I recently wrapped up my last week of class for the Spring 2025 semester and as we discussed topics around career development, questions around the value of internships came up repeatedly.
The value, and role, of internships is often a hotly debated topics with “advice” ranging from one end of the spectrum to the other and often based on the setting in which the advice was shared (academia or practice), as well as the chosen career path of the professional sharing their opinion. This article is my attempt to share as non-biased perspective as possible, focusing less on whether an internship is right or wrong for each reader (because I do believe that answer varies) and more on general considerations.
For decades, Veterinary internships have been seen as a rite of passage for many new graduates—an opportunity to gain advanced clinical experience, mentorship, and exposure to specialty medicine. But in today’s evolving Veterinary landscape—marked by high educational debt and high demand for general practitioners—the decision to pursue a Veterinary internship deserves a critical look.
For some, internships are a gateway to long-term success. For others, they represent a costly delay in reaching financial and personal milestones.
The Case for Internships: Benefits and Opportunities
Structured Learning and Mentorship
Internships can (see more on that below in “Variable Quality and Limited Regulation”) provide a unique opportunity to continue learning in a structured environment. Many programs offer rotation-based exposure to various specialties such as emergency medicine, internal medicine, surgery, and radiology. For new graduates who may feel underprepared, this year of guided clinical practice can help boost confidence, accelerate skill acquisition, and smooth the transition from student to doctor.
Increased Competitiveness for Residencies and Specialty Practice
Internships are often a prerequisite for those aiming to pursue residencies and board certification in a specialty field. According to the 2025 AVMA Economic Report, 27.6% of 2024 graduates accepted internship positions, a necessary step for those heading into specialties like surgery, internal medicine, or emergency and critical care.
For those with a long-term goal of becoming a Veterinary specialist, an internship is not only valuable—it’s virtually essential. The same still applies for some equine positions. While internships are by no means required for everyone wanting to be an equine practitioner, certain hospitals do expect it.
Professional Network Building
Working closely with specialists and teaching faculty can open doors in terms of future job opportunities, references, and mentorship. Internships can also provide access to high caseloads, offering rich exposure to complex cases that might not be seen in general practice.
Career Exploration and Personal Growth
For new veterinarians uncertain about their long-term interests, internships can serve as a “sampler platter” of Veterinary medicine. Exposure to various services can help clarify whether a path in general practice, emergency, or specialty medicine is the right fit. Many also report that the intensity and teamwork of internship programs cultivate resilience and communication skills that serve them well throughout their careers.
The Downside: Financial and Personal Costs
Substantially Lower Compensation
The most glaring disadvantage of internships is financial. In 2024, the average salary for a new veterinarian entering full-time private practice was $131,210, while the average internship stipend was $56,705—a gap of over $74,000.
This disparity is especially significant given that average student loan debt for graduates with debt was $202,647. For many, an internship postpones much-needed financial stability.
Interest Accrual and Delayed Loan Repayment
For graduates with federal student loans, choosing an internship may mean deferring payments, which leads to continued interest accrual. This can significantly increase the total cost of repayment. While some Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) programs may cover internships in certain nonprofit or academic settings, this is not guaranteed and requires careful verification.
Variable Quality and Limited Regulation
Veterinary internships are not uniformly standardized. Some programs offer exceptional training, mentorship, and work-life balance.
Others exploit interns as inexpensive labor with long hours, limited guidance, and minimal educational benefit. Because there’s no universal regulatory framework, the quality of the internship experience can vary widely—and applicants may not always be in a position to assess this in advance.
High Workload and Burnout Risk
Interns often work 60–80 hours per week in emotionally and physically taxing roles. While the intensity can build clinical stamina, it can also lead to exhaustion and early signs of burnout. In a profession already grappling with high rates of mental health challenges, the risk of emotional fatigue is not insignificant.
Who Should Consider an Internship?
Veterinary internships are not inherently good or bad—they are situationally beneficial. Here’s when they may make sense:
- You are committed to a specialty career path (e.g., surgery, internal medicine, radiology).
- You have a strong desire for advanced training and mentorship before entering general practice. Keep in mind that excellent mentorship can also be found in general practice without the opportunity cost of an internship.
- You’re in a high-quality program with a proven track record of graduate success and educational support.
- Your financial situation allows for a lower income year without jeopardizing stability.
On the flip side, graduates who are confident in their general practice skills (which doesn’t mean you can’t still receive mentorship), who carry high debt, or who need financial independence may be better served by going directly into the workforce—especially given the current demand for general practitioners.
Practical Considerations for Decision-Makers
For Veterinary students evaluating internship opportunities, a few questions can help guide the decision:
- Does the program have a structured learning environment with formal rounds, mentorship, and regular feedback?
- What is the caseload, and will you have meaningful involvement in patient care?
- What are the work hours and expectations? Is there support for well-being and work-life balance?
- Are graduates of this program successful in securing residencies or desirable jobs afterward?
- How does the stipend compare to your monthly expenses and loan obligations?
Talking to current or past interns at a specific institution can provide honest insight into whether the program is worth the sacrifice.
Conclusion: Internships as a Strategic Investment—Not a Default Choice
Veterinary internships can be a powerful launchpad or a costly detour. For some, they provide an invaluable bridge to advanced practice, clinical confidence, and personal growth. For others, the return on investment may not justify the financial and emotional toll.
With nearly 1 in 4 new graduates still choosing an internship despite a strong job market, it’s clear that internships remain an important feature of Veterinary career paths. But they should be pursued intentionally—not out of fear, peer pressure, or uncertainty.
The AVMA’s economic data underscores the importance of making informed, personalized decisions based on goals, debt load, and desired career trajectory. As Veterinary medicine continues to evolve, so too should the conversation around the real value of internships in achieving long-term success.