Although every NVA hospital is unique, we all have some things in common: an environment that is supportive, committed to excellent medicine, and provides exceptional service to animals and the people who love them.    An externship experience at an NVA Compassion-First Emergency Hospital gives students real-life clinical experience in an emergency and critical care setting, and the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills while working alongside experienced clinicians, criticalists (site dependent), and/or current interns and residents. Hands-on skills that may be practiced or observed include TPR’s, examinations, anesthesia, surgical procedures, catheterization, ultrasound, and other diagnostic procedures as available.