The Mississippi Aquarium provides veterinary students the unique opportunity to gain experience in the field of aquatic animal medicine. Our collection consists animals from brown waterways of Mississippi, to blue oceans of the Gulf of Mexico, and beyond. Externs will get exposure to a diverse collection, including invertebrates, freshwater and marine teleost’s, elasmobranchs, non-avian and avian reptiles, mammals, and cetaceans.
The Mississippi Aquarium has state-of-the-art diagnostic capability with equipment comparable to that found at a teaching hospital or in specialty practice, as well as a growing clinical partnership with Mississippi State University. There are two full time clinical veterinarians and one veterinary technician.
Preceptorships/externships lasting a minimum of 4 weeks and a maximum of 6 weeks are available. Externships less than 4 weeks may be considered. Preference will be given to 3rd and 4th year students with 4-6 weeks available, but all students may apply. Work hours are typically 7:30 – 5:00 but may vary depending on the medical needs of the collection. The work week will be Monday to Friday. However, students should be flexible if asked to work on their weekend days or extended hours.
Housing may be available but should not be expected. Students should provide their own transportation to and from the aquarium. There is limited public transportation. A current tetanus are required. COVID-19 vaccination is recommended. Proof of health insurance is required. Students will be required to adhere to the Mississippi Aquariums policies and procedures.
Students will spend time working with the veterinary and research team, water quality team, and will assist in clinical cases as well as performing necropsies. Individuals are expected to complete a research or special project and give a PowerPoint presentation during the last week of the preceptorship. We will provide both required and recommended reading lists intended to broaden the student’s knowledge base in aquatic animal husbandry and clinical care.
Our externship program runs similar to the academic year and is competitive. Applications will be taken on a rolling basis and based on availability provided by the student.
Externships are usually not available the following months (subject to change):
2nd half of November
December
Required application materials:
Letter of intent
Curriculum vitae/resume
2 letters of recommendation
3 sets of available dates in order of preference
Submit to vet@msaquarium.org with “Vet Extern Program” in the subject line.
Incomplete applications will not be considered. It is the student’s responsibility to check that their information packet is complete. Your application will be reviewed by Dr. Sean Perry and/or Dr. Alexa Delaune.
For additional questions or inquiries, please e-mail to vet@msaquarium.org