Pre-placement hints and tips

Research the placement

Ensure the placement you’ve chosen gives you the opportunity to meet the learning objectives you’ve set with your vet school.

Book early

Places can fill up quickly, so it's best to book as early as possible. You can use an EMS database to secure a placement - it's worth signing up as soon as you can. Cancellations may occasionally become available, so check back regularly.

From early 2025, you'll be able to use the new RCVS EMS National Booking Database to search for and secure placements. The new database will help you connect with EMS placement providers nationwide. More details coming soon. 

Set learning objectives

You should liaise with your tutor to agree your learning objectives for the placement. These should be based on your individual learning and experience needs.

Once you have booked your placement, confirm the provider is aware of your objectives and agrees they are achievable.

You'll also be able to set and share your objectives with the provider via the RCVS EMS National Booking Database, launching in early 2025. More details coming soon.  

Complete the necessary paperwork

Your vet school and placement provider may require paperwork to be completed in advance. Check with your school's EMS office.

Get in touch with your EMS contact

Identify whether there is a main point of contact at your placement and, if so, get in touch with them ahead of your start date. 

Before the placement, make sure you discuss key details with the provider, including:

• Expected working hours and days
• What to wear
• Parking
• Accommodation

Be prepared

Prepare for your EMS placement by ensuring you have everything you need. Depending on your placement, this may include: 

• Appropriate clothing
• Wellies or sturdy shoes
• Notebook and pen
• Food
• Stethoscope
• Pen torch

Speak to the EMS contact at your placement if you're unsure about what to bring.

Brush up on the basics

As a starting point, it’s always useful to refresh your knowledge of the following:

• Species-relevant husbandry
• Anatomy
• Common diseases and clinical symptoms
• Common drugs
• Terminology
• The typical parameters of the species you will working with during the placement.

Aim for a good sleep routine

Try to create a good sleep schedule that allows you plenty of rest before your shifts. Being well-rested will help you feel recharged, reduce any anxiety and boost your productivity. 

Keep a positive mindset

Your EMS experience should be both enjoyable and beneficial to your learning. Having a positive mindset can improve your wellbeing, influencing how you think, feel and behave. It will also be welcomed by staff at the placement.

Have realistic expectations

Life can be unpredictable. Circumstances at your placement might change, requiring you to revise your learning objectives. You might also find you don’t tick off all the experiences you thought you would, and that’s perfectly acceptable.

Remember, EMS helps you prepare for your future career in the industry, and it won’t always be plain sailing.

Consider your wellbeing

Carrying out a placement can leave you feeling tired and, on occasion, emotional. It's vital to take time for self-reflection. Focus on you and allow yourself to experience any emotion that may arise. Suppressing negative emotions can impact on your self-confidence and mental wellbeing.

For free, confidential mental health and wellbeing support, call the Vetlife Helpline on 0303 040 2551 or send them an email. 

Find ways to handle homesickness

It’s likely you’re already used to being away from home, but homesickness may resurface when you start a new placement.

Talk to your friends and family as often as possible. Personalise your space with things that remind you of home, such as photos or a favourite blanket. If you’re staying with the placement provider, make an effort to spend time with them socially. Remember that your vet school will have support systems in place – take advantage of them.

Plan ahead

Ensure you’ve considered your transport and accommodation well in advance. Speak to your vet school or provider if you need advice.

You'll find lots more ideas for ensuring your placement runs smoothly in the other hints and tips pages in this section.