The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), the regulatory body for UK veterinary surgeons, is looking for animal-based workplaces to sign up to its new RCVS extra-mural studies (EMS) National Booking Database as a veterinary EMS provider.
In order to prepare them for their clinical education, all veterinary students in the UK must complete EMS during their veterinary degree. Ten weeks of animal husbandry EMS must take place within the first two years of their studies. As the number of veterinary students has risen in recent years, it is necessary to increase the number of placements available to ensure all students have access to this crucial part of their studies.
It is hoped the RCVS EMS National Booking Database will contain myriad animal-based workplaces such as farms, livery yards, wildlife parks and charities who are interested in receiving valuable animal husbandry-based support from current veterinary students.
The database will launch in early 2025 and will be free to join. It has been designed by the RCVS to streamline the process of securing EMS placements for veterinary students and EMS providers alike, as well as improve placement accessibility, and support both parties to align expectations.
‘Simplify and streamline the process’
“We have received feedback from students that EMS is a hugely valuable part of their undergraduate training, but that finding EMS placements which match both their needs, and the needs of the providers, can be challenging. This is why we have been working hard to create this new database, which is designed to simplify and streamline the process for everyone involved,” said Dr Linda Prescott-Clements, RCVS director of education.
“On the platform, current and prospective providers will be able to feature their placements and showcase key details such as placement type, location, expected caseload, and transport links. Students will then be able to search and filter for placements based on their specific requirements, making it much easier to find a suitably matched provider. The platform will also allow students to communicate directly with providers to ask any questions they may have.”
“There are great benefits to hosting an EMS student. Providers not only gain passionate, hardworking individuals, but will also be contributing to the development and growth of the next generation of vets. We all share a common goal of improving animal health, welfare, and public health, and the value of creating strong, mutually beneficial professional relationships cannot be underestimated. So, if you are not already a provider, we encourage you to consider the value of participating in EMS. As the veterinary regulator, our goal is to establish this database as the number one central resource for EMS placements for vet students and providers.”
For more information and to join the database email ems@rcvs.org.uk.
