Some of my favorite highlights of vet school at Virginia-Maryland College were during the labs where I got to practice my surgical skills. I’ll always remember spaying my first animal, and the dentistry labs were something I looked forward to every week. But during my externship at NVA’s Mechanicsville Animal Hospital in Virginia, I learned how valuable hands-on experience can be and the importance of learning from such a skilled and experienced team of doctors. This was just one of the reasons Mechanicsville stood out to me and why I decided to join their team this summer.

Here are a few of the other reasons that helped me make my decision:

The Right Environment to Learn and Grow

I was really interested in Mechanicsville Animal Hospital due to the opportunity for my own personal growth along with the growth of the hospital. The hospital’s advanced surgical capabilities and the knowledge of its doctors provide an excellent environment for me to expand my skills while contributing to the highest level of patient care. I also like that the team works so well together, and everyone brings a positive energy to the workplace.

Personalized Mentorship

NVA’s Mentorship Program also strongly influenced my decision, as it creates a strong foundation for growth as a new veterinarian by reinforcing key skills and providing invaluable one-on-one, in-person support. The program offers up to 12 months of one-on-one mentorship and a unique opportunity to tailor my learning experience based on my individual needs.

Financial Support

The sign-on bonus of $10,000 plus the $15,000 tuition assistance package were add-on bonuses to an already great package. These, on top of the mentorship program, were very helpful and exciting.

A Focus on Work-Life Balance

The fact that there are no negative accruals in the first year for new DVM graduates means that I can focus on care, not caseloads. Additionally, having no non-competes for new DVM grads gives me the flexibility to grow professionally without feeling restricted.

Continuing Education and NAVLE Support

Other offerings that might appeal to DVM students are the $5,000 Continuing Education (CE) allowance in their first year and NAVLE support. While I already took my NAVLE, I think this would be helpful for those that join NVA early on and would give them the support and confidence to succeed. Additionally, I’m looking forward to the CE allowance to use in my first year to attend conferences, completing courses, and gaining additional skills that will benefit my practice.

Ready to Join NVA?

With over 1,000 locations across the U.S. and Canada, there’s no shortage of clinics where you can grow, learn, and thrive.

If you’re a DVM student looking for the right place to start your veterinary career, check out NVA’s open positions here: Explore Opportunities at NVA.