Description
Montrose Veterinary Clinic | Western Slope of Colorado
Explore real-world mixed animal medicine in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.
Montrose Veterinary Clinic welcomes veterinary students interested in a hands-on externship experience in a well-established, high-quality mixed animal practice. Our clinic has served the Western Slope from the same location for over 60 years and offers students meaningful exposure to small animal, large animal, and equine medicine—without the burnout of emergency or overnight duty.
This externship is ideal for students who want true clinical involvement, strong mentorship, and an honest look at mixed animal practice in a supportive environment.
Veterinary student externs work directly with our veterinarians and support staff, gaining practical, supervised experience across a wide variety of cases.
Externship experiences may include:
Assisting with small animal, livestock, and equine examinations
Observing and assisting in soft tissue and orthopedic surgeries
Participation in diagnostic workups, including radiography, ultrasound, and laboratory testing
Exposure to anesthesia, pain management, and hospitalization cases
Client communication, case discussions, and treatment planning
Learning daily workflow, time management, and client relationship building in a mixed practice
We prioritize education over production and encourage questions, case discussions, and skill development.
Externship Structure
Flexible scheduling (2–8 weeks, customizable)
Full-time or part-time options available
Case exposure tailored to student interests (small animal, food animal, equine, or mixed)
One-on-one mentorship with experienced veterinarians
No weekends
No after-hours or emergency duty
What You’ll Gain
Hands-on clinical experience in a true mixed animal setting
Mentorship focused on clinical skills, decision-making, and confidence
Exposure to advanced diagnostics and procedures typically unavailable in student labs
Insight into associate employment and practice ownership pathways
Strong consideration for future associate veterinarian positions
Hospital & Equipment Highlights
Small animal hospitalization with isolation
Large animal surgical suite with cattle chute, horse stocks, and large animal hospitalization
In-house IDEXX lab capabilities plus full-service clinical pathology support
Ultrasound (small animal, equine, and bovine)
Class IV Cutting Edge Laser therapy
Veterinary acupuncture available
Fully digital radiography (small animal, equine, and dental)
Isoflurane anesthesia; most orthopedic and soft tissue surgeries performed in-house
Fully stocked large and small animal pharmacy
AVImark practice management system
Why Choose Montrose Veterinary Clinic?
Learn in a supportive, non-corporate environment
Work alongside a compassionate, experienced team
Practice in a clinic that values education, mentorship, and ethical medicine
Experience life on Colorado’s Western Slope—mountains, outdoor recreation, and a welcoming community
Build relationships that can lead to future employment or ownership opportunities
Requirements
Current student enrolled in an accredited veterinary program
Interest in mixed animal practice (flexible focus based on student goals)
Positive attitude, curiosity, and willingness to learn
Ability to work well within a team environment
Professional communication and respect for clients, staff, and patients
