Virginia Equine Imaging
Virginia Equine Imaging offers one to four week externships in which veterinary students (preference given to 4th-year students) are exposed to all phases of the practice and assist veterinarians and technicians in various exams and procedures.
Externships are given on a space-available basis and can be completed in exchange for academic credit. Your performance will be evaluated at the conclusion of your externship.
To attend an externship at VEI, you must have experience handling horses.
Most of our patients are competition-fit equine athletes. To ensure everyone’s safety, all students must be competent in handling large horses. VEI is not the clinic to attend as your first horse handling experience. Your letter of reference should state your level of horse handling expertise.
An apartment with a small kitchen, basic amenities, and a washer and dryer is available at the clinic for externs to stay. Please refer to the section below labeled “Extern FAQ’s” for additional information.
In order to schedule an externship, please email your resume or CV, unofficial transcript, and one letter of recommendation to [email protected] with your preferred date(s). VEI prefers only to have one extern at a time, so dates fill up as early as a year in advance. Please email as soon as possible so that we may accommodate your schedule the best we can.
Extern FAQ’s
“Who is eligible for an externship?” -Veterinary students (preference given to 4th-year students) with equine experience.
“What are your hours of business?” -Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm, however, you may be expected to work outside of typical work hours depending on appointments. We do not see emergencies at our clinic, however, you may be asked to perform a night check for horses staying overnight in the clinic.
“Where will I stay during my externship?” -We do provide housing for our externs. There is a one-bedroom apartment above the clinic with two twin beds, a full bath, small kitchenette with a stove, fridge, and microwave. There is a washer and dryer in-clinic that is available for student use. It is not required of students to stay in the clinic. You may stay with friends or family nearby, we only require that you participate fully in all the daily activities at the clinic.
“Are there weekend responsibilities during the externships?” -During the event season, our doctors may attend competitions. If your stay coincides with a competition, students are welcome to attend as spectators only, provided they have their own accommodations and transportation.
“What will my responsibilities at VEI include?” -Observe and assist in lameness evaluations, including, but not limited to: participating in bone scans, holding and jogging horses, holding plates for radiology, and reading bone scans and MRI images with the doctors, along with other various responsibilities.
“What can I do to best prepare for my stay?” -Review anatomy, joint injection techniques, common athletic injuries, and proper management.
