Vet med work experience

2

Thinking of applying to vet med next year but I’m not sure if I’ll have enough work experience - my uni advisor said I need +150 hrs to stand a chance, but I’ve only got 1 week small animal clinic, 17.5 hrs at rspca charity shop, 1 day at London zoo, RVC Yr 10 and 11 vacation schools and afternoon anatomy sessions. I’ve also done Nottingham and Edinburgh’s moocs/ virtual work experience and lots of wider reading ( general topics and autobiographies/vet books). I know I’ve got time till next year but if I couldn’t get any more experience would this be enough? Thanks :smile:

Reply 1

ErasistratusV

21

Ask if you can be the Saturday 'young-person' at your nearest veterinary practice and do the odd jobs. It's a great way into the industry and you'll see loads.

And tell them you will work for free (unfortunately).

Reply 2

Anonymous9795

14

Original post

by BGS72

Thinking of applying to vet med next year but I’m not sure if I’ll have enough work experience - my uni advisor said I need +150 hrs to stand a chance, but I’ve only got 1 week small animal clinic, 17.5 hrs at rspca charity shop, 1 day at London zoo, RVC Yr 10 and 11 vacation schools and afternoon anatomy sessions. I’ve also done Nottingham and Edinburgh’s moocs/ virtual work experience and lots of wider reading ( general topics and autobiographies/vet books). I know I’ve got time till next year but if I couldn’t get any more experience would this be enough? Thanks :smile:

They're correct you will need more for most schools. Not all schools accept virtual vet work experience anymore.

Some schools will ask for hours others will ask for weeks which is worth remembering. Get proof of these experiences now if you havent already ideally with the hours listed. I would reccomend trying to find part time work at a kennel as of your experience non clinical animal experience is the most limited. If you can get at least 2 weeks (part time equivalent of) you would have more options. If you can get 1 more week at a clinic that should be enough for pretty much any of the schools.

Having more than the minimum work experience now makes pretty much no difference. They care about your reflection on the for eg: "I saw a vet who instead of just saying to reduce the amount of food for an obese dog found out the brand of food and researched its nutritional guidlines and provided a weight of food instead. I though this would increase the likelihood of this recommendation working" etc

If you havent I would get a copy of veterinary controversies and ethical dilemmas and read it. It is very thought provoking and would be perfect for interviews!

Reply 3

ErasistratusV

21

Write a work experience diary, include morning and afternoon stuff. Reflect on it and ask a vet to sign each day to say you were there.

Vet med work experience

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