The Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) is excited to launch a new learning opportunity for aspiring aquatic veterinarians. CMA will provide veterinary students a robust learning opportunity to gain experience in clinical medicine and rescue/rehabilitation medicine of aquatic species. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium, located near Clearwater Beach, FL, is supported by two clinical veterinarians, a hospital manager, and two veterinary technicians. The collection consists of bottlenose and rough toothed dolphins, North American river otters, pelicans, sea turtles, and various fish and elasmobranchs. Sea turtle and manatee rehabilitation occurs onsite while cetacean rehabilitation occurs offsite about 40min north. In addition, the Aquarium’s five-year plan includes collection additions of California sea lions, sharks and penguin habitats.
Externships are a minimum of 3 weeks and a maximum of 6 weeks in duration. Externship blackout dates include May (IAAAM conference) and Thanksgiving through New Year’s. Preference will be given to 3rd and 4th year students, but all veterinary students may apply. Externs must be currently enrolled in a veterinary degree program during their scheduled externship. International applications are welcome; however, any visa requirements are the sole responsibility of the applicant. Work hours are typically Monday to Friday 7:30 – 4:30 but may vary depending on the medical needs of the collection or rescue program. Students should be flexible if asked to work on the weekend. A rabies vaccine (current titer) is recommended if you wish to work with wildlife.
A list of affordable and safe housing options will be provided to externs; however, the student is required to secure and finance their own housing. Students should provide their own transportation to and from the aquarium and/or off-site work; parking at the aquarium is provided. There is limited public transportation in Clearwater. The nearest airport is Tampa International.
Externs will team with veterinary staff in case management, medical record-keeping, assist in performing necropsies, and observe in the diagnostic laboratory onsite at CMA. Externs will also shadow the husbandry departments to broaden their knowledge of the industry. Individuals are expected to complete a research or special project and give a 30-minute PowerPoint presentation during the last week of the externship.
Applications for externships scheduled from July 2025 through June 2026 are due by OCTOBER 31, 2024. Applications will be reviewed by Dr. Chelsea Anderson and applicants will receive notification regarding final decisions by December 31, 2024.
Required application materials:
Letter of intent
Curriculum vitae/resume
Veterinary School transcript, electronic copy (unofficial is acceptable)
3 letters of recommendation submitted directly by the author
3 sets of available dates in order of preference
Application materials can be submitted electronically via PAYCOM using the link below: https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=124882&clientkey=ACEBE78A76290C9FE9C1DC934A5E82A6
Letters of recommendation should be submitted directly by the author via email to HRadmin@cmaquarium.org and will be added to your file. It is the student’s responsibility to verify that their application is complete. Incomplete applications will not be considered.