When attending the vets, you may have had vet students present in the room during a consult; or you may have even chatted with them over the phone. Vet students are commonly in veterinary practices as it is the best way for them to learn more than lectures and books can teach. Whether it is student veterinary surgeons or nurses, they will be shaping the future of veterinary medicine. And they need to learn as much as possible about this ever-growing profession prior to embarking on their career.

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Why are students in practice, not at University or College?

Veterinary surgeon and veterinary nurse students need to complete a lot of clinical placements throughout their time at university or College in order to pass the course. These clinical placements need to be completed as part of their programme of study. For some, it’s a placement outside of the University; for others – especially veterinary nurses – it may be their place of employment from which they go on day release to College to study the theory. It is a great opportunity for students to learn more about the job and develop soft skills such as communication, teamwork and emotional resilience. 

Throughout their placement, there are a range of learning objectives which must be completed step by step, guiding a progressive learning curve. Different tasks and skills will be set according to their current teaching, allowing students to apply their knowledge. Alongside volunteering at the veterinary practice, veterinary students also must complete a certain number of weeks in other types of placements; such as farm work, laboratory work or research. The aim is to produce well rounded, knowledgeable veterinary staff for the future. 

So how might this affect me and my pet?

In general, it won’t significantly impact you or your pet. Remember, they are students so will be supervised appropriately, especially in the earlier stages of their course. In fact, in some cases having someone in practice who’s totally up on the newest ideas on how to treat a condition can be really valuable!

Vet students may ask extra questions during a consultation

These questions can help to benefit their understanding of a case. If you do not feel comfortable answering their questions, please inform a member of staff and this can be dealt with appropriately. 

Student vets and nurses may lead consults

Please be reassured that if a student felt out of their depth, they would always ask for help and the necessary support is available.

When they examine your pet, you may see the student copy what the vet has already done

This is for additional practice and to see if they can feel the same thing the vet has described. Practising these physical skills is vital in ensuring they can qualify and become a fully-fledged member of the veterinary team; rather than graduating and then needing to learn the physical skills. They will not repeat examinations if your pet is showing any signs of being distressed. The more animals they can examine, the more familiar they will become with normal anatomy. Therefore, the easier it will be for them to spot abnormal anatomy and thus diagnose disease and infirmity.

No student will ever be left unsupervised to treat your pet

The student’s level of study, their confidence, and their skillset will dictate how much involvement they have with your case. There will always be another member of staff around, either looking over their shoulder or within earshot, to help out if they are performing any veterinary tasks.

No student will make a clinical decision regarding your pet’s health

Students may be involved with obtaining diagnostic samples, restraining your pet, or feeding and walking inpatient pets. Your pet will never be put through undue stress in order to help our students. If the situation needs additional expertise, the vet will always be ready and happy to be more involved. 

When visiting the vets, you may frequently see the same vet student

Veterinary nursing courses commonly offer a year placement, or you can work at the veterinary practice whilst also carrying out your nursing qualification. Veterinary surgeon students often do shorter placements at a wider range of practices. If there is a student you enjoy seeing, please also let the team know as you may be able to request them for a consultation should you want to.

As vets and nurses, we are always extremely grateful if you will allow us to have students shadow consults and perform clinical examinations on your pet where possible

It really helps our students to learn. If you would prefer not to have a student see your pet, please express these concerns to the staff in a polite manner and this request will be dealt with appropriately. It is not compulsory to see a vet student when attending the veterinary practice and if you feel you would prefer more privacy when discussing health concerns, please request to be alone with the vet and the veterinary student is more than likely to leave in a polite manner. Vet practices are always keen to receive feedback. If you ever think of a way in which practices can progress, please do inform the front desk. 

Further reading