Veterinary Extern - General Practice
Ridgetop Animal Hospital
Job Description
Hands-on learning. Supportive mentors. Scenic views.
Ridgetop Animal Hospital is a thriving AAHA-accredited hospital where you won’t just watch from the sidelines — you’ll be part of the action. Our 6 DVMs, 3 Licensed Veterinary Technicians, and 2 almost-LVTs (taking the VTNE in early 2026) are ready to share their expertise and welcome you into our collaborative, high-energy team.
What You’ll Do:
• Work side-by-side with supervising DVMs on real cases
• Assist or observe advanced soft tissue and orthopedic surgeries (TPLO, CBLO, fracture repair, FHOs, amputations, and more)
• Sharpen your communication skills with our team and clients
What Makes Us Different:
• Fully integrated learning: You’ll be treated as a valued contributor, not “just” an observer.
• Surgical variety: Complex cases and high-volume dentistry (minimum two procedures daily).
• Exotics & backyard poultry: Expand your patient portfolio beyond dogs and cats.
• Mentorship culture: Our Managing DVM has onboarded 4 new grads in the last 5 years, and our tenured LVTs excel at teaching.
• Team spirit: We love what we do — and have fun while doing it!
Tools & Tech:
• In-house radiology with radiologist review
• Traveling ultrasonographer & cardiologist
• IDEXX in-house labs
• Fluid warmers, orthopedic surgical equipment
• AI scribing software, online pharmacy, PetPage app
Location Perks:
• Nestled in Silverdale, WA on the Kitsap Peninsula — suburban charm with breathtaking Olympic Mountain views
• Close to local ER and specialty hospitals (ophthalmology, rehabilitation)
• No weekends, major holidays, or overnights
Bonus Points:
We’ve been AAHA-accredited since 2010, partner with the Kitsap Humane Society, and stay active in our community through fundraisers and outreach.
Ready to grow your skills in a welcoming, high-paced, and fun environment?
Come join us — where learning is constant, mentorship is genuine, and your externship is anything but ordinary.
Most externship experiences at Ridgetop Animal 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.
National Veterinary Associates is a leading global pet care organization united in the love of animals and the people who love them.
At NVA, we’re on a mission to improve the lives of pets and the people who love them. That starts by empowering our care teams. We nurture their growth with resources to practice medicine their way. Our network of 1,000 hospitals connects them to a community of professionals who share their passion so they can learn and grow together. Our national presence enables us to deliver technology and innovations that simplify work and expand care for all. At NVA, we're committed to your professional growth. We support your entire career journey, offering opportunities ranging from mentorship to ownership.
NVA offers a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, a 401k with employer match, and paid time off (including sick time) for all eligible employees. The team can provide more information about compensation and benefits for your specific location during the process. For positions based in Colorado, NVA provides eligible employees with paid sick and safe leave and public health emergency leave in accordance with the requirements of Colorado's Healthy Families and Workplaces Act.
NVA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and any other state or local hiring regulations, we will consider for employment any qualified applicant, including those with arrest and conviction records, in a manner consistent with the applicable regulation.