Veterinary Technician Student Externship - Texas State Aquarium

The Texas State Aquarium provides an exciting opportunity for veterinary technician students to work in our Animal Health Department. Veterinary tech externs will work closely with the Texas State Aquarium’s veterinary staff, which includes a Director of Animal Health, an Associate Veterinarian, and two licensed veterinary technicians. The Texas State Aquarium, located on the Corpus Christi waterfront, is an AZA-accredited facility that focuses on species found in the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea. The animal collection consists largely of aquatic species but also includes terrestrial birds, reptiles, amphibians, and a few terrestrial mammals. The Wildlife Rescue Center operated by the aquarium serves to rehabilitate mostly sea turtles and on occasion marine mammals.

Program Description: The technician externship program at Texas State Aquarium is designed to introduce veterinary technician students to all aspects of aquatic animal medicine. Externships are offered from January to May of each year. Students should plan to spend 3-6 weeks at the Texas State Aquarium. The number of available positions will depend on the externship length for each student that year. Externship applications are accepted on a rolling basis for each year until slots are filled, and qualified applicants are scheduled based on the extern’s schedule as well as staff availability. The extern’s schedule will generally be Monday through Friday, 8a-5p, but there may be times when procedures will be scheduled outside of these hours. Students spending 4+ weeks will be allowed to shadow other husbandry departments and be required to give a 30-minute PowerPoint presentation on the topic of their choice.

The veterinary technician externship program is open to students that are currently enrolled in an AVMA-accredited veterinary technician/technology program at the time of their stay at the Texas State Aquarium. Preference will be given to those with previous experience in exotic, zoo, aquatic, or wildlife rehabilitation medicine, and/or those who are interested in pursuing a related field post-graduation.

There is currently no stipend available for this position. All candidates are expected to find their own accommodation and transportation. Parking at the aquarium is provided.

Positions are available from January to May 2027. Applicants will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

How to apply:

Applicants are required to submit the following:

• • Curriculum vitae/resume

• • Letter of intent reflecting the applicant’s externship goals, future career goals and any prior zoo/aquatic/exotic experience

• • 1 reference

• • 3 sets of available dates in order of preference during the period between Jan-May 2027

For additional questions or inquiries, please e-mail to vet@txstateaq.org

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IAAAM is happy to share opportunities relevant to the aquatic animal medicine community. Please note that we are not the hiring institution and cannot provide additional information regarding the position. For questions about the role, salary, qualifications, or application process, please contact the organization directly.

Veterinary Student Externship - Texas State Aquarium

The Texas State Aquarium (TSA) provides an exciting opportunity for veterinary students to gain experience in clinical medicine and rescue/rehabilitation medicine of aquatic species. The Texas State Aquarium, located on the Corpus Christi waterfront, is an AZA-accredited facility that focuses on species found in the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea. The animal collection consists largely of aquatic species but also includes terrestrial birds, reptiles, amphibians, and a few terrestrial mammals. The Wildlife Rescue Center operated by the aquarium serves to rehabilitate mostly sea turtles and on occasion marine mammals.

Veterinary externs will work closely with the TSA’s veterinary staff, which includes two full-time veterinarians and two licensed veterinary technicians, in the medical management of a large captive display collection, as well as stranded animals presenting to the wildlife rescue center. The extern’s schedule will generally be Monday through Friday, 8a-5p, but there may be times when procedures will be scheduled outside of these hours depending on the medical needs of the collection or rescue program. Students should be flexible if asked to help on the weekend.

The veterinary student externship program is open to students that will be in their 3rd, or more preferably, 4th year of veterinary school at the time of their stay at TSA. Each position is a minimum of 2 weeks and a maximum of 4 weeks depending on the student's availability. The number of available positions will depend on the externship length for each student that year. Preference will be given to those with previous experience in aquatic animal medicine and/or those interested in pursuing a related field post-graduation. There is currently no stipend available for this position. All candidates are expected to find their own accommodation and transportation. Parking at the aquarium is provided.

Positions are available from January to May 2028. Externship blackout dates include the IAAAM conference week in May. The application period is from September 1 – December 1, 2025. Applicants will be notified of acceptance by December 31, 2026.

