Work Experience Programs - Dandenong Veterinary Hospital

Veterinary Students

Dr Darren Shortt is a Senior Fellow of the Faculty of Veterinary Science (University of Melbourne) in his capacity as an Academic Associate. Dandenong Veterinary Hospital plays a valuable role as part of the Academic Associate program. Veterinary Students from Australian universities can complete Clinical Practice electives at our hospital as part of their formal veterinary training. Veterinary students learn the practical application of both knowledge and skills and are assessed as part of their course material and are provided feedback in order to develop their skills in clinical practice.

We accept students at various levels of the Veterinary Science Course for work experience, from all the Australian veterinary schools, allowing them to gain the experience and skills they will need upon graduation. Veterinary Students often start consultations to build skills in collecting patient histories, performing clinical examinations and developing differential lists for the illnesses seen. The Veterinarian on duty will complete consultations and discussions with owners, and dispense any medications required. Veterinary Students assist the Veterinarian in general day-to-day procedures and surgeries and are under the supervision of a Veterinarian with any case involvement.

If you would like to apply for a (veterinary student) Clinical Practice placement, please complete the following steps:

Melbourne University Veterinary School students: Using the extramural database, you will be able to email Dr Darren Shortt directly to coordinate your placement.
Other Universities (Australian or international universities): Please email us at work@dvh.com.au, Subject line = Veterinary Student Work Placement Request
Include your available dates for placement
Have your email cover letter explain why you would like to be considered for placement, and
Provide your contact mobile phone number and nominate an 'emergency contact' person, including their contact number

Candidates that are able to follow these instructions are looked upon most favourably. If you have not heard back within 10 days of your email being sent, then please give us a call.

Secondary School Students

** UPDATE: There are no placements available for Secondary Students in the 2025 Academic Year**

We have Secondary School Students on a regular basis as part of their formal year ten work experience program. These students must be 15 years or older at the time of placement, and organise the experience through their school’s work experience co-ordinator.

School students are able to experience a variety of day-to-day procedures at the Hospital, including surgeries, grooming, and care of unwell hospital patients. They assist the Veterinary Nurses with their daily cleaning routines and other jobs around the Hospital.

Work experience is a good opportunity for Secondary School Students with an interest in animals to have a behind-the-scenes look at working in the animal industry.

We get a great number of potential students who would like to participate in our work experience programme and with only 52 weeks in the year it is hard to fit in all applicants. Placement is competitive.

If you would like to apply for a placement, please complete the following:

Email us at work@dvh.com.au, Subject line = Attention: Work Experience Coordinator (Secondary Students)
Include your available dates for placement
Have your email cover letter explain why you would like to be considered for placement, and
Attach an up-to-date resume to the email. If you don’t have one, then now is the time to develop one!

Candidates that are able to follow these instructions are looked upon most favourably. If you have not heard back within 10 days of your email being sent, then please give us a call.

We often have a large number of candidates apply each year. To assist us in selecting worthy candidates, we may arrange an interview, in person, or on the telephone .