This externship is designed to provide Veterinary students in their clinical year(s) with experience working with the Monterey Bay Aquarium's diverse group of animals, which includes sea otters, fish, birds, reptiles, amphibians and aquatic invertebrates.  The program seeks to increase the diversity of veterinarians involved in conservation & aquatic animal medicine.

Students will assist veterinary and animal care staff with clinical cases, daily rounds, diagnostic & surgical procedures, participate in necropsies, and clinical pathology, as required.  They will also observe & assist husbandry staff, applied water science technicians, and the sea otter rehabilitation team to facilitate a better understanding of these aspects of animal care at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.  The student is required to prepare and present a case report, literature review, or other topic pertinent to the Aquarium and its conservation programs at the end of the externship.

The work environment includes, but is not limited to, behind the scenes areas and animal habitats as well as office time. It may include work in wet, slippery areas, hot and humid areas, variable temperature and weather conditions. Locations may also vary between Monterey Bay Aquarium, various off-site facilities, and field sites around Monterey Bay.

Eligibility:

Successful Applicants should be:

• Currently enrolled in a veterinary program and in their clinical year(s) of veterinary studies at the time of their stay at the Monterey Bay Aquarium
• In good academic standing
• In good physical shape (able to lift 25kg) and be comfortable working both indoors and outdoors in central coastal, California weather conditions
• We regret that at this time we are unable to accept candidates who are currently living/studying outside the United States

Externship Dates:

Veterinary Externships are offered from March 1 to November 1 of each year. Students should plan to spend two to four weeks at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Priority for choosing time slots is according to rank during the selection process.

Application Period:

• Applications for the Veterinary Externship may be submitted between January 1 and October 1 in the year prior to the planned externship.
• All application materials are due by October 1. (For example, applications for 2026 externships are due by October 1, 2025.) 
• Students will be notified of their acceptance into the program by October 31st, in the year prior to the planned externship.

How to Apply:

• Select “Apply now”
  • Upload your application documents
  • Resume/CV
  • Letter of Interest, which should include:
  • How your selection will help achieve enhanced diversity in the profession
  • What experience you have
  • What you hope to gain from the placement
  • How you heard about the placement
  • Your career goals
• Submit via EMAIL: 2 Letters of Reference

NOTE:  Please have your referees send their letters of reference directly to  vetsvcs@mbayaq.org   

-- Incomplete applications will not be considered --

Questions? Inquiries? Problems?

Contact: Erin Lenihan, Veterinary Services Program Manager

Email: elenihan@mbayaq.org
Phone: 831-648-4875