Applicants are required to submit the following:

• Curriculum vitae/resume

• Letter of intent reflecting the applicant’s externship goals, future career goals and any prior zoo/aquatic/exotic experience

• Proof of enrollment in a veterinary school through an electronic copy of a veterinary school transcript (unofficial is acceptable)

• 2 letters of reference

• 3 sets of available dates in order of preference during the period between January 1 - May 31, 2028

For additional questions or inquiries, please e-mail to vet@txstateaq.org

_____________________________________________________

IAAAM is happy to share opportunities relevant to the aquatic animal medicine community. Please note that we are not the hiring institution and cannot provide additional information regarding the position. For questions about the role, salary, qualifications, or application process, please contact the organization directly.

Veterinary Externship - South Carolina Aquarium

The veterinary externship at South Carolina Aquarium will provide third and fourth-year veterinary students the opportunity to gain experience in aquatic animal medicine. During the externship, students will assist the Veterinary Department in providing health care to the South Carolina Aquarium's animal collection, including aquatic and terrestrial turtles, snakes, amphibians, teleosts, elasmobranchs, seabirds, raptors, aquatic invertebrates, and mammals. During the externship period, students will have the opportunity to assist or participate in case rounds, physical examinations, history taking, record keeping, diagnostic application, surgery, anesthesia, and necropsy in an aquarium/zoologic setting. Students will also be encouraged to review scientific literature and problem solve while reviewing individual cases. Students will have the opportunity to be on-call with the veterinary staff during the weekends of their externship period. Students may also have the opportunity to assist the veterinary staff and the Sea Turtle Care Center staff in managing the health and husbandry of sea turtle patients admitted to the South Carolina Aquarium Sea Turtle Care Center, with a primary focus on Green, Kemp’s Ridley, and Loggerhead sea turtles. Externs will be responsible for completing a brief research project or literature review on a topic of their choosing to share with the veterinary staff.

2026 AAZV 58th Annual Conference: October 18–22, 2026, Oklahoma City

American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV) is hosting the 2026 AAZV 58th Annual Conference from October 18–22, 2026, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

This conference draws over 400 zoo, aquarium, and wildlife professionals, including veterinarians, veterinary technicians, students, pathologists, clinical researchers, and leadership.

Pending over 20 hours of American College of Zoological Medicine (ACZM) credits, the annual event is designed to support the continuing education of veterinary and zoological medicine professionals, promote networking and collaboration, and continue AAZV's mission of advancing the health and welfare of zoo animals and wildlife.

Please visit aazv.org to learn more and register and direct questions to admin@aazv.org.

Free Sea Turtle Medicine Webinar - Wednesday, September 16

This webinar reviews the key regulatory, anatomical, diagnostic, and therapeutic considerations involved in sea turtle rehabilitation. Topics include state and federal permitting requirements, the conservation challenges facing threatened and endangered sea turtle species, and the anatomical features relevant to clinical care. Diagnostic evaluation focuses on physical examination, imaging, laboratory testing, and sample collection techniques designed to minimize patient stress. Treatment discussions cover critical and supportive care, including fluid therapy, nutritional support, analgesia, anesthesia, and appropriate antimicrobial use. The webinar also examines common rehabilitation conditions, such as fibropapillomatosis, plastic ingestion, buoyancy disorders, and trauma associated with human activities, highlighting their impact on prognosis and clinical decision-making.

2027 AQUAVET® I & II Courses - May-June, 2027

The College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University is pleased to announce the 2027 AQUAVET® I, II course offerings. They are aquatic veterinary medicine education programs that currently consist of two courses that will be presented at Roger Williams University in Bristol, RI in June 2027.

AQUAVET ® I: An Introduction to Aquatic Veterinary Medicine is a 4-week course (31 May - 27 June 2027) intended primarily for veterinary students.

AQUAVET ® II: Comparative Pathology of Aquatic Animals is a 2-week course (31 May - 13 June 2027) that is oriented toward the pathology of diseases of aquatic invertebrates and fish that are used in biomedical research, encountered in display aquaria and are of importance in commercial aquaculture.

AQUAVET ® Summer Research Fellow (one offered) is an 8 week research program, usually studying fish disease at a lab at Cornell University. There is no tuition and this student will receive a stipend of $3,800 after completing the 8 weeks.

Veterinary students can receive credits for the courses and graduate veterinarians can receive CE credits.

