Veterinary Technician Student Externship - Buffalo Grove, IL

ABOUT VEG

In 2014, VEG was born with a mission to help people and their pets when they need it most. This meant challenging the status quo and fixing everything that was wrong with the ER experience. Since then, we’ve expanded rapidly, with hospitals nationwide open 24/7, 365 days a year, and created a better emergency experience—not only for people and their pets, but also for everyone who works here—our VEGgies!

At VEG we find a way to say yes to the career you want in veterinary emergency medicine. This means transforming how ER works, from our open-concept hospitals, where you can handle emergency cases of every kind (even exotics!) to our immersive, customer-focused experience, which helps us give people and their pets the care they deserve.

This also means saying yes to creating the greatest experience possible for our VEGgies. Yes to working in an environment where you can find your place and feel valued for the amazing work you do. Yes to having unparalleled opportunities for learning and mentorship so you can grow where you want to go in your career. And yes to making an impact here in ways you never thought possible.

VEG is a 2025 and 2026 certified Great Place to Work®.

THE PROGRAM

At VEG we find a way to say yes to helping future veterinary technicians grow into their potential. Our Veterinary Technician Student Externship Program offers a hands-on, immersive experience in emergency medicine alongside our credentialed emergency veterinary technicians.

You won’t just observe—you’ll engage. You’ll get close to the action, ask questions, try new techniques, and explore everything that excites you about life in the ER. From patient triage to diagnostics to inpatient care, you'll gain exposure to what emergency medicine is really like—and explore whether it’s the future you want to chase. This is your chance to build a strong foundation, get inspired, and be a part of something bigger.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Learn from the top emergency veterinary professionals in the business.

• Pair up with an emergency credentialed veterinary technician for real-time mentoring and on-the-floor learning

• Shadow and assist with triage, outpatient visits, diagnostics, anesthesia, inpatient care, and more

• Practice skills required by your school’s proficiency checklist with mentorship and guidance

• Experience the teamwork, pace, and heart that defines emergency care at VEG

• Explore whether or not being an ER superhero is what you want to do next

WHAT YOU NEED

• Currently enrolled in an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology or nursing program, or a program actively seeking accreditation; this program is only for students, not future veterinarians or veterinary assistants