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ZOOS WITH VETERINARY TECHNICIAN
TEACHING PROGRAMS
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.
Any questions or changes to the
"Teaching Programs" please email Jeanna Molchan; jmolchan@riverbanks.org
PROGRAMS: (Word
Document) (pdf
File)
ALASKA SEALIFE CENTER
- PO Box 1329
-
- Seward, Alaska 99664
- 800-224-6300 ext. 307
- Email - Theresa_zabala@alaskasealife.org
-
- Contact person - Theresa Zabala, Internship
coordinator
- EXTERNSHIP / PRECEPTORSHIP: The Alaska
SeaLife Center, a non-profit organization in Seward, Alaska, is accepting
applications for our program for the spring/summer of 2004. 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.
CINCINNATI
ZOO
- 3400 Vine Street
- Cincinnati OH 45220
- 513-559-7768
- email: volunteers@cincinnatizoo.org
-
-
- Contact person - The Volunteer Services
Office
- EXTERNSHIP: Veterinary Technician students in
their last year of school. Non-paid and last about 6 weeks during summer
months. We have free housing available (first-come first-served). The
deadline to apply for summer is March 1. All interns must have a negative TB
test within the last year, plus a current tetanus shot.
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)
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
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.
Smithsonian National Zoological Park
Smithsonian National Zoological
Park
Department of Animal Health
1111 N. Capitol St , NE MRC 5502
Washington, D.C. 20560
(202) 633-3184-Office
(202) 673-4733-Fax
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.
TOLEDO ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS
- PO BOX 140130
- Toledo, OH 43614
- 419-385-5721 x2120
- email; debbie.paperd@toledozoo.org
-
Contact person Debbie Paperd
INTERNSHIP: Post-graduate internship for a
duration of 3 months; limited stipend & housing provided; negative TB test
(current) required.
TORONTO ZOO
- 361A Old Finch Avenue
- Scarborough, Ontario M1B 5K7
- CANADA
-
- 416-392-5979
- email; wnazarewycz@zoo.metrotor.on.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.
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: vettech@wildlifecenter.org
- Contact person:
- PRECEPTORSHIP/INTERNSHIP: - The Wild life
Center of VA offers both internships of graduates and preceptorships for
veterinary technician students. Length of time based on needs and
expectations of the AVMA school's requirement for the student and the
center. There is no stipend offered. Housing is provided if needed (no
pets).
Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota
2530 Dale St. N.
Roseville, Minnesota 55113
651-486-9410 x 107
email: jill@wrcmn.org
Contact Jill Bruneau
Veterinary Technician Externship: -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.
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.
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.
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 through 2003, resumes 2004.
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