A. Basic (40 hours)*

This program is intended for students interested in pursuing a career in Veterinary Medicine. This will provide an initial opportunity to experience the diverse nature of this career path which includes research, academic, wildlife & marine animals (exact proportion of these experiences will vary dependant on the timing of the internship). The cost for this is $500.

B. Advanced (100 hours)

This program is intended for students interested in pursuing a career in Veterinary Medicine. This will provide a more in depth opportunity to experience the diverse nature of this career path with a focus on research, academic, wildlife & marine animals (exact proportion of these experiences will vary dependant on the timing of the internship). There will be more opportunity for limited hands on experiences. One year complimentary OERS Membership included. The cost for this is $1200. 

* If agreed to by both OERS and the intern, the basic program can be converted into the advanced by paying the difference. Hours done under the basic internship will be credited toward the advanced program.

- Application Form -

This program is intended for registered veterinary students who wish to get exposure to the subject of marine animals, research and non-traditional potential academic careers.  This includes a ‘hands on’ veterinary focus marine mammal course and is offered during the summer only.

Anatomical specimens will be available and the course includes the conduct of a full necropsy. After successful completion of this internship a certificate will be issued. The cost includes all course materials (course notes, lab manual; lab supplies). Limited availability 

- Application Form -

C. Learner

This program is structured for individuals without any marine animal experience to allow them to learn about these beautiful creatures and what makes them tick. This includes a basic introductory course on marine mammals. Must be an OERS member to enroll. To become an OERS volunteer you must have taken this course within the first year. The cost includes all course materials.

D. Applied

This program is meant to follow the learner internship and provides a more in depth experience for more serious individuals wishing to be part of the OERS volunteer response teams. Limited spaces are available on a seniority basis. This includes a more advanced course on marine mammals including hands on anatomy & pathology opportunities. After successful completion, a proficiency certificate will be issued by OERS. The cost includes all course materials. Limited availability

- Application Form -

E. Basic (40 hours)*

This program is intended for students interested in pursuing a career in Research. This will provide an initial opportunity to experience the diverse nature of this career path which consists mainly of observing what is involved in exploring an area, collecting data, analyzing data, conduct of basic laboratory analysis, statistics and data presentation and write-up. (exact proportion of these experiences will vary dependant on the timing of the internship). There are two programs available depending on the individual's study area of interest: biomedical or OERS marine animal. The cost for this is $500.

F. Advanced (100 hours)

This program is intended for students interested in pursuing a career in Research. This will provide a more in depth opportunity to experience the diverse nature of this career path with a focus on exploring in a virtual fashion an area, how to conduct effective literature searches, formulating a question, research plan, understanding the limitations of collecting data, analyzing data, conduct of basic laboratory analysis, statistics and data presentation and write-up. (exact proportion of these experiences will vary dependant on the timing of the internship). There may be opportunity for limited hands on experiences but this is not guaranteed. There are two programs available depending on the individual's study area of interest: biomedical or OERS marine animal. One year complimentary OERS Membership included. The cost for this is $1200. 

*If agreed to by both OERS and the intern, the Basic program can be converted into the Advanced by paying the difference. Hours done under Basic will be credited toward the Advanced program.

- Application Form -