How to Become a Placement Practice
Introduction
Students on the full time veterinary nursing programmes are required to gain practical work experience in approved Training Practices (TPs) or Auxiliary Training Practices (aTPs) as part of their programme of study. The College of Animal Welfare welcomes enquiries from practices looking to help students by providing a placement for them.
What is Involved in Becoming a Placement for a Student?
In order to offer a placement to a veterinary nursing student your practice will need to be an approved TP or aTP. You will also need to have an appointed Clinical Coach who will support and mentor the student and supervise the completion of the Nursing Progress Log. The Clinical Coach must be a veterinary surgeon or a registered veterinary nurse.
Do I Have to Commit to a Certain Time Period?
For the benefit of both practice and student, a reasonable period of time commitment would be preferable. A practice may, if they wish, offer to take a student for a whole year. By mutual agreement between student and practice this will be encouraged.
Do I Have to Pay the Student?
No. The student is on an unpaid placement so you are not required to pay the student a wage.
Do I Have to Get Extra Insurance?
No. Students should be covered under the practices public liability insurance.
What are the Benefits to the Practice?
Providing a placement for a student is a very rewarding experience. You will gain an extra keen and willing pair of hands who will fit into your practice rota and become like an additional member of staff.
You may also discover a potential new employee during their placement or at the end of the programme in the form of a qualified veterinary nurse! You will also be playing a vital part in helping to decrease the shortage of veterinary nurses by providing valuable work experience.
I Would Like to Find Out More, What Shall I Do?
All practices have direct access to information and advice from out TP Administration team via our TP Helpdesk on 01480 422062 or they can call our main administration team on 0844 372 9410 who will be delighted to discuss the approval process further.