Page 13 - RVC Support for Students 2015

2. COURSES AT THE RVC – WHAT IS INVOLVED
Most courses at the RVC are a combination of academic and clinical or lab-based learning. Many of the skills you will be developing will be new and may pose new challenges which you may not have considered. We have tried to outline below some of the key skills used on courses, to help think about any issues that may arise. Making adjustments and providing support is much easier if potential difficulties are highlighted early on.
2.1 Undergraduate Courses
Veterinary Medicine Courses
(BVet Med, Gateway, BVet Med Accelerated, Intercalated)
Any experience you gain in a veterinary practice or out in the field before you apply will give you a good idea of what’s in store from Veterinary Medicine.
The skills that must be demonstrated in order to register as a Veterinary Surgeon are
laid out by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) in their Day One Skills document. This is an important document for you
to consider if you are thinking of undertaking any of the above courses:
www.rcvs.org.uk/document-library/ day-one-skills/
Particular competencies required as part of the BVet Med programme include:
• Be aware of personal limitations, and demonstrate awareness of when and from where to seek professional advice, assistance and support
• Being able to cope with uncertainty and adapting to change – problem solving and flexibility
• Handle and restrain an animal safely and humanely
• Attend all species in an emergency and provide basic first aid (bandaging, handling)
• Perform laboratory tests and use radiographic and ultrasonic equipment
• Perform a complete clinical examination, gross post-mortem etc
• Undertake shift-working, including nights
• Learn and develop skills whilst out in the field such as particular methods of bandaging
• Undertake fine motor control tasks such as suturing, administering anaesthesia injections and surgical procedures
Science Courses
(BSc Veterinary Sciences, BSc intercalated options)
Not governed by the RCVS, the Veterinary Science programme
is less physically demanding and focuses more on physiology, biology and mechanisms of disease in a practical, scientific setting. Through gaining scientific qualifications, you may already have some idea of any specific needs you might have. Some of the key elements of these courses include:
• Library-based literature reviews and independent research
• A supervised laboratory placement in years 2 and 3
• Written projects and reports The intercalated option enables
you to attend a course at an alternative institution. It’s important to communicate with the Disability Adviser at the RVC if you feel
there might be support that is needed at the new host institution. Each university will have its own procedures for applying for extra time and other support, so it is also useful to source their own disability guidance for advice about how to apply and who to contact.
Sandwich years are also available and subsequently any company you may be placed with needs to be aware in advance of any
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