More detailed information and applications for admission (due by January 15, 2027) are available on the web site www.aquavet.org.

10th International Symposium on Aquatic Animal Health and Fish Pathology Workshop - September 21-25, 2026

10th International Symposium on Aquatic Animal Health (ISAAH)

“The Science and Practice of Fish Health and Welfare—From Physiology to the Farm”

Radisson Blu Hotel—Bodø, Norway
September 21-25, 2026

PhD Student Position – Université de Montréal- CWHC

The laboratories of Prof. Joanie Van de Walle at the Université du Québec à Rimouski (UQAR), Prof. Émilie L. Couture at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the Université de Montréal in Rimouski (FMV-CQSAS), and Prof. Gesche Winkler at the Institut des Sciences de la Mer (ISMER) are recruiting a PhD student for a research project on the identification of causes of mortality and their population-level implications in St. Lawrence marine mammals.

ABVP Symposium - Boston, MA, April 9-12

The ABVP Symposium is coming up in Boston, MA, April 9-12 and will be offering a wide array of fish CE, including a fish diagnostic workshop. For more information, visit https://abvp.com/symposium/

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2026 ACZM DEAI VETERINARY STUDENT CONFERENCE SCHOLARSHIP

Call for Applications

The ACZM DEAI committee has established a scholarship that promotes diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion (DEAI) in the field of zoological medicine by providing support for veterinary students to attend a zoological medicine conference.

Deadline: April 1st, 2026 at 11:59 EST

Fellowship in Aquatic and Zoologic Animal Medicine - National Aquarium in Baltimore

A two-year veterinary fellowship is being offered by the National Aquarium in Baltimore. The collection includes over 16,000 individuals and 700 species of invertebrates, fresh and saltwater fishes, elasmobranchs, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals, including bottlenose dolphins. In addition, the Marine Animal Rescue Program intakes on average 2-5 seals and 20-40 sea turtles per year for rehabilitation. This position is primarily clinical in nature, and the fellow will be involved in all aspects of aquatic animal medicine and surgery including daily interaction with husbandry personnel, physical examination and sample collection, routine and emergency medical treatment, radiology, anesthesia, surgery, and clinical pathology throughout their time here.

Post-Graduate Veterinary Intern/Veterinary Fellow - SeaWorld

At SeaWorld, we're passionate about caring for animals. In fact, we've already rescued over 40,000 animals (and counting!). And we can save you from being stuck in just another job. Join us and help bring joy, excitement, and lasting memories to people from around the world. We're seeking enthusiastic, dedicated, and hard-working individuals to become our Ambassadors. Join us and play an important part on our incredible team!

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment™ is a leading theme park and entertainment company providing experiences that matter and inspiring guests to protect animals and the wild wonders of our world. We are one of the world’s foremost zoological organizations and a global leader in animal husbandry, behavioral management, veterinary care and animal welfare. We also rescue and rehabilitate marine animals that are ill, injured, orphaned or abandoned, with the goal of returning to the wild.

Join us and play an important part on our incredible team!

Basic Job Functions

• This position is intended to provide medical and surgical veterinary experience in the zoological field under the supervision of staff veterinarians.

• This is a one-year, limited duration position, with approximate dates of July 1, 2026, to July 1, 2027.

• The intern is expected to enthusiastically represent SeaWorld by displaying a positive attitude, high level of energy and commitment to quality throughout all aspects of the job.

Principle Duties & Responsibilities

• Under the supervision of staff veterinarians, perform all aspects of veterinary care at the park, including but not limited to mammal/elasmobranch/fish/avian/herptile visual and physical exams, diagnostic imaging (ie. ultrasound, radiographs, thermography), sample collection (ie. venipuncture, skin scrapes, biopsies), anesthesia, surgery (soft tissue and orthopedic), infectious disease management, endoscopy, off-site advanced imaging, field immobilization, gross necropsy, after-hour procedures, emergency procedures, and rounds discussions.

• Write medical records in a clear, timely and organized manner as well as review diagnostic results in a timely manner.

• Always uphold professional communication within a zoological setting.

• Participate in journal club of peer-reviewed literature.

• Participate in the rescue, rehabilitation and release program for stranded marine mammals, sea birds and sea turtles.

• Pursue one or more clinical or research interests and prepare the results for presentation to veterinary staff and colleagues at an appropriate professional meeting as well as for publication in the peer-reviewed literature.

