Although every NVA hospital is unique, we all have some things in common: an environment that is supportive, committed to excellent medicine, and provides exceptional service to animals and the people who love them. 
An externship experience at an NVA Compassion-First Emergency Hospital gives students real-life clinical experience in an emergency and critical care setting, and the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills while working alongside experienced clinicians, criticalists (site dependent), and/or current interns and residents. Hands-on skills that may be practiced or observed include TPR’s, examinations, anesthesia, surgical procedures, catheterization, ultrasound, and other diagnostic procedures as available. 
Most externship experiences at Animal Emergency & Specialty Center - Poulsbo 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, though preference may be given to students in their final year(s) of veterinary school.