Georgia Aquarium provides veterinary students the unique opportunity to gain experience in the field of aquatic animal medicine at one of the largest aquariums in the world. The hospital is located within the Correll Center for Aquatic Animal Health which is supported by a team a veterinarians and veterinary technicians. The Georgia Aquarium has a state-of-the-art veterinary hospital with equipment comparable to that found at a teaching hospital or specialty practice. Extensive in-house clinical pathology assessment is supported by a diagnostic laboratory supervisor. The aquarium also employs a full commissary staff and environmental health team that assesses water, light, and air within animal habitats.
In addition to seeing daily clinical cases with the veterinary staff, students will spend time working with the environmental health and commissary teams. They will also assist in performing necropsies, completing medical records, and observing in the veterinary diagnostic laboratory. Individuals are expected to complete a research or special project and give a presentation during the last week of the externship. We will provide both required and recommended reading lists intended to broaden the student’s knowledge base in aquatic animal husbandry and clinical care.
Externships are a minimum of 4 weeks and a maximum of 6 weeks in duration. 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 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, but may vary depending on the medical needs of the collection. Students should be flexible if asked to work on the weekend. Health insurance is required.
The student is required to secure and finance their own housing. Students should provide their own transportation to and from the aquarium; parking at the aquarium is provided. There is limited public transportation in Atlanta.
Applications for externships scheduled from July 2025 through June 2026 are due by November 1, 2024. Applications are reviewed after all have been received. All applicants will receive notification regarding final decisions by January 15, 2025. For additional questions or inquiries, please email veterinaryexternship@georgiaaquarium.org.