Students
The Hess Equine team enjoys working with an array of students interested in equine practice. We accept current veterinary students, veterinary technician students, and pre-veterinary students. Students may extern with Hess Equine for varying amounts of time, determined on an individual basis. We do not provide financial compensation for students, however the learning experiences are plentiful.
Veterinary Students
Current veterinary students seeking externship experience in equine practice are welcome to visit for ride-along experience. While much of the learning opportunities for veterinary students are limited to observational, those students with high level equine skillsets may be given the opportunity to assist with certain procedures.
With several Thoroughbred breeding and sales facilities in our practice, students visiting during the spring will experience a great deal of reproductive work and neonatal care. In the summer and fall months Hess Equine is actively involved in completing repository x-rays and upper respiratory endoscopic evaluations for yearling Thoroughbred sales horses.
Sports medicine is an important part of our practice and especially during competition season, students can expect to be involved with lameness exams and pre-purchase exams. Veterinary students can learn how to use digital x-ray machines, ultrasound, shockwave, and biologic therapies to better evaluate and treat various causes of lameness.
Throughout the year our practice treats geriatric patients, ophthalmic cases, performs dentistry, sees a large number of emergencies and provides routine services to an array of equine patients.
Veterinary Technician Students
Students enrolled in a veterinary technician curriculum are encouraged to gain experience in equine practice by riding with our doctors. Veterinary technician students learn about medications and vaccines specific to equine practice as well as proper techniques for sterile preparation of surgical sites and equipment used in equine practice. Technical students are also encouraged to learn to use the in-house autoclave and blood machines. Exposure to processing blood products for use in biologic therapies is another common experience for technical students.
Pre-Veterinary Students
College and high school students with a strong interest in equine veterinary practice are encouraged to visit for observational experience. Students must be at least 16 years old in order to shadow a veterinarian.
Student Expectations
Hess Equine Veterinary Services expects students to arrive on time to a previously designated meeting place, be polite to clients and colleagues, and be prepared to spend several hours on the road which includes bringing food and drink for the day. Students should wear closed toe shoes, long pants (jeans are acceptable) and polo shirts during summer months and appropriate cold weather outerwear in winter weather.
Students are encouraged to engage with members of the Hess Equine Veterinary Team to glean as much as possible from their experiences.
Application Process
If you are interested in visiting Hess Equine for a student experience or internship please contact Emma Croft at emma.croft65@gmail.com.