As an EMS provider, you play a vital part in shaping the next generation of veterinary professionals. This guide explains what’s involved and offers practical tips on how to help your students get the most from their time with you.
Clear policies and procedures are the foundation of a successful EMS placement. They keep students safe, ensure compliance with legal requirements, and create a professional learning environment.
As an EMS provider, you must follow all current health and safety legislation. This means carrying out risk assessments, putting safety protocols in place, and making sure students receive a proper safety briefing before they start their placement. For detailed guidance on your specific obligations, consult the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) resources.
Every student should feel welcome in your practice. It’s essential to have strong anti-discrimination policies in place in line with the Equality Act 2010, protecting students from unfair treatment based on age, gender, religion, and any other protected characteristic. Students should feel welcome and supported regardless of their background, beliefs, or individual needs.
You can find comprehensive guidance through the government Equality Act resources.
You should set clear expectations that align with RCVS standards. This includes outlining professional behaviour, providing appropriate supervision, and ensuring every interaction with students demonstrate the high standards we expect.
Your code of conduct should cover professional behaviour, confidentiality requirements, dress codes, and workplace procedures. Be flexible where possible to accommodate individual needs, such as religious clothing and practices, while maintaining appropriate professional standards. Share this code with students before they start, so they can prepare and understand their responsibilities.
Make sure your professional indemnity insurance (or equivalent protection) covers EMS placements.
This cover is essential for both your practice and your students. It should extend to observations, supervised practical activities, and any educational activities during the placement. Double-check your policy details with your insurance provider to be certain you have adequate coverage. Students will also be advised to have their own insurance in place.
Assigning a dedicated contact person helps students feel supported throughout their placement. This person should be easy to reach, ready to answer questions, and able to provide guidance and feedback. They’ll also act as the main link between the student, your practice, and their university.
Expect students to arrive with different levels of knowledge and experience, depending on where they are in their studies.
Take time at the start of the placement to understand their skills, confidence, and learning goals. Then, tailor your supervision accordingly. Some students may need step-by-step guidance, while others will be ready for more advanced tasks.
This approach ensures each student makes the most of their experience while working within their comfort zone.
Your feedback is one of the most valuable aspects of EMS placements, helping students understand their progress and identify areas for continued development.
Share feedback in a way that’s specific, encouraging, and constructive. Highlight what went well, point out areas to improve, and give students the confidence to keep learning.
Complete the required feedback forms, giving detailed comments that help both the student and their university understand the student’s progress. Your feedback contributes to their academic progress assessment and helps identify areas where they may need additional support or learning opportunities in future placements.
Keep accurate attendance records so students get proper credit for their placement hours, which count toward graduation requirements.
Encourage students to give honest feedback on their experience with you, including:
Their insights will help you improve future EMS placements and contribute to wider learning across the veterinary education community.
Here are some tried and tested ways to make EMS placement successful.
By becoming an EMS provider, you’re helping to train and inspire the next generation of vets. It’s a rewarding way to share your knowledge and experience while directly supporting veterinary education.
The RCVS EMS National Booking Database makes it simple to connect with students. To register, contact [email protected]. We’ll guide you through the process and help match your practice with students whose needs and interests align with what you can offer.
