An externship experience at NIVES gives students real-life clinical experience in a multi-specialty hospital, and the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills while working alongside experienced clinicians, board-certified specialists and current interns. Hands-on skills that may be practiced or observed include TPR’s, examinations, anesthesia, surgical procedures, catheterization, ultrasound, and other diagnostic procedures as they are available.  
  Most externship experiences range from two to four weeks depending on student and hospital schedules. Veterinary students in their third and fourth years are encouraged to participate in an externship at NIVES, though preference may be given to students in their fourth year of veterinary school.