Experience Required

• Must be at least 18 years of age.

• Must have a Veterinary Degree (DVM, VMD) from a U.S. and/or AVMA accredited veterinary school.

• A 1-year clinical veterinary internship or commensurate practical experience in small or large animal medicine and surgery is preferred.

• Must possess, or be able to obtain, a State of California veterinary license and USDA accreditation for health certificates.

• Must have strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Must have the ability to accurately and effectively prepare medical records.

• Must be able to lift and/or move 50 pounds.

• Must maintain a safe work environment and adhere to safety requirements.

• Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions (wet, humid, sun, etc.).

• Must be able to positively interact with guests and co-workers of all ages, different ethnic/cultural backgrounds and/or languages, and individuals with special needs. Prior work experience with marine animals preferred.

  Compensation - $70,304 Annually

Hours and Availability

40 hours per week, 5 days of unrestricted availability, to include weekends and holidays.

Job perks or benefits

Paid Time Off- Vacation, Optional Holidays, and Sick pay • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance • 401K plan • Life Insurance • Disability Benefits • Dependent and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts • Employee Assistance Program • Legal Assistance Plan • SEA Employee Complimentary Park Tickets • SEA Park Discounts on Food and Merchandise.

The perks of the position:

• Paid Time Off

• Complimentary Park Tickets and Passes

• Park Discounts on Food and Merchandise

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• 401K Retirement plan

• Voluntary Insurance

• Life Insurance

• Disability Benefits

• Tuition Reimbursement

• Dependent and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts

• Employee Assistance Program

• Legal Assistance Plan

EEO Employer:

SEAWORLD PARKS & ENTERTAINMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. ALL APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED WITHOUT REGARD TO AGE, RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, PREGNANCY, GENDER IDENTITY OR EXPRESSION, DISABILITY OR COVERED VETERAN STATUS.

Marine Mammal Medicine and Pathology Veterinary Internship - Sausalito, CA

Location of Position: Marin Headlands, Sausalito, California
Reports to: Clinical Veterinarian, Dr. Emily Whitmer
Position Classification: Full-time, One-year position
Benefits: Full benefits, including health insurance through UC Davis. Housing is available at no cost to the intern in a shared unit located within 2 miles of the Center’s main hospital in Sausalito.
Anticipated dates: July 29, 2026 - July 31, 2027
Compensation: This position will receive an estimated annual salary of $53,860 through UC Davis.

Program Overview:

This one-year program is designed to train post-graduate veterinarians in marine mammal medicine, husbandry, and pathology. The intern receives mentorship and training from the clinical veterinary team, pathology team, and animal care staff and volunteers at the Center. The Intern provides medical care for sick and injured marine mammals in rehabilitation, conducts post-mortem examinations, and contributes to teaching visiting veterinary and animal care professionals. The Intern also develops and conducts a research project on marine mammal health with the goal of presenting at a scientific conference and publishing. The primary focus is pinnipeds, with occasional opportunities with other taxa such as sea otters and cetaceans. The position may include occasional opportunities for fieldwork, including large-cetacean necropsy, stranding response, and/or veterinary support for free-ranging wildlife research projects.

10th International Symposium on Aquatic Animal Health - Bodø, Norway, 21 – 25 September 2026

Please join us for the 10th International Symposium on Aquatic Animal Health (ISAAH), the premier global forum for advancing the science and practice of aquatic animal health. The symposium brings together experts from academia, government, and industry to share new discoveries, innovative technologies, and practical solutions that promote the health and sustainability of aquatic animal populations.

The program will feature plenary sessions, symposia, technical presentations, workshops, and networking events designed to foster collaboration and inspire new approaches to fish health and welfare.

Veterinary Internship in Aquatic Animal Medicine at Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is offering an annual opportunity for graduate veterinarians pursuing specialization in aquatic animal medicine through a Veterinary Internship.

The successful applicant will join a veterinary team of two full-time veterinarians with specialty training in aquatic and zoological medicine, a hospital manager/lead licensed veterinary technician, and a clinical licensed veterinary technician. The veterinary team is responsible for the preventative health, emergency medical care, and welfare of over 4,000 animals housed at the Aquarium, representing over 250 species including invertebrates, teleost fish, elasmobranchs, amphibians, reptiles, birds, small mammals, seals and otters. The veterinarians also provide comprehensive medical care and necropsy services for stranded sea turtles and marine mammals through the Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program.

