Although every NVA hospital is unique, we all have some things in common: an environment that is supportive, committed to excellent medicine, and provides exceptional service to animals and the people who love them.  An externship experience at an NVA Specialty Hospital gives students real-life clinical experience in a single or multi-specialty hospital, and the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills while working alongside experienced clinicians, board-certified specialists, current interns, and residents. Hands-on skills that may be practiced or observed include TPR’s, examinations, anesthesia, surgical procedures, catheterization, ultrasound, and other diagnostic procedures as they are available.   Most externship experiences range from two to eight weeks depending on student and hospital schedules. Externships at Emergency Animal Hospital of Collin County West are designed for clinical year students.