal housing requirements, husbandry, and the legal aspects associated with wildlife medicine are learned. Responsibilities- assisting with daily treatments, diagnostics (including radiology, hematology, parasitology and cytology), hospital maintenance, record keeping, surgery prep, animal husbandry and enrichment. Project- depending on the length of stay and credit requirements, the student may be asked to give an informal presentation to the staff on a topic to be decided on by the student and a member of the veterinary staff. Topics may include a case report on a patient they helped treat, information on a common disease seen in patients admitted to the Center, or a short cross training class given to the Center’s staff. Hours- 40 hours per week. Start dates are flexible. Supervision- veterinary staff including 3 veterinarians and 2 LVTs, as well as the rehabilitation staff which includes 4 licensed wildlife rehabilitators. Stipend/Housing- no stipend is given, however housing may be available (no pets). Credit- information can be provided to the student’s school as needed. Application- send resume including cover letter stating dates preferred and three letters of reference by e-mail or postmail. |
| Wildlife Conservation Society | | Bronx Zoo | | 2300 Southern Blvd. | | Bronx, NY 10460 | | eml- ptorres@wcs.org | | phn- 718-220-7103 | | PRECEPTOR/EXTERNSHIP: Qualification requires applicant be a senior veterinary technician student from an accredited veterinary technology program. Please submit two letters of recommendation. Minimum time commitment 30 hours per week for four months. Upon acceptance, applicant will be required to show documentation of up-to-date tetanus vaccination, rabies vaccination series, current negative TB test and proof of health insurance. |
| Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota | | 2530 Dale St. N. | | Roseville, Minnesota 55113 | | eml- tasha@wrcmn.org | | phn- 651-486-9410x10 | Veterinary Technician Externship/Internship: -The Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota (WRC) is the largest wild animal hospital in the country. Last year WRC treated more than 8,200 wild birds and animals. WRC is open seven days a week, 365 days a year, has a staff of 14, and relies greatly on the efforts of more than 500 volunteers. There are three extern positions available from approximately April 15th through July 15th and three positions from approximately July 15th through October 15th. The extern position is 40 hrs a week 5 of the 7days (weekends and holidays included). This externship gives you hands on experience with MN native wild animals. Must have rabies vaccinations done prior to program. Essential functions Assist in the treatment and rehabilitation of injured, orphaned or sick wild birds and animals. Perform a variety of veterinary medical care and support services; provide necessary guidance to volunteers; properly manage and adhere to all WRC medical, safety and training procedures; and maintain high quality standards in medical care, facility maintenance and record keeping. Responsibilities · Admit injured and orphaned animals - respond to members of the public; conduct brief medical assessment; administer emergency treatment as directed by a staff person; complete necessary paperwork; and cage preparation. · Prepare and administer medications, ensure proper diet and caging, maintain proper treatment records and assist volunteers with questions. · Perform hematology, parasitology, lead and other laboratory tests as needed. · Perform radiographs, process results and maintain radiology equipment. · Assist in surgery and anesthesia. · Maintain a clean, organized treatment area and ensure an adequate level of hospital and laboratory supplies. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities/Selection Criteria · Ability to project a positive attitude toward co-workers, supervisor, volunteers and clients. · Ability to provide excellent customer service - in person and on the telephone. · Ability to act decisively while remaining calm and compassionate in sometimes stressful situations. · Ability to work well with other people and as a member of a team. · Knowledge of veterinary medical terminology. · Knowledge of proper restraint and handling of animals. · Willingness to work a flexible schedule. Currently accepting resumes and letters of recommendations for both sessions (3 students accepted for each session). |
| Zoo New England | | 1 Franklin Park Road | | Boston, Massachusetts 02121 | | eml- sokeefe@zoonewengland.com | | phn- 617-989-2047 | | EXTERNSHIP: We currently offer an externship for veterinary technician students who are currently in their last rotation junior year or any rotation senior year in an accredited veterinary technician program. We usually offer these as 5 week rotations during the school year, but summer rotations may be an option. We do not offer a stipend or housing. We require a Negative TB test within the last year and a current Tetanus vaccine. A Rabies vaccine is a plus but not required. |
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