Externship Application

Applications for Summer 2025 will begin to be accepted January 31st, 2025, please make sure all application materials are submitted by March 1st.

The School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania offers externship opportunities at the Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital, the New Bolton Center Large Animal Hospital, and the Working Dog Center to senior students from other (US) veterinary institutions. Preference is given to students from AVMA Accredited Veterinary Colleges. It is required that applicants complete the equivalent "core" material at their own institution prior to the Penn Rotation(s). Externships are only available in the SPRING SEMESTER, rotations 1 –9 of our school’s schedule. Exceptions include the externships for the Working Dog Center and the Large Animal Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Giving our team flexibility in scheduling (dates and/or desired rotations) will increase the likelihood that we can schedule you for a visit. Your rotation(s) must correspond exactly to our school’s schedule-no exceptions. When requesting a rotation - list first, second, third choices if possible. We will accept students for no more than one (1), Three-week rotations. Although the application portal is open year-round, the Office of Admissions and Student Life will only schedule extern students after we know the clinical scheduling needs of our Penn Vet clinical students.

Extern students are responsible for many aspects of patient care and will be required to provide treatments for hospitalized patients, including weekends. Please be aware that these are participatory externships and not merely “shadowing” experiences. You will be expected to honor and complete your externship commitment and have the ability to read, write and speak in English.

Application Requirements

  • $90 non-refundable Application Fee, due at the time of application.
  • A letter from the Office of the Dean that you are a full-time student, in good academic standing, eligible to enter your senior year.
  • Proof of Health Insurance, either through your University or through Private Health Insurance at least one month prior to your scheduled rotation. You are financially responsible for any medical costs you may incur during your externship.
  • Proof of Liability Insurance, through your home institution, at least one month prior to your scheduled rotation.
  • Proof of pre - exposure rabies vaccination
  • Proof of Flu Vaccine.