Mixed Animal Externship

Montrose Veterinary Clinic | Western Slope of Colorado

Explore real-world mixed animal medicine in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.

Montrose Veterinary Clinic welcomes veterinary students interested in a hands‑on externship experience in a well‑established, high‑quality mixed animal practice. Our clinic has served the Western Slope from the same location for over 60 years and offers students meaningful exposure to small animal, large animal, and equine medicine—without the burnout of emergency or overnight duty.

This externship is ideal for students who want true clinical involvement, strong mentorship, and an honest look at mixed animal practice in a supportive environment.

Veterinary student externs work directly with our veterinarians and support staff, gaining practical, supervised experience across a wide variety of cases.

Externship experiences may include:

• Assisting with small animal, livestock, and equine examinations
• Observing and assisting in soft tissue and orthopedic surgeries
• Participation in diagnostic workups, including radiography, ultrasound, and laboratory testing
• Exposure to anesthesia, pain management, and hospitalization cases
• Client communication, case discussions, and treatment planning
• Learning daily workflow, time management, and client relationship building in a mixed practice

We prioritize education over production and encourage questions, case discussions, and skill development.

• Flexible scheduling (2–8 weeks, customizable)
• Full-time or part-time options available
• Case exposure tailored to student interests (small animal, food animal, equine, or mixed)
• One‑on‑one mentorship with experienced veterinarians
• No weekends
• No after‑hours or emergency duty

• Hands‑on clinical experience in a true mixed animal setting
• Mentorship focused on clinical skills, decision‑making, and confidence
• Exposure to advanced diagnostics and procedures typically unavailable in student labs
• Insight into associate employment and practice ownership pathways
• Strong consideration for future associate veterinarian positions

• Small animal hospitalization with isolation
• Large animal surgical suite with cattle chute, horse stocks, and large animal hospitalization
• In‑house IDEXX lab capabilities plus full‑service clinical pathology support
• Ultrasound (small animal, equine, and bovine)
• Class IV Cutting Edge Laser therapy
• Veterinary acupuncture available
• Fully digital radiography (small animal, equine, and dental)
• Isoflurane anesthesia; most orthopedic and soft tissue surgeries performed in‑house
• Fully stocked large and small animal pharmacy
• AVImark practice management system

• Learn in a supportive, non‑corporate environment
• Work alongside a compassionate, experienced team
• Practice in a clinic that values education, mentorship, and ethical medicine
• Experience life on Colorado’s Western Slope—mountains, outdoor recreation, and a welcoming community
• Build relationships that can lead to future employment or ownership opportunities

• Current student enrolled in an accredited veterinary program
• Interest in mixed animal practice (flexible focus based on student goals)
• Positive attitude, curiosity, and willingness to learn
• Ability to work well within a team environment
• Professional communication and respect for clients, staff, and patients