Veterinary Student Externship Program

CSU’s Laboratory Animal Resources (LAR) is pleased to offer externship opportunities to current veterinary students interested in laboratory animal medicine.  LAR provides care for a diverse set of species and research programs located on three different campuses in Fort Collins, Colorado. Facilities range from BSL 1-3 and serve investigators with programs in infectious disease, oncology, reproductive biology, exercise physiology, agricultural sciences, and other disciplines. Veterinary student training programs are headed by the Director of CSU’s ACLAM-approved Comparative Medicine Training Program. Comparative Medicine Residents and CSU LAR veterinary staff will provide guidance and mentorship to participants. There are currently 5 residents and 3 ACLAM diplomat veterinarians on staff.

The extern(s) will participate in the daily activities of the department, including assisting the veterinary technicians, facility managers and supervisors, and the staff veterinarians and post-DVM residents in the various daily activities. Typical tasks include:

  • Training in practical techniques
  • Disease surveillance
  • Pathology of laboratory animals
  • Clinical case workup
  • Husbandry and enrichment practices
  • Facility design
  • Protocol and Standard Operation Procedure design
  • Regulatory oversight
  • Management and staff meeting attendance as appropriate
  • Tours of non-LAR and non-CSU facilities

There are two options for externships available:

  •  2-4 week externship opportunities available throughout the year for clinical year veterinary students with an interest in laboratory animal medicine (LAM). Candidates with an interest in a career in LAM will be given preference for these positions. Please email Jessica Ayers with a letter of intent, CV, and contact information for two references, plus 1-2 desired start dates (at least two month’s notice is preferred).
  • ASLAP Summer Fellowship-a 10-12 week summer program available for first or second year veterinary students supported by The American Society of Laboratory Animal Practitioners Foundation.  This program will provide pre-doctoral veterinary students with exposure to practical and clinical laboratory animal medicine and related biomedical research.
    • The program runs from mid-May to early August.  Students will be assigned a research project related to an aspect of laboratory animal/comparative medicine and will participate in the Boerhinger Ingelheim Summer Scholars Program at CSU, culminating with a presentation at the National Veterinary Scholars Symposium in August.
    • To submit an application please provide the following materials to Lon Kendall, email is preferred.
      • Statement of interest in the fellowship program, including a summary of career goals, specific areas of research interest and previous experience in laboratory/comparative animal medicine.
      • Biographical sketch or curriculum vitae
      • Veterinary school transcript
      • Three letters of reference from individuals able to evaluate your applicable experience
    • Applicants must be enrolled in a college of veterinary medicine eligible for representation in the SAVMA  HOD.
    • A negative tuberculin skin test must be completed within 6 months of the start of the fellowship.
    • A stipend of $4500.00 will be provided, plus training and research project costs and travel to the National Veterinary Scholars Symposium.
    • 2024 DEADLINE:  Please submit materials by February 2nd, 2024.

For further information, contact:

Lon V. Kendall, D.V.M., Ph.D., ACLAM
Director Laboratory Animal Resources
Colorado State University
[email protected]