Hands-On Rural Veterinary Experience

Heritage Vet Partners offers veterinary students a rare opportunity to gain practical experience in rural mixed and large animal medicine. Our externships take place exclusively at livestock-based practices, giving you real-world exposure to the animals, clients, and communities that likely inspired your first vision and interest in veterinary medicine.

Through our nationwide network of nearly 200 veterinarians, you’ll learn alongside experienced practitioners who understand the pace, variety, and impact of rural veterinary practice.

Highlights

• The only veterinary partnership exclusively focused on rural, mixed and large animal practices — a rare opportunity to gain real livestock experience
• Access to a network of nearly 200 veterinarians, representing a wide range of specialties and skills-focused opportunities
• Flexible 2–4-week placements, with housing generally provided in some capacity at every location

About the Program

Externships typically run 2-4 weeks in length, but customized plans are possible. Depending on your stage in veterinary school, some placements can be arranged for course credit, while others are non-credit opportunities — this is worked out directly with your host practice and your school.

Most externships are unpaid, though a limited number of participating practices offer small stipends. Housing is generally provided in some capacity at every location, though exact arrangements vary practice to practice.

Why Heritage Vet Partners

Heritage Vet Partners is building a community of rural veterinary practices dedicated to preserving the rich legacy and culture established within each individual practice. We are partnering with veterinarians to support their businesses while enriching their professional and personal lives. Working together, we are enabling veterinary teams to focus on the needs of their clients today, while identifying the best strategy to support their clients in the future.

Heritage Vet Partners is the only veterinary company exclusively dedicated to supporting rural mixed and large animal practices. Our network includes nearly 200 veterinarians, representing a vast range of expertise and experience in livestock-based medicine — from production animal health to large animal surgery to full-scope mixed practice. Whatever your interests, there’s a good chance one of our partner practices can help you explore it.

How to Apply

• Visit our HVP Externships page to explore participating practices and decide where you’d like to apply.
• Join our Student Network using the Contact Form here — we ask all applicants to complete this before applying.
• Prepare a current resume. Tips: include your expected graduation date, relevant experience (previous externships, vet-related jobs, current clubs and organizations, any awards, honors, or publications)
• Submit your application using the Apply button on this posting.

Before Your Externship Begins

Once you’re matched with a practice, you’ll need to:

• Confirm coverage under the AVMA Student PLIT program
• Complete a confidentiality agreement

Your host practice will coordinate directly with you on scheduling, on-site expectations, and any additional specifics about your placement.

Want to learn more about other student opportunities? Visit https://heritagevetpartners.com/student-programs/