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- About extra-mural studies (EMS)
- EMS requirements
- Information for vet students
- Information for EMS providers
- Information for vet schools
- Temporary EMS requirements
- Practice by students - regulations
- Health and safety on EMS placements
- EMS contacts and further guidance
- Extra-mural studies fit for the future
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- Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Surgeons
- Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Nurses
- Contact the Advice Team
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- 'Under care' - new guidance
- Advice on Schedule 3
- Controlled Drugs Guidance – A to Z
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- FAQs – Routine veterinary practice and clinical veterinary research
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- GDPR – RCVS information and Q&As
Information for vet students
Information and advice to support you with extra-mural studies (EMS).
Not a veterinary student? We also have information for EMS providers and vet schools.
On this page:
How many weeks EMS do I need to complete?
What are the different types of EMS?
Video: Securing and making the most of you clinical EMS placement
Video: Securing and making the most of your AHEMS placement
How many weeks EMS do I need to complete?
- If you started your degree after August 2024, you need to complete 30 weeks of EMS before you graduate.
- If you started your degree before August 2024, you need to complete 38 weeks of EMS before you graduate.
What are the different types of EMS?
There are two main types of EMS placement:
- Animal husbandry EMS (AHEMS)
- Clinical EMS
Professional EMS is also available but is not mandatory.
Making the most of EMS
Our top tips will help you prepare for and make the most of your EMS placements.
Temporary EMS requirements
If you were studying for your degree during the Covid-19 pandemic, this temporary guidance may apply to you.
Securing and making the most of your clinical EMS placement
This short animation will help you arrange and make the most of a clinical EMS placement.
Please note: the RCVS EMS National Booking Database mentioned in the video will be launched in early 2025. More details coming soon.
Video Transcript
As you progress on your journey through the veterinary degree programme, extra-mural studies, or EMS, is a vital part of your training, and you'll need to complete a minimum of 30 weeks of EMS before you can graduate. Of these, at least 20 weeks should be dedicated to clinical EMS, where you develop confidence in your clinical skills in real workplace contexts.
Completing at least six weeks of clinical EMS each year during the clinical years of the programme is encouraged.
Clinical EMS is undertaken alongside your core university learning, allowing you to consolidate and apply your knowledge in real-life settings, developing confidence in your skills as you practice them across professional areas.
Consider placements in general veterinary practices, specialist referral practices or other clinical environments.
Throughout your course, identify your learning and experience needs with support from university tutors. Set clear learning objectives to help you choose placements that align with your career goals.
If you're interested in a less clinically focused career, you could consider professional EMS placements as part of your clinical EMS, at the veterinary school's discretion.
You should still attend in person, and you should look for a placement in a relevant working environment, for example in veterinary or government bodies, veterinary laboratories, or veterinary public health placements.
Communication is key! Get in touch with your placement provider before you start. Discuss what experiences are available, what a typical day looks like, the working hours, transport and accommodation options and any other important details.
Once your placement is agreed, remember to dress appropriately, be punctual, behave professionally and make the most of this valuable experience by asking lots of questions.
The RCVS National EMS Booking Database is a fantastic tool to help you find and communicate with your chosen placement provider.
If you need more information, please contact [email protected].
Good luck on your journey! Use your EMS experience to support a solid foundation for your future veterinary career.
Securing and making the most of your AHEMS placement
This short animation will help you arrange and make the most of an AHEMS placement.
Please note: the RCVS EMS National Booking Database mentioned in the video will be launched in early 2025. More details coming soon.
Video Transcript
As you progress on your journey through the veterinary degree programme, extra-mural studies, or EMS, is a vital part of your training, and you'll need to complete a minimum of 30 weeks of EMS before you can graduate. Of these, at least ten weeks should be dedicated to animal husbandry EMS, or AHEMS.
This hands-on experience helps you build confidence in your essential skills in handling different species with varying temperaments, and understanding their husbandry needs.
AHEMS is not just about working with animals; it's also about developing professional skills with clients, animal owners and veterinary professionals.
AHEMS usually takes place during the early years of your programme. This foundation is crucial as you progress into your clinical years.
There's no mandatory number of weeks required for a specific species, but gaining practical experience with a variety of animals is highly recommended.
Think about the different types of AHEMS placements you could explore. Lambing, farm environments, kennels, livery stables or rescue centres are just a few of many options.
Speak to your EMS tutor or school office, or explore the RCVS EMS National Booking Database for more inspiration.
Throughout your course, identify your learning and experience needs with support from university tutors. Set clear learning objectives to help you choose placements that align with your career goals.
Communication is key! Get in touch with your placement provider before you start. Discuss what experiences are available, what a typical day looks like, the working hours, transport and accommodation options and any other important details.
Once your placement is agreed, remember to dress appropriately, be punctual, behave professionally and make the most of this valuable experience by asking lots of questions.
The RCVS National EMS Booking Database is a fantastic tool to help you find and communicate with your chosen placement provider.
If you need more information, please contact [email protected].
Good luck on your journey! Use your EMS experience to support a solid foundation for your future veterinary career.