Section 130. Requirements for practical training in a preceptorship or externship

A. The practical training and employment of qualified students of veterinary medicine or veterinary technology shall be governed and controlled as follows:

1. A veterinary student who is duly enrolled and in good standing in a veterinary college or school accredited or approved by the AVMA may be engaged in a preceptorship or externship. A veterinary preceptee or extern may perform duties that constitute the practice of veterinary medicine for which he has received adequate instruction by the college or school and only under the on-premises supervision of a licensed veterinarian.

2. A veterinary technician student who is duly enrolled and in good standing in a veterinary technology program accredited or approved by the AVMA may be engaged in a preceptorship or externship. A veterinary technician preceptee or extern may perform duties that constitute the practice of veterinary technology for which he has received adequate instruction by the program and only under the on-premises supervision of a licensed veterinarian or licensed veterinary technician.

B. Whenever a veterinary preceptee or extern is performing surgery on a patient, either assisted or unassisted, the supervising veterinarian shall be in the operatory during the procedure. Prior to allowing a preceptee or extern in veterinary medicine to perform surgery on a patient unassisted by a licensed veterinarian, a licensed veterinarian shall receive written approval from the owner.

C. When there is a preceptee or extern practicing in the establishment, the supervising veterinarian shall disclose such practice to owners. The disclosure shall be by signage clearly visible to the public or by inclusion on an informed consent form.

D. A veterinarian or veterinary technician who supervises a preceptee or extern remains responsible for the care and treatment of the patient.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR645-01-1 § 2.3, eff. June 10, 1987; amended, Volume 06, Issue 26, eff. October 31, 1990; Volume 15, Issue 05, eff. December 23, 1998; Volume 19, Issue 09, eff. March 1, 2003; Volume 26, Issue 04, eff. November 25, 2009; Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. September 26, 2013; Volume 32, Issue 22, eff. July 27, 2016.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-2400 of the Code of Virginia.