Overview:Altoona Veterinary Hospital is seeking to host Vet Tech Student Externs!Location: 3070 8th St. SW, Altoona, Iowa 50009Hours: We are open full days Monday through Friday (extended hours) and half days on Saturday.About Us: The Altoona Veterinary Hospital doctors and staff are committed to following the highest standard of care in all the veterinary services we offer including wellness care, immunizations, parasite prevention and control, dentistry, surgery, internal medicine, dermatology, imaging, ultrasound, echocardiography, and behavior/nutritional counseling. Fulfilling that commitment begins with our experienced, caring, and knowledgeable medical team at our Altoona-based veterinary clinic.About You: This opportunity is for veterinary technician students currently enrolled in an AVMA accredited Vet Tech program.The Veterinary Technician Extern supports clinical operations by assisting with patient care, performing routine technical tasks, and observing advanced medical procedures under supervision. This role involves direct interaction with veterinary teams, contributing to diagnostic and treatment processes, and gaining practical experience in a professional veterinary setting. Responsibilities:
Assist credentialed veterinary technicians and veterinarians with clinical procedures.
Observe and participate in the care of a variety of medical cases.
Support daily clinical operations, including patient intake, treatment, and discharge.
Collaborate with veterinary team members including assistants, hospital managers, and specialists.
Follow clinical protocols and safety procedures in a veterinary setting.
Participate in mentorship and training sessions to enhance clinical knowledge and skills.
Complete assigned tasks and responsibilities as outlined by the supervising technician or hospital manager.
Provide feedback through a post-externship survey to support program improvement.
Perform other duties as assigned within the nature and level of work.
Qualifications:
Must be currently enrolled in an AVMA CVTEA-accredited Veterinary Technician/Nursing program.
Must be eligible to participate in an externship as part of academic program requirements.
Strong communication and teamwork skills.
Willingness to learn and adapt in a fast-paced clinical environment.
Physical RequirementsAbility to stand for extended periods. Capable of lifting and restraining animals of various sizes. Manual dexterity for handling instruments and performing clinical tasks. Ability to work in a clinical environment with exposure to animals, allergens, and cleaning agents.Reasonable AccommodationsApplicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. If you need a reasonable accommodation in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.