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cvt externship
program

Welcome to Five Sisters Farms CVT Externship Program. We are so excited to open our farm to students who are passionate about animal care, hands-on learning, and building a future in veterinary medicine. Here at the farm, you will have the opportunity to work alongside experienced mentors in a real world environment while gaining valuable experience in animal handling and restraint, veterinary care, and skillset. Our goal is to provide a supportive and professional learning environment that helps you grow in both confidence and technical skill as you continue your journey in the veterinary field.

About Five Sisters Farms

Born and raised in Roseburg, I knew that I wanted to go into veterinary medicine at a very young age. In 2014 I graduated from Oregon State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Pre-Vet Med and then went on to attend Portland Community College in 2016 where I earned my CVT degree. Once I graduated, I started working at Oregon State University in the Lois Bates Acheson Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Large Animal Surgery. There I found a true passion for teaching and mentorship and enjoyed working with the 4th year veterinary students. Returning to my hometown of Roseburg in 2020, I began working at a mixed animal practice and became Hospital Manager of that practice within a year. After growing to a 13-doctor practice with over seventy employees and open seven days a week, I decided that I wanted to go back to what made me fall in love with vet med; the animals and the students.
With six siblings, Five Sisters Farms was born when I wanted to create a business that could help my entire family. So, with my contribution being veterinary medicine, my sisters sell all their curated goods at our farmstand in Tenmile. Honey, soaps, lotion bars, teas, farm fresh eggs, and more! It’s a family affair and we are so happy to be able to share it with others!
Thanks for stopping by and visiting our page! I look forward to chatting with you soon!

~Kahlil A. Knebel, CVT

Student Testimonials

“I had such a fun time learning. The doctors, Kahlil, and Alexis were all super helpful and made sure we all understood. I wasn’t afraid to ask questions and everyone was super nice and encouraging. It made the most stressful part of the externship so easy, I would say easier than the small animal portion. Thank you so much for being helpful and accommodating.”
Lorena - Renton, Washington
“I had the best experience at Five Sisters Farms. The doctors and technician were so helpful and patient. The farm was so picturesque. All of the labs and outdoor set up was perfect for being successful right away with your skills. I would highly recommend it to anyone!”
John Doe
Lindsay - Howell, Michigan
“I just got back from the fast track lab in Roseburg, Oregon at Five Sisters Farms for large animal and exotics. 700 stars!! Would recommend to everyone!! They were so amazing and beyond helpful for the skills videos. Amazing people!!”
John Doe

Nikki - John's Creek, Georgia
“Everyone was so lovely at Five Sisters Farms and I would highly recommend them for any student looking to complete their large animal skills. Kahlil was excellent at communicating beforehand and throughout the whole program, as well as an awesome teacher to learn from. All of the mentors were so kind, welcoming, and helpful. They knew exactly what my school (Penn Foster) required and all my skills were approved. I had such a great experience and am so happy that I chose their farm for my fast track. The whole weekend was thoughtfully designed and ran smoothly.”
John Doe
Lina - Boston, Massachusetts
"I wasn't sure what to expect for my fast-track lab and I was very nervous for everything going in. All that being said, Kahlil and everyone at Five Sisters were so amazing. They explain everything before you perform each video. They are so thorough and all the animals were great. The horses were so patient and well behaved. Even the baby bunnies were nice to handle. The goats were roudy but not mean at all. I was so impressed to find out that they have been a fast-track lab for less than a year (at the time this is written) because they were such a well-oiled machine. I never felt ashamed or unintelligent when asking a question. We had a large group (8 people) and everything still went so smoothly. My biggest advice is don't be shy. Lean on each other and the instructors. They want you to pass too!! I had such a great time and would love to work in a mixed practice after my experience here."
Dana - Vancouver, Washington
"I am so thankful for everyone at Five Sisters Farms! Kahlil and everyone involved in teaching the fast track lab were amazingly patient and easy to work with, including the animals. They answered every question I could think to ask and I had the best experience learning about large animal medicine from them."
Jana - San Antonio, Texas

Hands on Training

CVT STUDENT QUESTIONNAIRE

Thank you for your interest in Five Sisters Farms CVT Externship Labs!

OUR 2026 WAITLIST IS NOW FULL! PLEASE FILL THIS OUT TO BE NOTIFIED WHEN WE OPEN OUR 2027 WAITLIST AND TO RECEIVE OUR FAQ SHEET!

Skills Covered:

Skill 1 Dehorning Cattle and Goats (lecture only-video not required for this skill)
Skill 28 Equine and Ruminant Fecals 
Skill 34 Mastitis Test and Bovine/Goat TPR 
Skill 35 Cattle Chute Operation, Bovine tail Restraint and Halter, Small Ruminant Halter
Skill 36 Small Ruminant Jugular Blood Draw and IV Injection
Skill 37 Small Ruminant SQ Injection 
Skill 38 Equine and Ruminant Dose Syringe, Ruminant Balling Gun
Skill 39 Halter/Tie/Lead Equine, Restrain Equine, Apply Twitch Equine
Skill 40 Equine Jugular Venipuncture, Admin IM and IV Meds Equine
Skill 41 Equine TPR, Tail Wrap, Leg Wrap, 
Skill 42 Equine Radiographs
Skill 43 Avian Naill Trim, Restraint, and PE
Skill 44 and Skill 45 All Rabbit and Rat Skills (Rat portions of Skill 45 cancelled for all labs after 2/25/26 per Penn Foster update)
These skills are taught by two of our DVM’s and two of our CVT’s! All four of us love to teach and are passionate about Veterinary Medicine. We welcome questions and love to cultivate a great environment where everyone can learn. 
 

Please take a moment to fill out this questionnaire so we can learn more about you, your interests, and your comfort levels. We look forward to reviewing your responses and connecting with you soon.

DATES FOR LABS TBD
*Though we ask you your preference on month you would like to attend, those who get approved first, will get spots first*
 

Contact info

Kahlil A. Knebel, CVT 
Owner/Operator
Five Sisters Farms
8001 Highway 42 
Tenmile, Oregon 97481
fivesistersfarmscvt@gmail.com
P: 541-409-7008