The intern will act as a primary clinical veterinarian, reporting to the Chief of Veterinary Science and Research (Allyson McNaughton, DVM) and the Associate Veterinarian (Alissa Mones, DVM, DACZM). The successful candidate is expected to work independently and efficiently with mentorship and support from the veterinary team. Clinical responsibilities include performing annual examinations, anesthesia, development and implementation of diagnostic and treatment plans, interpretation of diagnostic findings, surgical case management, and necropsy. The intern will also gain experience teaching by providing mentorship to veterinary and undergraduate students and participating in other informal educational programs and seminars. The intern will also educate Aquarium guests as a component of the main veterinary hospital includes a window for interactive guest experience.

The veterinary intern will be encouraged contribute to ongoing research projects and to complete a publication for submission to an appropriate scientific journal. Additional opportunities for education and professional development, including cross-training at other facilities, are possible and encouraged.

This internship will prepare the successful candidate for a zoological medicine residency, specialty internship, or a position working in the field of aquatic animal medicine. This is typically a one-year position, with an opportunity for a second year in the program with agreement by both parties. The successful candidate should be prepared to start in July, 2026. A decision will be made prior to the VIRMP match withdrawal deadline.

Qualifications:

• DVM or equivalent degree from an AVMA accredited veterinary college.

• Preference will be given to applicants with a minimum of one-year postgraduate clinical experience in small animal medicine and/or zoological medicine in a practice or internship setting.

• Applicant should have successfully completed the National Board Veterinary Licensing Examination.

• Ability to acquire a license to practice veterinary medicine in the state of Virginia.

• Willing to work a flexible schedule that may include evenings, weekends, and holidays.

• Valid Driver’s License and use of a personal vehicle throughout the internship.

• Rabies and tetanus vaccination.

• Entry level familiarity with radiology, ultrasound, and endoscopy expected.

Application Requirements:

• Current transcript from veterinary school.

• A current curriculum vitae or resume.

• A cover letter reflecting the applicant’s goals in aquatic animal medicine and research.

• Three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant’s academic performance and potential in clinical and research settings. Two letters of recommendation must be written by a veterinarian.

• Application materials will be submitted through the City of Virginia Beach job site at the following link:

• For additional information contact: amones@virginiaaquarium.com and amcnaugh@virginiaaquarium.com

To apply: https://phg.tbe.taleo.net/phg02/ats/careers/v2/viewRequisition?org=VBGOV&cws=37&rid=47933

2026 AAZV 58th Annual Conference - Oklahoma City, October 18th-23rd, 2026

The 2026 AAZV 58th Annual Conference is being hosted by the Oklahoma City Zoo in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA from October 18th-23rd, 2026. Conference registration and the AAZV hotel room block opens June 1, 2026.

Conference will be held at the Sheraton Oklahoma City Downtown Hotel. More information is to come and will be announced on this page.

Aquatic Animal Health Fellowship at UC Davis

This is a one-year program designed to train post-graduate veterinarians in the field of aquatic animal health. Specifically, this program will train candidates to integrate expertise in aquatic animal medicine into the broader fields of animal, human, and ecosystem health, through experiences from aquaculture, fisheries, public aquaria, companion animal medicine, academia and research.

Aquatic Animal Health Fellowship at UC Davis

This is a one-year program designed to train post-graduate veterinarians in the field of aquatic animal health. Specifically, this program will train candidates to integrate expertise in aquatic animal medicine into the broader fields of animal, human, and ecosystem health, through experiences from aquaculture, fisheries, public aquaria, companion animal medicine, academia and research.

AQUAVET - 50th Anniversary Party

AQUAVET® is celebrating 50 years in 2026! We are delighted to join EXOTIC365 for a terrific conference in one of America's oldest cities with a downtown area that has a vibrant cultural life and lots of history. Besides America's first zoo - the Philadelphia Zoo, there is a large aquarium just across the Delaware River in Camden, NJ.

AQUAVET® will have a 50th celebration party there. If you want to be part of that, be sure to contact the director:

Donald W. Stremme, VMD
aquavetmail@gmail.com