Pre Clinical
In the first two years of the course, students are required to fulfill twelve weeks of pre-clinical extra mural studies (EMS). This includes working two weeks at a dairy, two weeks with horses, two weeks with pigs or poultry, two weeks lambing, and four more weeks in some other aspect of animal management. The idea is to spend a couple of weeks at each placement and learn how things work from the owners perspective. All twelve weeks are done during holidays with the lambing usually done the first Easter holiday. All placements must be at professional locations (i.e. can't do horse placement with your friends horses).
All though we all grumble and complain about using our holidays, I believe it really is helpful, especially if you concentrate on species with which you have little experience. A required placement can be skipped if the student has quite a bit of experience in that area (such as you grew up on or worked at a dairy farm), but that two weeks must then be spent somewhere else. Speaking from my own experience, I spent a week working at a dairy farm back home home Washington, and really enjoyed it. I learned so much in just a week, and my confidence with cows is much greater than it was. During the next farm session at Cochno when we did cattle condition scoring, I could ask intelligent questions, and was right on with all my condition scoring.
Also, the EMS is a great chance to travel. I am doing my lambing in Northern Ireland, might try to do my horse experience in Colorado, etc. Some students are even going to Australia for calving experience.
Each EMS experience involves the placement, and a two page written report/diary of the experience.
Stated EMS Objectives
To gain practical experience in
handling animals, foodstuffs/feeding animals, parturition, milking,
condition scoring, hygiene control, grooming/exercising, and animal
behaviour.
To gain insights into animal industries such as developments
and changes taking place both in specific locations and in the industry
as a whole.
To observe the management of different animal enterprises.
To develop practical and interpersonal skills.
To link theory with practice.
To write a concise diary summary of your placement experiences.
Clinical EMS
Clinical EMS requires 26 weeks working with veterinarians in all aspects of the field. Although one week in an abattoirs is the only specific requirement, you have to write up case reports from equine, large animal, and companion animal experience. All clinical EMS entails keeping a journal of daily experiences. Clinical EMS must be done between the start of Christmas vacation 3rd year and the end of 5th year. A minimum of 6 weeks and maximum of 8 weeks EMS should be completed in 3rd year so if you can get started over Christmas or Easter it will free up more of your summer. Students are supposed to select a "base" practice to which they will return over time and where they can establish a relationship with the veterinarians and clients. At least 6 weeks must be spent in first referral practices in the EU between the start of 4th year and Graduation, but all the other experience may be done in the US if desired (at least that is how it appears to stand at this time).
Placements in large animal practice can be a bit tricky to find in the Glasgow area due to the large number of students seeking experience. I ended up seeing large animal practice near Lancaster at the vet used by the family I lamb with each year. They were gracious enough to let me stay with them for the two week period so I didn't need to find accommodation.