The types of exotic animals treated by veterinarians can be broken into three categories: exotic pets, zoo life and wildlife. These are all undomesticated animals, which basically means these animals' breeding is not controlled. Investigate which exotic animals the school covers. Schools close to zoos or wildlife areas will specialize in medicine for animals specific to those areas.
Much of exotic animal outreach does not deal with learning how to treat exotic animals but with researching exotic animals as there are many exotic animals of which no one knows anything about. Students will trap and then tag animals to study migration habits, collect samples to analyze possible diseases and environmental preferences. These methods of research make it possible to study the exotic animal in its natural habitat with minimal disruption.
Some exotic animal medicine is taught specifically through lectures and guest speakers. Other courses take students to the zoo or exotic location to see and treat animals where they live. These universities may specialize in research and outreach to specific locations, including tropical exotic animals, animals of the Caribbean or exotic animals of Asia. You may not be exposed in person to all types of exotic pets but can gain experience with specific species.
Even if the university does not have a course specific to exotic animals, there are internships available that provide clinical training and surgery for exotic animals. These internships take place at exotic animal hospitals and treatment facilities or in the field, depending on the type of treatment needed. Zoos offer internships and foundations for exotic birds and other animals offer funding for studying specific animals.