For 1st and 2nd Year Vet Students

Program Overview:

Internship Details:

Selection Criteria:

The RKM RPPI Program is your chance to gain hands-on experience in rural veterinary practice. Tailored for 1st and 2nd-year DVM students, this program connects you with seasoned veterinarians to fast-track your skills and build the confidence needed for a successful career. With access to mentorship and practical training, you’ll be well-equipped to thrive both at RKM and beyond.

- 1st Year DVM Students: Summer internship from the end of Spring to the start of Fall semester. Hourly paid with housing provided or a stipend.

- 2nd Year DVM Students: Continue with RKM, building on your first-year experience. Includes the same summer schedule, hourly pay, and housing options. You may be considered for an Associate Veterinarian position post-graduation.

INTEREST IN RURAL PRACTICE: A demonstrated passion for rural veterinary medicine and a clear commitment to pursuing a career in mixed animal practice in rural areas post-graduation.

PROBLEM SOLVING ABILITIES: Ability to think critically and solve practical veterinary challenges often encountered in rural settings, where resources and specialist support may be limited.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS: Strong interpersonal and communication skills are crucial for interacting effectively with clients in rural communities, who may have diverse backgrounds and varying levels of understanding about animal care.

COMMITMENT TO LEARNING: Eagerness to learn from experienced practitioners and a proactive attitude towards continuing education and skill development during the internship.

PERSONAL QUALITIES: Attributes such as empathy, resilience, compassion towards animals and their owners, and a strong work ethic are highly regarded in the selection process.

TEAMWORK AND ADAPTABILITY: Willingness to work collaboratively in a team environment, often with other veterinarians, support staff, and agricultural professionals. Adaptability to varying work conditions and situations typical of rural practice settings.

REFERENCES AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Positive references from veterinary faculty, mentors, or previous employers who can attest to the applicant's clinical skills, work ethic, and suitability for rural mixed animal practice.

CLINICAL EXPERIENCE: Previous experience in veterinary clinics or hospitals, especially those focused on mixed animal or rural practice settings. Hands-on experience with both small and large animals is highly valued.

PRACTICAL SKILLS: Proficiency in basic veterinary procedures and treatments relevant to mixed animal practice, such as herd health management, surgery, emergency care, and preventive medicine.

Rural Veterinary Practice Proficiency Internship

If you’re ready to learn, grow, and make a difference, apply now - we are always accepting applications (THOUGH - please note our internship position has been filled for Summer of 2025). Send your resume and cover letter to info@rockingkmvet.com or drop it off on-site.

For Graduating Vet Students

Program Overview:

POSITION Details:

Selection Criteria:

Join RKM as an Associate Veterinarian and take your career to the next level. Designed for graduates who have completed our RPPI program or those passionate about rural veterinary practice, this position offers a structured path to develop your skills, implement new services, and contribute to the growth of our clinic.

- DVM Year 1: Salary position with a tailored onboarding process. Quarterly goals will be set based on your comfort and interests.

- DVM Year 2: Continue honing your skills with additional continuing education or externships.

- DVM Year 3: ProSal position focused on implementing a new service or procedure at RKM, with allocated budget and business planning.

- DVM Year 4: ProSal position with a focus on management, financial analysis, and team leadership.

- DVM Year 5: Capstone year for personal and professional reflection, with planning for your future at RKM or beyond.

INTEREST IN RURAL PRACTICE: Demonstrated passion for rural veterinary medicine and commitment to a career in mixed animal practice in rural areas post-graduation, as evidenced by proactive engagement in community outreach programs and enthusiasm for hands-on learning during their internship at Rocking KM.

PROBLEM-SOLVING ABILITIES: Ability to think critically and solve practical veterinary challenges often encountered in rural settings, where resources and specialist support may be limited. This was demonstrated through their innovative approach to managing cases involving diverse livestock species and their effective utilization of available resources at Rocking KM.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS: Strong interpersonal and communication skills crucial for effective interaction with clients in rural communities, who may have diverse backgrounds and varying levels of understanding about animal care. The student consistently displayed empathy and clarity in their communication with clients and fellow team members at Rocking KM, fostering trust and understanding.

COMMITMENT TO LEARNING: Eagerness to learn from experienced practitioners, with a proactive attitude towards continuing education and skill development during the internship. They actively sought mentorship opportunities at Rocking KM, demonstrating a strong desire to expand their knowledge in areas such as herd health management and rural veterinary practice techniques.

PERSONAL QUALITIES: Attributes such as empathy, resilience, compassion towards animals and their owners, and a strong work ethic were consistently observed during their internship at Rocking KM. They approached every task with dedication and compassion, earning respect from colleagues and clients alike.

TEAMWORK AND ADAPTABILITY: Willingness to work collaboratively in a team environment, including with other veterinarians, support staff, and agricultural professionals. Adaptability to varying work conditions and situations typical of rural practice settings was evident in their seamless integration into the Rocking KM team.

REFERENCES AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Positive references from veterinary faculty, mentors, or previous employers at Rocking KM who can attest to the applicant's clinical skills, work ethic, and suitability for rural mixed animal practice.

CLINICAL EXPERIENCE: Previous experience in veterinary clinics or hospitals, particularly focused on mixed animal or rural practice settings. Hands-on experience with small and large animals is highly valued, and they gained valuable practical skills in surgery, emergency care, and preventive medicine during their internship at Rocking KM.

PRACTICAL SKILLS: Proficiency in basic veterinary procedures and treatments relevant to mixed animal practice, such as herd health management, surgery, emergency care, and preventive medicine, further developed through supervised practice and mentoring at Rocking KM.

Rural Veterinary Practice Proficiency Associate Position

If you’ve completed our internship program or have equivalent experience, apply by November 1, 2026. Send your resume, cover letter, and project essays to info@rockingkmvet.com or drop it off on-site. Our intention is to hire a new Associate to start the position in June 2026.  

The RKM Rural Veterinary Practice Proficiency Associate Veterinarian Position will be offered to a second year DVM student. Completion in the Y1 and Y2 of the RKM Rural Veterinary Practice Proficiency Internship Position, allow Team RKM to better know the applicant. To apply, the applicant will be required to propose the project they wish to implement during their time at RKM. Changing interests allow this project to change prior to completion but allows our team some foresight on your interests. Example: Community Outreach - Applicant wishes to build upon current practice outreach and implement new events and educational objectives for RKM to complete with local 4-H clubs.