Internships
The goal of the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine's Small Animal Rotating Internship is to provide the intern with a broad educational experience that will prepare them for higher training programs (i.e., residency) or serve as an excellent base for entry into the general practice setting.
The program consists of required and elective rotations in specialty areas.
Residencies
Programs are tailored to meet the resident’s specific goals, and board-certified faculty supervise and work with residents, preparing them for specialty board examinations.
In all specialties, residents develop clinical expertise, gain teaching experience, and develop skills in research methodology. During clinical rotations, residents participate with faculty and veterinary students in diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of animal diseases. In some cases, residency programs may be combined with a master of science degree program.
Residency programs are typically completed in three years. One-year appointments are renewable annually up to a total of three years.
Our internship program provides advanced clinical training in medicine and surgery. It is a one-year rotating program designed to prepare graduate veterinarians for residency programs. In addition, specialty internship opportunities may be available on a limited basis.
Interested students may check the Veterinary Internship and Residency Matching Program for appointment options, which depend on availability.
Specialty Areas
The MSU College of Veterinary Medicine boasts some of the finest researchers and clinicians in their fields. Residents and interns work closely with these experts throughout their program.
Residencies
- Cardiology Residency
- Comparative Ophthalmology Residency Program
- Dermatology Residency Program
- Surgical Residency Program
- Anesthesia and Pain Management Residency
- Internal Medicine Residency
View the Small Animal Clinical Sciences Residency Handbook here.
Internships
Our rotating internship program provides advanced clinical training in medicine and surgery. The program is one year and is designed to prepare graduate veterinarians for residency programs. Our internships involve clinical rotations in:
- Internal Medicine
- Soft Tissue Surgery
- Anesthesia
- Emergency/Critical Care Medicine
- Cardiology
- Ophthalmology
- Primary Care
Additional elective rotations are available in specialty areas of interest, including:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Zoo/Wildlife
- Radiology
- Orthopedic Surgery
In addition, specialty internships may be available on a limited basis. Specialty internships are designed to provide an in-depth experience in a specific focus area, such as anesthesiology, oncology, or primary care. The availability of specialty internships varies from year to year and available options are listed in the VIRMP.
Application procedures and deadlines
Application for residency and internship programs must be submitted through the American Association of Veterinary Clinicians Veterinary Internship and Residency Matching Program. Visit the VIRMP website for complete information, including deadlines and application forms.
At this time, the Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine is only able to consider candidates from the US or Canada. Candidates must possess a DVM or VMD degree. A Masters degree is not required. Selection for the program is based on professional performance, academic record, and communication skills. Assessment is based on letters of recommendation, communication with previous employers or others having knowledge of the candidate's professional performance, transcripts, and candidate interviews. Candidates may choose to visit facilities and meet program faculty. Visits typically are limited to one day. If you would like to arrange a visit, contact the department with your proposed date of visit.