How long should I stay?

We offer 2-8 week sessions. We strongly recommend a minimum of 4-weeks. Because we have many different departments and a high case load, two weeks will pass by very quickly. Within 2 weeks, you may only be able to spend a few days within each department. However, if you do not have 4 weeks available, we are confident your experience will be positive.

What does a typical schedule look like?

You will be scheduled 5 days a week with a total of 40 hours per week. We will provide you a schedule prior to your arrival. Your schedule will vary between days, nights and weekends.

If a special procedure or surgery is scheduled but you are not scheduled in that department, we are happy to make arrangements for you to observe, participate or switch.

A 4-week externship example: Outpatient Appointments = 5 days, Urgent Care = 5 days, Wellness Center = 2 day, Internal Medicine = 2 days, Surgery/Dentistry = 5, Management = 1

Is this really a hands-on program?

ABSOLUTELY! We want this to be a valuable experience for you! Even if you have not been through clinicals or surgery, we will make sure to tailor the program to your needs. We want you to learn and grow your skills. You will be paired with our senior doctors who are excellent at teaching and sharing their skills & wisdom.

what should I wear?

With the exception of surgery & dentistry, we recommend either business casual attire or scrubs with a white coat. Not all of our DVMs wear their white coat but we feel it’s important for you to set yourself apart from our technical staff.

Are pets allowed in the apartment?

Pets are allowed on occasion, by request only and depending on the guest/pet. Pets will need to be in a crate when you are not in the apartment.

Will I have roommates?

Potentially. Because we want to keep our externship program very hands on, we try to keep it limited to a maximum of 2 people at a time. The apartment has 3 bedrooms with each one having a keypad entry. You will not be sharing a sleeping space, but could be sharing the apartment. We also have a Specialty Internship Program with the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine. This program allows 2 Interns to work at our hospital every other weekend. Those interns will occupy one of the the bedrooms.

Is there an airport close?

Yes, Lambert International Airport is 20 minutes from us. If you are planning to fly in, we are happy to make shuttle arrangements for you. We will also help you navigate travel while you are here should you be without a vehicle.

What’s the difference between the Work experience program and an externship program?

The Work Experience Program is designed specifically for the 1st & 2nd year veterinary student who has not completed clinics. During the Experience Program, you will remain with the same doctor and work their exact schedule for the entire duration of your stay. You will be assisting your doctor as they see patients and working alongside of them & their technician. This is not only a paid veterinary assistant program but it is a great way to learn prior to doing an Externship with us.

During an externship, you will be paired and rotated with several different doctors to give you a broader insight into practicing. As an extern, you will often times be asked to provide your case assessment and treatment recommendations because you are farther along in your clinical studies.

Both programs are very hands on!!!!

How can i reach you?

Feel free to call or email! 314-764-7377 or studentrelations@webstervets.com