Vet Student Placement: Specialist Clinic Experience (Unpaid) in Gold Coast

Unpaid Student Placement - Jindalee, Underwood or Carrara

Veterinary Specialist Services is an established Small Animal referral practice in South East Queensland. We have hospitals at Carrara, Jindalee, and Underwood. We are striving to create an environment where people can do their best work. Our teams are very passionate about delivering patient care and support each other to do it. We have a very diverse skill set and can offer just about all specialities, diagnostic modalities, and therapies across our practice group.

This unpaid student placement provides an opportunity for veterinary students to gain practical experience within a specialist and emergency referral hospital. Participants will observe and assist our clinical teams, develop their understanding of referral practice, and gain exposure to a wide range of specialist disciplines in a supportive learning environment. Placements are designed to complement university studies and provide valuable insight into the day-to-day operation of a busy veterinary hospital.

During the placement, students may have the opportunity to:

• Observe consultations, diagnostic procedures, surgeries, and treatments across specialist services.
• Assist with appropriate clinical and non-clinical tasks under the direct supervision of qualified veterinary professionals.
• Develop practical knowledge of patient care, hospital workflows, and infection control procedures.
• Learn about client communication, case management, and multidisciplinary collaboration.
• Participate in teaching discussions, case rounds, and educational activities where appropriate.
• Gain exposure to advanced diagnostic equipment and specialist veterinary medicine.

About You

To be considered for a placement, you should:

• Be currently enrolled in a veterinary science or veterinary medicine degree or other relevant course at TAFE or other learning facilities.
• Have a genuine interest in specialist, emergency, or referral veterinary practice.
• Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and a willingness to learn.
• Communicate effectively and work respectfully as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Follow workplace health and safety, infection control, confidentiality, and biosecurity requirements.
• Be able to maintain patient and client confidentiality at all times.

This is an unpaid educational placement. Placement dates, hours, and duration will be agreed upon prior to commencement. You will need to advise us of your preferred dates when you apply. Students must meet any university placement requirements and provide requested documentation before starting, including vaccination records, insurance, and any other compliance requirements.

This placement is intended to support students in developing their clinical knowledge, professional skills, and understanding of specialist veterinary practice while working alongside experienced veterinarians, specialists, nurses, and support staff. It is not an employed position. No remuneration is payable for placements.

Desired Skills and Experience

We welcome applications from students at all stages of their veterinary studies and career. Previous clinical experience is not essential, as placements are tailored where possible to your level of knowledge and experience. To be successful, you will demonstrate:

• Current enrolment in a veterinary science or veterinary medicine degree (or a related veterinary qualification where applicable).
• A genuine interest in learning and developing your clinical knowledge and practical skills.
• Professionalism, reliability, and a positive attitude.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• A willingness to take direction, ask questions, and learn from feedback.
• The ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Compassion and respect for patients, clients, and colleagues.
• Good organisational and time management skills.
• An understanding of the importance of confidentiality, workplace health and safety, and infection control.
• The ability to adapt to a busy, fast-paced clinical environment.

Students with an interest in specialist, emergency, or referral practice are especially encouraged to apply.