Student Teaching

Final Year Clinical Rotations

Our hospital is part of the Institute of Veterinary Science at the University of Liverpool and plays a vital role in the education of final year veterinary students. Our senior vets are all members of academic staff, are all experienced instructors and are responsible for the teaching and supervision of veterinary students alongside their duties as veterinary surgeons. 

In the final (fifth) year of their degree, veterinary students undergo Clinical Rotations, which are blocks of clinical placements within each department of the veterinary school. The Equine Hospital is responsible for several different rotations and we have students with us for most weeks of the year. 

Students in the hospital are always under the direction and supervision of qualified veterinary surgeons and are valuable members of our clinical team. We have students on-site 24 hours per day, 365 days of the year and your horse will receive diligent, round-the-clock care whilst he or she is at the hospital. Students will never perform techniques alone or without the guidance of qualified vets and advanced procedures are always carried out by qualified veterinary surgeons. If you have any concerns regarding students performing techniques on your horse (eg, if your horse is very needle shy), please inform reception on arrival. 

On arrival at the hospital for routine (non-emergency) appointments, you may be greeted by our students and they will take a clinical history from you. We are grateful for our clients' patience during this process as there are a lot of questions for the students to ask and although it can be time-consuming, it is a very important skill and process for them to learn. 

We are extremely grateful that our clients are understanding of this crucial role that our hospital plays in the education of our future vets. Please say hello to our students when you see them - they are usually the ones dressed in green overalls!

Veterinary Student Placements (Externships & Extra Mural Studies)

We welcome students already enrolled on Veterinary Science/Medicine courses on clinical placements at the hospital though we only accept placement bookings during weeks where we do not have final years on clinical rotations. These weeks usually fall over term holidays (eg, Easter & Christmas) or during the summer months. If you would like to book a placement please contact us via email to Mrs Janet Hardman at jhardman@liverpool.ac.uk and include your name, year of study, University and which dates you have available. Please note that we are only able to take students in their clinical years of study (years 4 or 5) and we request a minimum of a two week placement where possible. 

Work Experience Placements 

We offer work experience placements at the Equine Hospital to college or school students aged 17 or over who are interested in pursuing a career in Veterinary Science, Veterinary Nursing, equine management or other similar animal care course (though please note that due to radiation safety regulations students under the age of 18 will not be allowed in the Radiography, CT or Nuclear Scintigraphy suites). If you would like to complete a work experience placement at the Equine Hospital please complete this work experience Work experience application form  and email it to vetworkx@liverpool.ac.uk. If you have any questions please check our Work experience FAQ or email vetworkx@liverpool.ac.uk. 

Thinking of studying Veterinary Science?

We are passionate about and committed to the education of new generations of vets! If you are thinking of studying Veterinary Science at the University of Liverpool please have a look at our undergraduate admissions website and information for prospective applicants page.