Information for EMS providers

In their journey to becoming qualified veterinary surgeons, students on the veterinary degree programme must dedicate a minimum of 30 weeks to extra-mural studies, or EMS.

Of these, at least 20 weeks should be dedicated to clinical EMS, developing confidence in 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.

Placements should provide students with the opportunity to consolidate learning and skills in real-life settings, developing skills as they practise them across professional areas.

With support from their tutors, students will select placements that align with their learning goals, ensuring they gain diverse professional experience.

They will typically look for placements in general veterinary practices, specialist referral practices or other clinical environments.

For students exploring non-clinical careers within the field, professional EMS placements could be considered at the veterinary school's discretion.

Professional EMS should still be a work-based placement, in a relevant working environment, for example in veterinary/government bodies, veterinary laboratories, or veterinary public health placements.

Communication is key! As a placement provider you should assign a team member to liaise with the student before and during the placement to ensure a positive experience for both parties. Set realistic expectations regarding working hours and outline what a typical day might look like.

During their placement, students will be in the clinical part of their course, so they should adhere to the Veterinary Surgeons (Practice by Students) (Amendments) Regulations 1993.

They can examine animals, carry out diagnostic tests and administer treatment under supervision, and perform surgical operations under the direct and continuous supervision of a registered veterinary surgeon.

The RCVS EMS National Booking Database is a fantastic tool to help you communicate with students and schools. It is also a useful advertising tool for your placement or establishment.

If you need more information, or to get listed, please email ems@rcvs.org.uk.

Thank you for considering hosting a veterinary student. Your support is crucial in shaping the future of veterinary medicine.

In their journey to becoming qualified veterinary surgeons, students on the veterinary degree programme must dedicate a minimum of 30 weeks to extra-mural studies, or EMS. Of these, at least ten weeks should be dedicated to animal husbandry EMS, or AHEMS.

This essential part of their training allows students to gain hands-on experience with various species and their husbandry requirements and to develop confidence in their professional skills with clients, animal owners and veterinary professionals.

AHEMS typically takes place during the early years of the veterinary program. This allows students to consolidate fundamental skills working in animal establishments, which they will continue to build upon as they enter their clinical years.

With support from their tutors, students will select placements that align with their learning goals, ensuring they gain diverse professional experience.

Some examples of AHEMS placements include lambing, farm environments, kennels, livery stables, and rescue centres.

Communication is key! As a placement provider you should assign a team member to liaise with the student before and during the placement to ensure a positive experience for both parties.

Set realistic expectations regarding working hours and outline what a typical day might look like.

Remember, students in AHEMS placements are usually in their first years and may have had less opportunities to experience handling animals. They have been assessed as competent in handling common species but may be new to real-life working environments.

The RCVS National EMS Booking database is a fantastic tool to help you communicate with students and schools.

It is also a useful advertising tool for your placement or establishment. If you need more information, or to get listed, please contact ems@rcvs.org.uk.

Thank you for considering hosting a veterinary student. Your support is crucial in shaping the future of veterinary medicine.