Pre-placement top tips

Research your placement

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

Book early

Places can fill up quickly, so book as early as possible. The RCVS EMS National Booking Database is a key resource to secure your placement. Check regularly for cancellations that may become available.

Looking for an EMS placement?

The RCVS EMS National Booking Database is now open for student registrations. This free resource will connect you with hundreds of clinical and non-clinical placement providers throughout the UK.

Explore details such as:

• The type of EMS on offer
• On-site facilities
• Species specialisms
• Accessibility - and more

To start using the database, create a UK undergraduate account with the RCVS, then follow our video tutorial on signing up.

Set learning objectives

Agree your learning objectives with your tutor based on your experience and needs. 

Confirm with the placement provider that your objectives are achievable.

You'll also be able to set and share your objectives with the provider via the RCVS EMS National Booking Database.

Complete 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

If your placement has a main contact, reach out before you start. Discuss key details including working hours, dress code, parking, and 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

If you're unsure what you'll need, check with your EMS contact.

Brush up on the basics

As a starting point, 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 shifts. Being well-rested will help you feel recharged, reduce anxiety and boost 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

Placements can be tiring and, at times, emotional. 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 support, call the Vetlife Helpline on 0303 040 2551 or send them an email. 

Handling 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.