SNU Clinical Rotation Program

To request a clinical rotation placement for senior students, please contact our institution’s coordinator at clinical.coordinator@snu.vet, who will provide you with the necessary forms and details for initiating the placement request process. We ensure a straightforward and coordinated process for both the clinic and students. To initiate the partnership process, visit our Rotational Clinic Program Application Form page at Clinical Partnership Application Form.

Student placements are typically for a maximum of 4 weeks at each clinical facility. This duration allows students to immerse themselves in the clinical environment.

Students are self-funded for their accommodation, transportation, meals, and other necessities during the rotation. Initially, we ask if the clinic or coordinators have any recommended accommodations. If not, students are expected to take the initiative to explore available options promptly after the rotation is confirmed. This self-sufficiency ensures that students are responsible for their practical needs during the experience.

Students are required to complete a 40-hour work week, and it is essential that they do not miss more than the equivalent of 1 weekday within this timeframe during a 4-week rotation. This criterion is set to ensure that students gain a comprehensive and consistent experience. However, we encourage flexibility in scheduling, and students can work evenings and nights if it aligns with the clinic’s operational needs. This flexibility allows students to explore various aspects of veterinary practice.

The students participating in this clinical rotation are in the 4th year of their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program. The 4th year represents the final phase of their academic journey, making them well-prepared to actively engage in clinical settings.

The objectives of the clinical rotation are as follows:

• To demonstrate to the student the scope and pace of a private practice or other veterinary experience.
• To acquaint the student with the philosophical approach and ethical relationships of a veterinarian in a community.
• To introduce the student to management, finances, client relations, personnel supervision, and housekeeping as found in a private practice situation.
• To expand the student’s technical abilities to administer care to patients and acquaint themselves, under the direct supervision of a practicing veterinarian, with medical and surgical procedures used in practice.
• To increase the variety of patients and clients with which the student is directly involved.
• To supplement the clinical materials and programs of the teaching institution, particularly in specialized practice areas.
• To serve as a means of communication between the veterinarian and the College.

The supervising veterinarian is required to complete the student evaluation form within one week of the completion of the externship. This evaluation form is based on the nine AVMA Council on Education’s Clinical Competencies categories.

• There will be optional, but desired comments at the end of each question. If you score the student with “Unsatisfactory” performance, a required comment box will appear, asking for additional feedback.
• All questions may not apply to every externship, so please feel free to only score those areas that you observed. We have provided examples of evaluation criteria to help in selecting a score.
• The student will not receive credit for the externship if:
  • They receive a score of “Unsatisfactory” as a response to any question.
  • They did not work the minimum number of expected days.
• If the student does not receive credit for the externship, they are required to make up the externship, but not necessarily at your facility.

To participate in the clinical rotation, students must meet specific prerequisites and qualifications. These requirements are based on their completion of coursework and clinical training in their DVM program. Detailed prerequisites can be provided upon request to ensure that students are appropriately prepared for the rotation.

Yes, our clinical rotation program has the capacity to offer multiple students simultaneously. We welcome more than one student at a time and would appreciate knowing your facility’s capacity and preferences regarding the number of students you can accommodate during a given rotation period.

Our aim is to match students with facilities that align with their learning objectives and career goals. If your clinic has specific preferences regarding students with particular interests or skills, please communicate those preferences. We consider these preferences during the placement process to ensure a mutually beneficial experience for both students and the clinic.

Start dates for the clinical rotation are flexible and can be customized to align with the needs of your facility and our students. Please provide your availability and any date restrictions when discussing the placement to ensure a suitable arrangement for all parties involved.

The level of hands-on experience during a student’s clinical rotation can vary and is typically determined by the vet/preceptor at the clinic. They will consider the individual student’s skills, knowledge, and the specific cases and tasks available during the rotation. This approach allows for a tailored learning experience, ensuring that each student gains the most from their time in the clinic while maintaining the highest standards of patient care. The opportunity for students to participate in surgery and other advanced procedures during their clinical rotation is also at the discretion of the supervising veterinarian or preceptor at the clinic. The level of involvement in such procedures may vary depending on the student’s skills, knowledge, and the specific cases available during the rotation.

Students are enthusiastic about gaining experience in surgical and advanced procedures. Please specify the extent to which students can actively participate in these areas during their clinical rotation. Any specific requirements or limitations regarding participation in surgery or advanced procedures should be communicated to students to align their expectations with the clinic’s policies.