NERD Practicing Vet

NEW TO ER

NERD: New ER Doctor Program for Practicing Veterinarians We find a way to say YES, so you can rewrite your story in ER. Thinking about making the leap to emergency medicine? We’ve got you. If you’re a practicing veterinarian curious about ER—or ready for a change—VEG’s NERD program is designed to help you confidently make the transition. This isn’t an internship. It’s a six-month, full-time, fully paid experience built for DVMs who’ve mastered general practice or other areas of medicine, but want to do something more. Switching paths takes courage—and structure. That’s why this program blends expert mentorship, ER-specific training, and real clinical shifts to help you sharpen your skills and build confidence managing critical cases. You’ll lead rounds, perform procedures, and learn to think quickly in high-pressure situations—backed by a team that believes in you. Not only will you learn emergency medicine, you’ll also become the ER doctor you know you can be.

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NERD Program Openings

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The Basics of Being a NERD

A Deep Dive Into Emergency

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Hands-On Training + Clinical Experience
You’ll work 3–4 shifts per week in a VEG ER hospital, with structured progression from shadowing to running the floor. You’ll learn to lead cases from intake to discharge, stabilize critical patients, plan and perform emergency procedures, and communicate effectively in emotionally charged situations.

In-Depth Continuing Education
Gain over 160 hours of RACE-approved CE in just six months. Labs include surgery, ultrasound, endoscopy, CPR, and more—giving you the skills and confidence to handle the unexpected with competence and calm.

Mentorship That Actually Shows Up
From daily feedback from senior doctors, to weekly rounds and office hours with the director of NERD Education, to monthly coaching with your medical director, you’ll never feel like you’re doing it alone.

The VEG Way
Alongside clinical development, you’ll grow in the intangibles that make great ER doctors: communication, resilience, gratitude, leadership, and people-first care. You won’t only become an ER vet—you’ll become a VEG doctor.

Eligibility

This version of NERD is designed for practicing veterinarians—especially those coming from general practice or non-ER specialties—who want to transition into emergency medicine full-time.

Compensation

This is a full-time, paid training program. You’ll receive base salary, benefits from day one, and the full support of a company that invests over $100,000 per doctor in the experience. You’re not stepping away from your career—you’re leveling up.

What the Program Includes

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NERD cohort opportunities for practicing vets opens four times a year. When applications go live, you’ll see the posting here. Want a heads up?

Apply for our 2027 NERD Cohorts:

January 2027 Cohort:

Application Window: July 1st '26-December 1st '26

April 2027 Cohort:

Application Window: Oct 1st '26- March 1st '27

July 2027 Cohort:

Application Window: Jan 1st '27- June 1st '27

October 2027 Cohort:

Application Window: April1st '27- August 1st '27

Apply to NERD–Transition to ER

Email to join the Interest List at students@veg.com

How to Apply

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NEW TO ER