Lifelong learning and professional development is a cornerstone of the work of our world-class veterinary schools. To keep pace with the rapidly changing veterinary profession, vets develop their skills continuously throughout their careers. This begins with a degree in veterinary medicine which sets students on the path to becoming a registered veterinary surgeon.
Professional development
As a professional qualification, veterinary degrees prepare students to safeguard the health and welfare of animals, which means theory must be strongly allied with veterinary practice. For this reason, placements called extra-mural studies (EMS) are taken throughout the veterinary medicine degree to prepare students to work in a clinical environment. Students must complete a minimum of 38 weeks of EMS during their course, which should normally consist of 12 weeks pre-clinical and 26 weeks of clinical placements.
Following qualification, veterinary graduates starting work will complete the Professional Development Phase, or PDP. This provides a structure whereby new graduates, with the support of their employer and colleagues, can continue to develop their professional and clinical skills, reflect on their progress and plan their future professional development.
Throughout their careers, practising veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses will continually maintain, improve and develop their skills and knowledge to ensure that they remain professionally competent. This process, called Continuing Professional Development (CPD), is mandatory for all veterinary surgeons and nurses listed on the RCVS Register.
Postgraduate study
There are a variety of options in veterinary science for postgraduate study depending on the route that an applicant wishes to take. These can be broadly divided into three areas: research programmes; taught programmes; and clinical training scholarships. There may be variation in the duration and naming of the qualification themselves, as well as the final qualification obtained.
Careers
Following qualification, veterinary graduates can pursue a variety of rewarding careers in a number of different sectors, including, but not limited to, general practice, public health, private industry, policy development, teaching and academia. Find your career path with My Vet Future’s database of expert careers advice.
