Student Outreach

Veterinary Assistant Rotating Internship Program:
Whether you’re considering a career as an equine veterinary technician or veterinarian, this well-rounded internship will provide you with the hands-on experience necessary to further your career aspirations. This six-month, full-time, paid internship allows graduates to take the skills they’ve learned in the classroom and apply them in the real world. Assist with surgeries, monitor neo-natal foals, support ambulatory doctors in the field; at Desert Pines Equine, you’ll see it all!

Prerequisites for Acceptance:
Applicants must be graduates of a veterinary technology program or equine, animal science, or pre-veterinary bachelor’s degree program with basic horse husbandry skills and be available to work full-time for the six-month duration of the internship. Interns are responsible for housing, transportation, and general living expenses.

Internship Duration:
Spring Internship: January - June
Fall Internship: July -December

Application Deadline: 
Spring Program - Nov 1
Fall program - April 30

Program Highlights:

  • Extensive orientation to focus on practical skillset development needed to progress in a fast-paced equine veterinary clinic setting. Become familiar with commonly used medical terminology and record-keeping and learn to set up for and assist with various medical procedures.
  • Structured rotation schedule that includes multi-week rotations between day and night shifts. Time will be spent in the field and surgery and in the clinic to assist with hospitalized patients.
  • Continuing education lectures and labs covering topics related to commonly seen cases throughout the internship.
  • A team of experienced licensed veterinary technicians and veterinarians provide continuous oversight and support, including a mid-point evaluation to review intern progress.
  • Exit interview and certificate of completion.

How to Apply:
Submit a letter of intent and resume to humanresources@desertpinesequine.com  before the application deadline. Applications can be submitted year-round and are reviewed upon submission.


Externship Opportunities
Let us share our knowledge and passion for the horse with you by completing an externship at DPE. Under direct supervision, veterinary students will be able to observe and interact during case diagnosis both in the clinic and during ambulatory services. During in clinic rotations, students will participate with patient treatments and care. Given the high percentage of emergency cases at DPE, there is ample opportunity for the student to see and assist with after-hours emergencies. On-site housing allows the student to become fully immersed in the day-to-day activities, learning, supporting the DPE team, and considering if an internship is on the horizon. Applicants interested in an externship are invited to submit a letter of intent and curriculum vitae to Veronica O'Donnell at vodonnell@desertpinesequine.com.


Internship Opportunities
The internship opportunities at Desert Pines Equine have been designed to provide the hands-on learning experience and knowledge-base growth needed by first year veterinarians to become skilled general practitioners or advance into residency programs. We consider our interns an integral part of our practice and our goal is to provide a rewarding educational experience. Interns will rotate with each doctor at Desert Pines Equine every two weeks, until released to see appointments independently. Rotation experience will include providing direct care for hospitalized patients, assisting with or performing surgical procedures, performing or assisting with diagnostic procedures, running anesthesia, and accompanying veterinarians in the field in order to learn a variety of approaches to diagnosis, treatment, and communication. Through the established relationships of our veterinarians with clients, interns will have enhanced opportunities to practice newly acquired skills. In addition, interns will participate in bi-weekly Journal Club/Case presentations, allowing for improved research skills and knowledge.

Internship Benefits

  • Competitive Salary
  • Health & LTD Insurance
  • AVMA Professional Liability Coverage
  • Vacation, sick days & rotating holidays
  • Continuing Education stipend
  • AVMA & AAEP Membership

Internship Requirements for Acceptance

  • Completion in good standing of a DVM or VMD degree at an accredited university.
  • A passing score on the NAVLE.
  • A veterinary license and accreditation to practice in the State of Nevada.
  • All required board tests must be completed by the beginning of internship.

Internship Application Process:
Email information to Veronica O'Donnell at vodonnell@desertpinesequine.com
Required information must be on file prior to October 15. Applicants that have visited and participated in an externship will have an advantage in the selection process.

  1. Letter of Intent addressed to DPE Internship Selection Committee
  2. Curriculum Vitae
  3. Three letters of recommendation addressed to DPE Internship Selection Committee
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