Veterinarians are animal doctors. They care for sick animals of all species, and they provide preventative care to help healthy animals stay well. If you love animals and have a passion for science, a career in veterinary medicine might be right for you. As part of your path to becoming a veterinarian, you'll have the chance to take on veterinary internships. Here are four facts that can help you understand what a veterinary internship is, so you can decide if it's right for you:

1. Veterinary internships are optional.

You do not have to complete a veterinary internship in order to become a licensed vet. However, doing an internship is often in your best interest. The skills you learn during an internship are invaluable, as you will have the opportunity to train under experienced veterinarians. Having internships on your resume can make you more attractive to employers in the future, which is an advantage that cannot be overlooked in a competitive job market.

2. Veterinary internships give you hands-on experience.

Much of what you'll learn in school is theoretical. Although you will have the opportunity to practice hands-on skills in vet school, you can never have too much training. As a vet intern, you will gain lots of practical experience. You will work in a veterinary clinic, interning under veterinarians and vet techs. You will learn the ins and outs of such a clinic, which will allow you to understand the procedures of a vet practice in an intimate way.

3. Veterinary internships can allow you to work in your chosen specialty.

Veterinarians can specialize in one of several fields of veterinary medicine. The specialty you choose will depend on your interests and aptitude. A vet internship will allow you to work in your chosen specialty. This can help you decide if a given specialty is truly where you wish to focus your energies. Vets can focus on livestock animals, exotic animals, or pets. Each discipline will offer a vastly different experience. Working on a farm or in a zoo will allow you to work with the animals you want to help.

4. Veterinary internships are unique learning opportunities.

When you participate in a vet internship, you will have unique learning opportunities that you can't get anywhere else. Vets who take on interns have an interest in passing on their knowledge. In exchange for your labor, you will receive training based on years of expertise and on-the-job learning.