Last year, The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) became the UK’s 11th Veterinary School. 

Opening its doors to vet students from September 2023, the University is offering an original approach to its veterinary course – with a more hands-on approach from year one. This means local vets have already started hosting the first cohort of vet students from UCLan.

But what does this mean for the students and local practices?

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Local collaboration

UCLan is collaborating with local (and further afield) practices to offer students hands-on experience right from the start of their studies. UCLan (alongside the other new vet schools) is offering a “distributed” teaching model, meaning students receive a proportion of their clinical teaching at partner vet practices, known as intramural rotations (IMR).

In addition, UCLan is the only UK veterinary degree where students undertake external practical placements from year one. These are known as EMS (extramural) placements. Traditionally, vet students start EMS placements later in their course. 

What is EMS?

Extramural studies (EMS) form an important part of the veterinary degree program, allowing students to gain practical experience and practice clinical skills in a real-world setting. EMS placements are undertaken at local vet practices, and not overseen by the university. Students are expected to undertake EMS during the holidays. In contrast, during Intramural rotations (IMR), there is formal teaching and/or training. IMRs tend to happen during term time, and are arranged by the university.

EMS placements are a crucial part of the veterinary degree, offering students the chance to gain valuable experience in teamwork, communication, decision making and the financial side of vet practices, as well as hands-on practical experience.

At present, EMS is split into 12 weeks of animal husbandry placements, and 26 weeks of clinical placements. From Autumn this year, this will reduce to 10 weeks of animal handling experience and 20 weeks of clinical EMS. Extra quality assurance measures are being introduced, which aim to improve the quality of EMS placements, enabling the total number of weeks to be reduced.

What can students do during EMS?

New graduate vets are expected to finish vet school being comfortable with what’s known as ‘day one competencies’. In other words, there are procedures and cases that they will be expected to deal with comfortably from day one. To enable this, Veterinary students are required to start performing ‘acts of veterinary surgery’ as an important part of their clinical training. 

The “Veterinary Surgeons (Practice by Students) (Amendment) Regulations 1993” sets out that students may: 

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

So, if you see a vet student working with your vet at your next visit, don’t be alarmed! They are being supervised while undergoing a crucial part of their training. 

What’s the benefit?

Well, EMS has enormous benefits on both sides! Local practices gain an extra pair of hands, as well as the chance to build relationships with the future generation of vets. In fact, my first job as a new graduate was at a practice where I had spent several weeks undertaking EMS. Vet students can often share new ideas, perspectives and the most up-to-date knowledge with the vet practice.

Vet students gain valuable ‘real world’ experience, setting them up for success after graduation. In all aspects of life, there are some things you just can’t learn from a book! Hands-on, real-life experience is invaluable. 

The first cohort of vet students is due to graduate from UCLan in 2028, no doubt offering a valuable addition to the veterinary workforce.

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