Association of Zoo Veterinary Technicians

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.

PROGRAMS: (PDF File)

        CINCINNATI ZOO

3400 Vine Street

Cincinnati OH 45220

513-559-7768

email: volunteers@cincinnatizoo.org

 

 

Contact person - The Volunteer Services Office

EXTERNSHIP/PRECEPTOR/INTERNSHIP: 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

Contact person-Dr. Jan Raines
A.H. Meadows Animal Healthcare Facility
650 South R.L. Thornton Freeway
Dallas, TX 75203
214.670.7409 fax
email: janis.raines@dallascityhall.com

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

 

Education Department Manager

Sea Life Park by Dolphin Discovery

Kalanianaole Hwy #7

Waimanalo, HI  96795

808-259-2512

email: tlorimor@dolphindiscoveryhawaii.com

Contact: Tracie Lorimor

 

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

260-427-6815

email: maraiah@kidszoo.org

Contact person: Maraiah Russell, RVT

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. Further information and application found at www.kidszoo.org

 

 

HOUSTON ZOO, INC.

1513 No. Macgregor
Houston, TX 77030
713-533-6632
email: gfuhrman@houstonzoo.org
Contact person: Grant Fuhrman, RVT
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

Indianapolis IN 46222

317-630-204
Fax 317-630-5119
email: volunteer@indyzoo.com
Contact person - Kristin Kraemer, Manager of Volunteer Services
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

 

 

THE KANSAS CITY ZOO

6800 Zoo Drive

Kansas City, Missouri 64132

816-513-4669

email: Kirk_Suedmeyer@fotzkc.org or AndreaLowery@fotzkc.org

Contact person: Dr. WK Suedmeyer or Andrea Lowery, RVT

EXTERNSHIP: The Kansas City Zoo has 2 positions for students of veterinary technology during the summer months. The positions are unpaid with flexible start and end dates. The hours of work are M-F 8am-5pm with holidays off. Affordable housing may be available from zoo staff. The student(s) will get hands on experience assisting with phlebotomy, catherization, injections, treatments, record keeping, immobilizations, diagnostic testing, and animal restraint with a variety of bird, mammal. and reptile species. You will work in a team of 1 Veterinarian and 1 Registered Veterinary Technician in a fast paced but fun atmosphere. Please send a letter of interest and resume by March 15 each year.

 

 

LINCOLN PARK ZOO

2001 N. Clark Street

Chicago IL 60614

312-742-7211

email: jpond@lpzoo.org

Contact person - Joel Pond

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

502-459-2181 ext 345

email: Virginia.crossett@loukymetro.org

Contact person - Virginia R. Crossett, RVT

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

Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
3777 Nolensville Rd.
Nashville, TN 37211
Contact Person: Melissa Julien LVT
Email: mjulien@nashvillezoo.org

About Us: 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

336-879-7636

email:Cheryl.Purnell@ncmail.net

 

Contact person - Cheryl Purnell, LVT

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

415-753-7078

email: ellenw@sfzoo.org

 

Contact person - Ellen Williams, Hospital Office Manager

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

419-385-5721 x2120

email: april.deiter@toledozoo.org 

 

Contact person April Deiter, LVT

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

904-225- 3380

email: csteare@wogilman.com

 

Contact person - Cyd Shields Teare, MT(ASCP), VT

INTERNSHIP: Six month program. Two students are accepted each year; stipend and housing provided; Negative TB test required (current).

 

 

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION SOCIETY

Bronx Zoo

2300 Southern Blvd.

Bronx, NY 10460

718-220-7103

email: ptorres@wcs.org

 

Contact person - Pamela Manning Torress, Senior Veterinary Technician

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.

 

 

THE WILDLIFE CENTER OF VIRGINIA

P. O. Box 1557

Waynesboro VA 22980

540-942-9453

 

email: lhorne@wildlifecenter.org

Contact person: Leigh-Ann Horne, LVT

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 to lhorne@wildlifecenter.org or by mail to the attention of:

 

 

WILDLIFE REHABILITATION CENTER OF MINNESOTA

2530 Dale St. N.
Roseville, Minnesota 55113
651-486-9410 x 107
email: tasha@wrcmn.org

Contact: Tasha Barnes
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

617-989-2047

 

email: sokeefe@zoonewengland.com

Contact person: Sharon O'Keefe

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.

 Teaching programs on "Hold"

       JACKSONVILLE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS

8605 Zoo Parkway

Jacksonville, Florida 32218

904-757-4463

email: maloyd@JaxZoo.org

Contact person: Deborah Malloy, R.V.T.

