Work Integrated Learning

The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program incorporates extensive Work Integrated Learning (WIL) to provide students with practical, hands-on experience in real-world veterinary settings.

How work integrated learning works in the DVM

Throughout the four years of the DVM, our students participate in various WIL activities:

Extramural studies

In our DVM program, Extramural Studies (EMS) are categorised into pre-clinical and clinical placements, providing students with broad experience in the veterinary industry with the aim of developing well-rounded professionals. DVM Extramural Studies (EMS) include both placement types, providing students with extensive exposure to the veterinary industry and aiding them in exploring career pathways.

Students collaborate closely with academic mentors to define their EMS goals and arrange their placements with support from the Academic Support Office.

Learn more about EMS placements

Core and track clinical rotations

In the fourth year of the program (DVM 4), the focus is on developing clinical skills and achieving Day One Competencies through a structured sequence of core rotations, track rotations, and extramural clinical studies placements (EMS).

Students participate in 23 weeks of clinical rotations throughout their fourth year, working closely with clinicians in consultations, clinical exams, treatments, and procedures. The Placements and Academic Support Office coordinates both core and track rotations.

Learn more about clinical rotations

Information for students

There are some important things you need to know before you undertake a student placement – read this section thoroughly to ensure you're fully prepared and don't get caught out.

First things first

  1. Your safety and that of others is the highest priority.
    You must follow all advice and take necessary steps to protect yourself and others from harm, including practising good hygiene and using personal protective equipment (PPE) where appropriate.
  2. Many of our placements are with external organisations.
    This has lots of benefits for you, but it does mean that placements and associated policies are at the sole discretion of the student placement provider. This often means that each provider may have different policies and processes that you need to make sure you are aware of.
  3. Animal welfare is paramount.
    Your access to patients/animals is subject to the placement provider’s overriding duty of care to the animal and is conditional on that animal's owner providing consent, where reasonably practical.
  4. The purpose of placement is to learn.
    While on placement you may provide a valuable contribution to the mission of the organisation. However, it is essential that each task you undertake also contributes to your learning. Be sure to engage in reflective practice throughout the placement and speak with your academic coordinator if you have any concerns.

Key contacts and getting help during placements

Find out how to access support and resources during your placement, including mental health services, support in reporting an incident.

Getting help during your placement

Sonia, the placement booking system

Sonia is the School's comprehensive placement administration tool. For assistance with Sonia, please reach out to the MVS Placement and Academic Support team using the relevant links above.

Access Sonia now

Pre-placement requirements and guides

General obligations

Both the University and our student placement providers expect high standards from students in relation to honesty, integrity and general behaviour at all times. It is expected that students act in a manner consistent with the mission and care philosophy of the student placement provider and according to reasonable and appropriate standards for a professional environment.

Learn more about Fitness to Practice

Information for host organisations

Work Integrated Learning is an integral component of our students' curriculum, benefiting both students and host organisations. The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program is founded on the latest global advancements in veterinary science practice, teaching, and learning and placements are a vital part of accredited veterinary training programs.

There are two distinct types of hosts for the Melbourne Veterinary School: Extramural studies and clinical rotations, each governed by specific requirements and standards set by the University.

Learn more about hosting responsibilities

Why should your organisation host our students?

  • Enhance your business or community profile.
  • Provide opportunities for your staff to participate in the supervision, training and mentoring of students.
  • Engage in reflective practice through exposure to student's knowledge in break-through research.
  • Connect with future veterinarians before they graduate, actively shaping the future of veterinary medicine and potentially identifying future job candidates through informal interactions.
  • Contribute to curriculum development of the various programs offered in the Work Integrated Learning space at the University of Melbourne.

Curious about hosting DVM students and want to know more?  Connect with the DVM placement team to discuss the options.

Risk management framework

Work integrated learning programs provide invaluable opportunities for students to gain practical experience in their field of study. However, like any other program, WIL comes with inherent risks that need to be identified, assessed, and managed effectively to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants.

The primary objectives of our WIL Risk Management Framework are:

  • To identify hazards associated with WIL activities and provide guidance on how to respond appropriately.
  • To implement appropriate controls and mitigation strategies to minimise risks of being on site.
  • To continuously monitor and review the effectiveness of risk management measures.

Explore more about managing risks in WIL activities through the following resources: