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 Animal 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. Hands-on skills that will be practiced include TPR’s, examinations, anesthesia, surgical procedures, catheterization, ultrasound, and other diagnostic procedures as available.    Student externs operate like graduated doctors. We allow them primary case responsibility. They perform their own surgeries and conduct all communication with clients as demonstrated they are ready. Students work alongside experienced ER doctors. This externship is a special opportunity to operate as a graduate veterinarian while still under the supervision of a mentoring vet.   Most externship experiences at Animal Emergency Hospital range from two to eight weeks depending on student and hospital schedules. All DVM 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.