Description & Requirements

Botetourt Veterinary Hospital is nestled within the valley of the Blue Ridge Mountains, a gorgeous stretch of the Appalachian Trail through Botetourt County. We have been a staple in the community for over 60 years and have serviced the needs of the area as it has blossomed and grown. As a team, we promote compassion, integrity, and respect. Our hospital practices high-quality medicine with a focus on individualized patient care, client communication, and client education. We utilize 30-minute appointments to allow for education and provide that personal touch we enjoy extending to our clients. There is an emergency clinic within a 20-minute drive and 2 local urgent cares, so we have no on-call duties. We have reduced Saturday hours, but our doctors rotate them so there is no more than one per month. We are committed to our team's well-being and strive to help them find their balance. Some of our services include ultrasound, digital radiograph, dental care & radiography, soft tissue surgery, hospitalization, acupuncture, laser therapy, and in-house laboratory services.

Students will work closely with the supervising veterinarian to gain experience in gathering patient histories, performing physical exams, creation of treatment plans, diagnostics, dentistry services, observing/assisting or performing surgical procedures, and medical management of patients. In addition to practicing their clinical skills, student externs will have the opportunity to practice their communication skills with the medical team, support staff, and clients.

Most externship experiences range from two to eight weeks depending on student and hospital schedules. All veterinary students (regardless of class year) are encouraged to participate in NVA externships.

Veterinary students who are in the clinical portion of their education are eligible for a travel/living expense stipend. Click HERE to view list of stipend amounts and HERE for details on the stipend program.