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Posted: 18th March 2025

RCVS opens EMS booking system
Students can communicate directly with placement providers to share learning plans.
It is free to use for students, vet schools and EMS providers.

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has now opened its new extra-mural studies (EMS) National Booking Database.

The database, which is free to use for students, schools and EMS providers, already hosts several hundred clinical and non-clinical placement providers, with many more expected to join.

Each provider has created a profile page, which sets out the type of EMS opportunity they offer, their geographical location and the dates of placements available. The profile page also describes the species the site treats, the available facilities, accessibility information and more.

RCVS says that its database will increase the accessibility of EMS opportunities, allowing students to find learning providers which meet their learning needs and circumstances. Students are also able to communicate directly with their placement provider so they can share their EMS learning plans.

The database will automatically notify veterinary schools once a student has found and booked a placement, which will allow for a faster placement approval process.

The creation of the database follows feedback from students, highlighting the importance of EMS placements in a veterinary degree programme. Students appreciated the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with treating animals as well as networking with members of the profession.

However, students reported difficulties with finding a placement that suits their needs – including accessibility needs.

Tim Parkin, RCVS junior vice-president and chair of the education committee said: “The RCVS database was developed as a result of this specific feedback and will mean, for example, that students who may not have access to a car will be able to easily find and arrange placements near public transport hubs, or that students with other work or family commitments will be able to arrange flexible or part-time placements that work around their responsibilities.”

“We would urge all UK vet students to get signed up to the platform as soon as possible and we would like to thank the hundreds of placement providers that have already added their details to the database, as well as veterinary organisations and companies which have been encouraging their members to engage with uploading their details.”

Veterinary students will first need to create a ‘UK student’ account with the RCVS, which they will then be able to use on the RCVS EMS National Booking Database. Students or placement providers with any queries can email ems@rcvs.org.uk with any questions.

Image © Shutterstock



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