Vet Tech Internship

Company: Nashville Zoo
Location: Nashville
Posted on: April 2, 2026

Job Description:

Position Title: Vet Tech Internship Department: Veterinary Supervisor: Director of Animal Health Duration: Minimum of 6 weeks, up to length of semester The Nashville Zoo Veterinary Department is offering an externship for students currently enrolled to be Licensed Veterinary Technicians working towards a career in exotic animal medicine. This externship is offered for 8 to 10 weeks in the summer, more specifically from June to August. Purpose The Veterinary Technician extern assists in every aspect of the medical care of the Nashville Zoo animal collection including procedures, assessing samples collected during procedures and animal husbandry of animals in the care of the veterinary department. Key Responsibilities –Work with three full-time veterinarians, three full time licensed veterinary technicians, and two full-time hospital keepers. -Assist with monitoring on anesthetized animals using pulse oximetry, EKG, blood pressure, and blood gas machines, and to recognize normal and abnormal values. -Assist veterinary staff in recognizing and correcting animal medical emergencies -Assist with intensive care for critical animals under the direction of the veterinary staff -Learn animal handling techniques of exotic animals to assist veterinarians and keepers in administering treatments -Understand and perform, setup, use and cleaning procedures for all medical equipment and instruments utilized by the veterinarians -Provide backup laboratory support for medical technicians, including hematology, parasitology, and microbiology -Assist veterinarians or pathologist in basic necropsy procedures and sample collection -Assist with day to day operations of the zoo’s medical procedures including preventative and emergency care including examinations, clinical procedures, surgery and necropsy. -Assist with tasks that keep the hospital function smoothly including stocking of medical supplies, wrapping surgical equipment, and maintaining the cleanliness of the hospital. -Assist with animal husbandry of hospitalized patients and quarantine animals as needed. -Responsible for presenting a 30-60 minute presentation towards the end of their externship to the animal care staff on either a current, pertinent topic or on a research project performed by the student. Qualifications - Must be currently enrolled in an accredited Veterinary Technician program. - Internship requires a minimum commitment of 40 hours - Applicants for this position must submit an Application Packet and are required to submit to a criminal background check as well as show recent proof of a current TB test. Desired Skills - Ability to perform duties without direct supervision - Ability to function as a team with both paid and volunteer staff - Ability to follow both oral and written direction - Ability to adhere to the schedule agreed upon - Ability to interact positively with the public, especially to give them information about the animals and the zoo - Ability to responsibly use and maintain zoo equipment and tools - Willingness to work with a large variety of animals - Ability to lift 30 pounds - Ability to perform duties outdoors in all weather conditions, as needed Benefits to Intern - Gain professional, hands-on experience at an AZA accredited Zoo - Meet new and exciting people - Gaining knowledge of Nashville Zoo’s history - Ambassador for animal and conservation education - Sense of pride in community resource - Enhance personal creativity and portfolio - Volunteer hours for organizational benefits - Letters of reference for future job opportunities. Note: Nashville Zoo Externships are unpaid . We are, however, able to provide onsite housing. We are not able to provide reimbursement for travel expenses. Academic requirements for institution credit are the responsibility of the student intern to fulfill. Nashville Zoo will make every effort to support the student in their academic goals as they relate to the internship position outlined in the provided position description. Please Note: Due to strict animal husbandry guidelines and safety issues, there is no animal contact or inside exhibit work with the animals in the Zoo. Remember, this is for their safety and well-being as well as yours. Submission Details: *Internship Application *Resume *Cover letter explaining: Applicant’s career goals and how this internship will help achieve those goals - Relevant skills, activities, experience and/or classes - School requirements for internship credit (if applicable) - Start and end dates, and days of availability We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. ABOUT NASHVILLE ZOO Nashville Zoo is a 200-acre institution accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) whose mission is to inspire a culture of understanding and discovery of our natural world through conservation, innovation and leadership. Located in the heart of Nashville, the zoo has an extensive animal collection and attracts more than one million visitors annually, as well as serving a diverse community through outreach programs within greater Nashville and mid-Tennessee. For more information, visit www.nashvillezoo.org Nashville Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace. Weekend, holiday, and some evening work may be required

Keywords: Nashville Zoo, Nashville , Vet Tech Internship, Science, Research & Development , Nashville, Tennessee