A woman in an apron, possibly a vet, demonstrates equipment to two people inside a well-lit barn with wooden walls and a sandy floor. A horse stands in a stall behind them, creating the atmosphere of an animal hospital or pet clinic.
Three women, likely veterinarians or vet techs from an animal hospital, stand outside examining a cow’s head. One holds the cow steady, another works on the animal, and the third observes. A purple bucket is nearby amid sunlit trees.

Externship Opportunities in Bucyrus, KS

Red Oak Animal Hospital is a mixed animal practice that offers veterinary services for cats, dogs, and horses. Our small animal practice patients are seen in-clinic at our location in Bucyrus, Kansas. We are able to offer services in-clinic for our equine patients as well as travel to visit our patients at local farms and/or boarding facilities. Our practice is open Monday through Friday with an on-call equine doctor over the weekend to service our equine clients for emergencies.

Our small animal services include wellness exams and preventative care, vaccinations, diagnostics, suturing wounds, dentistry, and spays/neuters. Our equine services include wellness and preventive care, vaccinations, reproductive care, lameness evaluation, chiropractic care, dentistry, pre-purchase exams, and diagnostics.

We believe that the practice of veterinary medicine can be a rewarding and fulfilling career. We are cognizant that a good work-life balance is of the utmost importance. We work hard to care for the needs of each individual team member so that in turn we can bring quality care to our patients and clients.

At an outdoor animal hospital, four women perform a dental procedure on a horse; one uses a power tool on the horse’s mouth while others assist, with the horse’s head restrained and supported on a stand.

Externship Opportunities

Red Oak Animal Hospital is committed to fostering the next generation of veterinary professionals. We offer a variety of externship opportunities tailored to students at different levels of their education.

At an outdoor animal hospital, four women perform a dental procedure on a horse; one uses a power tool on the horse’s mouth while others assist, with the horse’s head restrained and supported on a stand.
Three women, possibly a veterinarian and her assistants, stand around a brown donkey with a pink halter and red rope, gently examining or comforting it in a grassy outdoor setting with trees in the background.

High School Students

For high school students interested in pursuing a career in veterinary medicine or animal care, we offer shadowing opportunities. Students will have the chance to observe daily operations, learn about different roles within the veterinary team, and gain hands-on experience with animal handling and care.

Undergraduate Students

Undergraduate students majoring in animal science, biology, or related fields can apply for externship opportunities at Red Oak Animal Hospital. These positions provide in-depth exposure to various aspects of veterinary medicine, including:

  • Clinical skills
  • Patient care
  • Laboratory procedures
  • Surgical assistance
  • Client education

Two women in maroon shirts and gloves work together outdoors like a dedicated vet team, examining or treating a horse's mouth using a metal stand, with green trees and grass in the background.
Four women in scrubs and gloves, likely vets from an animal hospital, gather around a standing horse outdoors. Two hold its head while another works on its mouth as the fourth woman stands nearby, smiling. Trees and grass are visible in the background.

Veterinary Students

Veterinary students can apply for externships to gain practical experience in a general practice setting. Our externship program offers opportunities to:

  • Develop clinical skills
  • Refine surgical techniques
  • Enhance diagnostic abilities
  • Learn about practice management
  • Build relationships with clients and colleagues

How to Apply

Limited Summer 2026 Externship Opportunities
Our summer externship schedule is nearly full for 2026. A small number of openings may still be available on select dates. We welcome applications with preferred availability, but encourage interested students to consider spring, fall, or winter for greater flexibility.

To ensure a meaningful shadowing experience, shadow shifts are scheduled to begin between 8:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Starting later in the day doesn’t allow enough time to fully observe clinic flow, as schedules can vary significantly in the afternoons.