ARRANGING WORK EXPERIENCE FOR CLINICAL PLACEMENT

Students generally complete all their practical requirements at the clinic they are employed at. You will need to ensure that you have your clinic and mentors registered with us (this is done during your student induction at the start of the course). If you change clinics, or need new mentors added, you will need to complete the registration process again.

If your current clinic is unable to support you for all subjects due to equipment or case-load, you will need to locate access to another clinic for the missing areas.

Students are responsible for contacting vet clinics in their local area to arrange placement. We can assist you with the provision of incentives such as free and discounted education as a thank you to the clinic.

It is important that you approach gaining work experience exactly the same as a real job. You must present yourself well and have a cover letter and a resume ready.

We are more than happy to review your cover letter and résumé and offer suggestions for improvements or tailoring to the industry.

Keep accurate records of all the clinics you approach, as you’ll need this to access our Placement Assistance Program (PAP) if you are unable to find placement yourself. The PAP program has strict eligibility requirements and the request form can be found in the Help Box.

Here are some tips.

1. Visit the veterinary clinics in your local area with a professionally prepared cover letter and résumé. Don’t just post or email your application – presenting yourself in person makes a better impression.But be sure that you’re well groomed and dressed appropriately so that crucial first impression is a good one!
2. Remember, there’s more to vet nursing than loving animals. So in your cover letter, highlight any strong experience in customer service, reception, or sales-related. Even admin skills are necessary as a vet nurse, so have a good think about any non-vet nurse skills you can bring to the job.
3. Let them know you’re willing to learn. Acknowledge in your letter that you have little or no industry experience but are excited to learn more whilst undertaking work experience for the Cert II in Animal Studies. Make sure you mention you have commenced your studies. Remember, owning your own pets doesn’t count as experience – but it does count as knowing why veterinary care is so important. Use this in your cover letter!
4. Mention you are insured through your course. You aren’t covered by the clinics insurance or work cover as a work experience placement or volunteer. As part of a certified educational course, you are covered by UQ’s insurance.
5. Be flexible. The clinic may be limited in the hours they can offer you due to operational requirements. Discuss with them what suits you and them, not just you.
6. Refer them to the Clinical.Partners website. This explains what is required during placement. This should answer basic questions for them, but we are more than happy to discuss requirements with them over the phone.