INTERNSHIP: Three month internship opportunity available for graduate of accredited program. Applicant responsible for housing. No stipend provided. Zoo requires current negative TB test and letter of recommendation. Please send resume and letter of interest to Deborah Maloy, R.V.T. and Director of Human Resources. Both can be reached at the above address.

 

KNOXVILLE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS

P.O. Box 6040

Knoxville, Tennessee 37914

865-637-5331 x 389

email: jmanrod@knoxville-zoo.org

Contact person: Jennifer Manrod, Intern Coordinator

INTERNSHIP / EXTERNSHIP: The Knoxville Zoological Gardens offers internships and externships to students interested in or are currently pursuing a career as a veterinary technician. Student tasks involve cleaning animal enclosures, record copying, stocking supplies, etc. When veterinary procedures and rounds are scheduled, the intern may accompany the clinic staff to observe. Internships occur in the spring and fall for 14 weeks and in the summer for 12 weeks. No stipend or housing is provided. A negative TB test is required. For more information about the intern program, check out our website at www.knoxville-zoo.org/conservation.htm.

 

Central Park Zoo

830 Fifth Avenue

New York, New York 10021

212-439-6545

email: bleahy@wcs.org

 

Contact person - Berni K. Leahy, LVT

EXTERNSHIP: Two full-time, two-week clinic internships offered per year to qualified students. Only one applicant accepted per term. Intern hours are from 8am to 4pm, Monday through Friday, for two consecutive weeks. Intern works with and is supervised by a senior veterinary technician. No housing or stipend offered. Proof of current negative TB test required. Program is suspended as of 2003.

 

ALASKA SEALIFE CENTER

PO Box 1329

Seward, Alaska 99664

 

800-224-6300 ext. 307

Email - volunteer_intern@alaskasealife.org

 

Contact person - Jenelle Gilding, Internship coordinator

EXTERNSHIP / PRECEPTORSHIP: The Alaska SeaLife Center, a non-profit organization in Seward, Alaska, is accepting applications all year long for our teaching program. There are externship / preceptorship opportunities for veterinary technician students in the Rehabilitation department and Veterinary Services. The Alaska SeaLife Center is dedicated to understanding and maintaining the integrity of the marine ecosystem of Alaska through research, rehabilitation and public education. The Center houses endangered Steller Sea Lions, Harbor seals, marine birds, and several hundred fish and invertebrates typical of the Northern Pacific Ocean system. Activities will include blood and tissue sampling, laboratory procedures, parasitology, anesthesia, surgery, diagnostic imaging (radiology and ultrasound), necropsy, water quality, record keeping, rescue and rehabilitation techniques, husbandry and nutrition of marine animals.   To apply for externship/preceptorship program, individuals need to submit a cover letter, application, resume and 2 sealed letters of reference by the application due date (see website for session due dates).

      SMITHSONIAN NATIONAL ZOOLOGICAL PARK

        On hold till Jan 2011                

National Zoo's Conservation and Research Center
1500 Remount Rd

 Front Royal, VA 22630

(540) 635-0105-Office
Email: AcostaV@si.edu
Contact Person: Veronica Acosta, LVT
EXTERNSHIP/PRECEPTORSHIP/INTERNSHIP: For Veterinary Technician students in their last year in an accredited Veterinary Technology program or certified Veterinary Technicians pursuing a career in zoo medicine. No stipend or housing provided. This position is offered year-round; there are no deadlines. Current tetanus, rabies, and a negative TB test required. The program is at least four weeks; length of time determined by the schools requirements and/or availability. Send a cover letter stating why you want to be in the program, a complete registration form, a resume, 2 letters of recommendation (one being by the director or instructor of the vet tech program), and a course list (unofficial transcript). Please be sure to specify time periods you will be available.

    WOODLAND PARK ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS

      601 North 59th Street

      Seattle, Washington 98103

      206-684-4865

 

      email: linda.moneymaker@zoo.org

      Contact person: Linda L. Moneymaker

      EXTERNSHIP: Three to four week program usually in the spring. Two students accepted per year. Studio apartment available at the hospital frees of charge on a first come basis. No stipend.

       MILWAUKEE COUNTY ZOO

        10001 W. Bluemound Road

        Milwaukee WI 53226

        414-256-5441

        email: mmich@execpc.com

 

        Contact person - Margaret Michaels, RVT

        INTERNSHIP: Suspended through 2003

     TORONTO ZOO (until April 2011)

       361A Old Finch Avenue

       Scarborough, Ontario M1B 5K7

       CANADA

 

       416-392-5979

       email; wnazarewycz@zoo.metrotor.ca

 

       Contact person Wally Nazarewycz, Animal Health Supervisor

       INTERNSHIP: Post-graduate internship for a duration of 3 months; limited stipend & housing provided; negative TB test (current) required.