Veterinary Internships, Externships & Residency

At VCSG, we are dedicated to mentoring the next generation of veterinarians and invite veterinary students to join us for externship opportunities and to consider applying for our small animal rotating internship through the Veterinary Internship and Residency Matching Program (VIRMP).

Female Staff Members Working On Small White Dog Together

Why Choose VCSG?

Veterinary Care and Specialty Group is proud to offer hands-on clinical experience and advanced training designed to empower and prepare the next generation of veterinary professionals. Our state-of-the-art facilities and board-certified specialists make VCSG one of the most progressive and innovative small-animal hospitals in the country. We proudly deliver exceptional emergency and specialty services to more than 6,000 cases each year. Equally important to us is investing in the future of veterinary medicine. Through the VIRMP, we are dedicated to mentoring the next generation of veterinarians.

Located within the stunning backdrop of the Tennessee River and surrounding mountains, Chattanooga offers a dynamic blend of urban amenities and outdoor adventures. The city’s burgeoning food scene, lively arts community, and affordable cost of living make this community an inviting place to visit or call home.

Programs We Offer

Learn more about our rotating internships, veterinary and veterinary technician externships, and residency programs and who to contact for more information.

Rotating Internship

Our rotating internship program offers recent veterinary graduates a dynamic, hands-on experience across all departments including, cardiology, emergency & critical care, internal medicine, medical oncology, neurology, radiation oncology, rehabilitation, and surgery. Whether you wish to continue your education through a residency or set yourself up to be a more well-rounded general or emergency veterinarian, our program will build a strong foundation for practicing elevated, innovative medicine.

For more information on our rotating internship, contact Dr. Stefanie Sullivan.

Veterinary Externships

Our externship opportunities offer veterinary students' real-world clinical exposure in a collaborative, high-quality hospital setting. Integrated into daily practice, working directly alongside our doctors and staff, externs can experience a wide variety of cases across our emergency and specialty teams.

We invite interested students to visit our Externship Request Page for more information and to apply. You can also explore additional details on our Externship FAQs.

Externships are available from January through May and July through December. Please note that externships are observational only and do not involve direct patient care.

Residency

Veterinarians in our 3-year surgery residency program receive advanced training in soft tissue and orthopedic procedures, along with the excitement of working in a high-volume, fast-paced specialty and emergency hospital. With a strong emphasis on clinical excellence, mentorship, research, and teaching, this program provides the depth and rigor needed to develop skilled, confident doctors prepared to sit for board-certification.

For more information on our surgery residency program, contact Dr. Jeff Peck.

Veterinary Technician Externships

Are you a veterinary technician student looking to gain real-world clinical experience? Veterinary Care and Specialty Group is proud to offer externship opportunities designed specifically for students pursuing a career in veterinary technology.

Veterinary Care and Specialty Group offers veterinary technician students the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience in one of the region's leading veterinary hospitals. With services spanning 24/7 emergency medicine and advanced specialty care, students are exposed to a diverse caseload and a collaborative clinical environment designed to support learning and professional growth.

Our team is passionate about mentoring the next generation of veterinary professionals and fostering an environment centered on education, teamwork, innovation, and compassionate care. Through real-world clinical exposure and guidance from experienced professionals, veterinary technician students can strengthen their technical skills, build confidence, and gain a deeper understanding of high-quality veterinary medicine.

Ready to apply? View our current Veterinary Technician Externship opportunity below.

Apply Now