The Aquarium of the Pacific offers 4 externships/preceptorships in the veterinary services department for 3rd and 4th year veterinary students. Each position is a minimum of 3 weeks and a maximum of 6 weeks depending on the student's availability. Accepted students will train under the supervision of the veterinary and husbandry staff during administration of the facilities preventative animal health care program and any current medical cases. Students will be expected to develop and present a case report or review of an applicable topic in aquatic medicine to the aquarium staff.

The Aquarium of the Pacific’s animal collection of approximately 11,500 animals consists of pinnipeds, sea otters, marine birds, psittacine birds, raptors, reptiles, amphibians, marine fish, and invertebrates. The majority of cases presented are fish and birds. The veterinary staff consists of one full time veterinarian and veterinary technician.

Veterinary students in the clinical years of a veterinary degree (typically 3rd or 4th year).

Positions are available January - February, March - April, August - September and November - December.

Applicants must indicate which time period(s) they are available, highest ranked applicants for each time period will be selected.

The deadline for applications is October 31 of the academic year prior to externship (example: October 31, 2009 is the deadline for positions May 2010–April 2011). Applicants will be notified of acceptance by November 31.

Download an application form from http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/downloads/vol_vetapp.pdf.

A completed application form, and the following, must be submitted by October 31 of each year (for an externship the following year):

1. Proof of enrollment in a college or school of veterinary medicine with 2 years completed, and a GPA of 3.0 or higher (official transcript required).
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Letter of intent that details pertinent past experience and training in aquatic animal medicine, reason for pursuing aquatic animal training, future goals, and prioritized available time periods.
4. Letter of recommendation from a professor or veterinarian supporting the students’ academic professionalism and demonstrated interest in aquatic animal medicine.

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Contact: Shannon Penna