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Junior Veterinary Internship
In order to give you the best experience in the clinic and to be able to give hands-on experiences to a wider range of individuals, we now offer the Junior Veterinary Internship. These are persons who are not in veterinary school, but who are studying pre-vet medicine and/or aim to get into a veterinary program, or are studying/working as vet nurses/technicians. As a junior vet, you will still get experience in the clinic and nursery; however, with hands-on procedures, preference will be given to veterinary students until you have proved yourself in the clinic to our on-staff veterinarians. Veterinary internship prerequisites: At least 18 years old Can commit to at least one month Currently studying in a pre-veterinary program or working as a vet nurse/technician, or with previous studies in an animal-related field, and aiming to get into a veterinary program. Can provide at least 2 educational/ professional references Can speak fluent English and/ or Spanish Completes a Zoom interview https://www.alturaswildlifesanctuary.org/join-our-team/volunteer/
In order to give you the best experience in the clinic and to be able to give hands-on experiences to a wider range of individuals, we now offer the Junior Veterinary Internship. These are persons who are not in veterinary school, but who are studying pre-vet medicine and/or aim to get into a veterinary program, or are studying/working as vet nurses/technicians. As a junior vet, you will still get experience in the clinic and nursery; however, with hands-on procedures, preference will be given to veterinary students until you have proved yourself in the clinic to our on-staff veterinarians. Veterinary internship prerequisites: At least 18 years old Can commit to at least one month Currently studying in a pre-veterinary program or working as a vet nurse/technician, or with previous studies in an animal-related field, and aiming to get into a veterinary program. Can provide at least 2 educational/ professional references Can speak fluent English and/ or Spanish Completes a Zoom interview https://www.alturaswildlifesanctuary.org/join-our-team/volunteer/
Program Highlights
Gain practical exposure in a veterinary clinic and animal nursery, assisting with daily care and medical support for animals.
Designed for pre-veterinary students, vet nurses, technicians, or individuals planning to enter veterinary school.
Work alongside professional veterinarians and develop foundational clinical skills in a real veterinary environment.
Start with observation and basic tasks, with the possibility of more hands-on procedures as you gain experience and demonstrate your skills.
Build valuable knowledge, references, and practical exposure that strengthens your application for veterinary programs.
Quick Details
- Dominical, Costa Rica
- Summer
- Winter
- Short Term
- Spring
- 1-3 Months
- 3-6 Months
- Fall
- Zoology & Wildlife Sciences
- All Nationalities
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- Dominical, Costa Rica
Types and Subjects
- Fields
- Zoology & Wildlife Sciences
Availability
Years Offered: Year Round
- Summer
- Winter
- Short Term
- Spring
- 1-3 Months
- 3-6 Months
- Fall
Age Requirement
18+
Guidelines
All Nationalities
This Program is also open to Solo, Couples
Starts At
Program Cost Includes
- Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
- All Program Activity Costs
- Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Wifi Costs
Accommodation Options
- Apartment/Flat
- Group living
- Independent living
Qualifications & Experience
- English
- Spanish
Language Skills Required
- University Senior (4th Year)
- University 5th Year or More
- University Junior (3rd Year)
- University Sophomore (2nd Year)
- University Freshman (1st Year)
- Bachelor’s degree
- Master’s degree
- Professional degree
- Doctorate degree
- Some college credit, no degree
- Trade/technical/vocational training
- Associate degree
Accepted Education Levels
Application Procedures
- Online Application
- Phone/Video Interview
Frequently Asked Questions
What activities are included for junior interns at AWS?
All interns in this area will shadow our veterinary staff and assist accordingly. Things you will experience include:
* Medicating sick animals
* Assisting with rehabilitative techniques
* Restraining animals for and assisting with clinical check-ups
* Physiotherapy
* Assisting with surgeries
* Preparing diets
* Assisting with orphan care
* Assisting in feeding/cleaning of sanctuary and rehabilitation animals
* Collecting and providing enrichment
Is Spanish language required to apply?
While Spanish language skills are a definite plus, applicants must be fluent in English in order to qualify.
How many surgeries can interns participate in?
Because it is impossible to predict how many emergencies requiring surgery will occur over the course of your time with AWS, we can’t make any promises as to how many surgeries you will be able to assist with or witness. In order to qualify for assisting with surgery, we will look at how many years of study you have completed, the status of your degree, the complexity of the surgery and your level of competence.
Will interns be involved in fieldwork or outdoor tasks?
While the junior veterinary internship’s primary duties revolve around the clinic, vet interns will be expected to assist throughout the rehabilitation center and sanctuary.
How many participants are accepted per session?
Because of the size of our clinic and the typical workload, we do not accept more than two vet/junior vet interns at any given time.
Will I assist in night duties of orphaned or sick animals?
While this depends on the animals we will be treating during your visit, it is likely that junior vet interns will be asked to feed or medicate sick/orphaned animals throughout the night once a week.
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