A person wearing a horse riding hat with a horse in the background

Information for EMS providers

Our extra-mural studies (EMS) scheme relies on providers to support the next wave of veterinary surgeons. Whether you’re an experienced host or considering your first student placement, this guide outlines what’s required and how to run effective, positive placements.

What is EMS?

EMS is the cornerstone of every veterinary student’s training. It gives them the chance to step outside the classroom and gain real-world experience. As an EMS provider, you play a direct role in helping students build the skills and confidence they’ll need as future vets.

Every student must complete 30 weeks* of EMS placements during their degree, covering different areas of animal care and veterinary practice:

Clinical EMS: 20+ weeks minimum in professional veterinary environments

Animal Husbandry EMS (AHEMS) - 10+ weeks minimum focusing on animal husbandry and handling
Professional EMS - optional placements where students can explore specialist veterinary career paths

Most students complete around six weeks of EMS each year, balancing practical learning alongside their academic studies. This structured approach helps them connect theory with practice, and your support makes that possible.

*As of August 2024, the requirement has been updated from 38 weeks to 30 weeks.

Clinical EMS placements

Clinical EMS placements give students practical experience in environments such as:

General veterinary practices
Specialist referral practices
Animal welfare charities
Abattoirs

This short animation will help you make the most out of hosting students on a clinical EMS placement.

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 [email protected].

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

Animal Husbandry EMS placements

AHEMs placements, which give veterinary students experience handling animals in a professional setting, usually occur during their early academic years. Typical locations include: