Veterinary Externship

South Carolina Aquarium - Veterinary Externship Program

The South Carolina Aquarium is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization and proud accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, driven by a mission to inspire conservation of the natural world by exhibiting and caring for animals, by excelling in education and research and by providing an exceptional visitor experience. Join us in Charleston, SC - one of the top US travel destinations (Travel+Leisure, 2025) – while gaining experience in the field of aquatic medicine. 

At the South Carolina Aquarium, we are deeply committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming workplace that celebrates diversity in all forms. Our team thrives on the strength of varied backgrounds and perspectives, united by a shared passion for conservation. We welcome individuals from all walks of life and encourage all to apply.

Externship Description:

The South Carolina Aquarium invites veterinary students entering or currently in their clinical year (third or fourth year) to apply for a 3- to 4-week externship. This application cycle is for externships taking place between March 1, 2028 and August 31, 2028. As an institution dedicated to conservation and education, the South Carolina Aquarium offers a unique opportunity to engage with local South Carolina wildlife.

The veterinary externship at South Carolina Aquarium will provide third and fourth-year veterinary students the opportunity to gain experience in aquatic animal medicine. During the externship, students will assist the Veterinary Department in providing health care to the South Carolina Aquarium's animal collection, including aquatic and terrestrial turtles, snakes, amphibians, teleosts, elasmobranchs, seabirds, raptors, aquatic invertebrates, and mammals. During the externship period, students will have the opportunity to assist or participate in case rounds, physical examinations, history taking, record keeping, diagnostic application, surgery, anesthesia, and necropsy in an aquarium/zoologic setting. Students will also be encouraged to review scientific literature and problem solve while reviewing individual cases. Students will have the opportunity to be on-call with the veterinary staff during the weekends of their externship period. Students may also have the opportunity to assist the veterinary staff and the Sea Turtle Care Center staff in managing the health and husbandry of sea turtle patients admitted to the South Carolina Aquarium Sea Turtle Care Center, with a primary focus on Green, Kemp’s Ridley, and Loggerhead sea turtles. Externs will be responsible for completing a brief research project or literature review on a topic of their choosing to share with the veterinary staff. 

The veterinary externship is a non-paid position, and students are responsible for arranging their own housing and transportation. 

Application:

• Resume/Curriculum Vitae 
• Letter of Intent
  • Please include your interest in aquatic and zoological medicine, your career objectives, and how this externship will help you progress toward your future goals
• Two Letters of Reference 
  • Letters should be from veterinarians familiar with your clinical experience

In your application, please include your expected graduation date as well as two to three preferred 3- to 4-week blocks of availability for the externship. Applications are due by November 16, 2026 for placements occurring in 2028. Students will be notified of acceptance by the end of January 2027. Once selected, program dates will be offered based on the student’s requested timeframes and the aquarium’s availability.