Externship

Overview
Each year, CROW's nonprofit hospital and rehabilitation center provides care for more than 200 species of native and migratory birds, mammals and reptiles on Southwest Florida's Gulf Coast. The goal is to return these sick, injured and orphaned animals to the wild, and CROW's externship program invites natural science and veterinary students to take an active role in that process.

CROW externship students participate in daily hospital and rehabilitation center activities, working closely with experienced staff veterinarians and specialists. From admittance through release, participants are involved in each step of the rehabilitation process: everything from cage cleaning and food preparation to patient care, medical procedures and husbandry. Students learn to monitor patient progress and keep medical records, as well as to maintain facilities, work with volunteers and conduct community outreach. As they care for wildlife patients, externs study the most recent approaches to veterinary medicine.

Duration
The externship program lasts 6* to 12 weeks, depending on an individual students focus. Program openings are available throughout the year. * Minimum term of 6 weeks unless prior approval of the clinic director.

Curriculum
During their time with CROW, externship participants gain experience in responsibilities such as:

• Maintenance, cleaning and basic design of outdoor enclosures and hospital cages, with an emphasis on stress reduction and disease control.
• Observation, handling and restraint of various wildlife species.
• Nutritional management for wildlife patients.
• Feeding and care of orphaned babies.
• Participation in first responder rescue calls, patient admissions and release of various species.
• Observation of physical exams and concurrent diagnostics, with an emphasis on recognizing normal in different wildlife species and pinpointing diseases common to particular species.
• Observation of wildlife anesthesia and surgery.
• Clinical pathology work, such as assisting with fecal exams and necropsies.
• Public relations outreach in the wildlife rehabilitation setting.
• Working with volunteers.
• Optional participation in weekly student-led discussions.

Housing and General Program Information
Visit the housing and general information page to learn more about eligibility, affordable on-campus housing options and additional program details.

Apply
Download and return application packet to:
CROW Student Program
P.O. Box 150
Sanibel, FL 33957

Learn More
For questions not answered on the website or in the application packet, email or call CROW at (239) 472-3644, ext. 227.