Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) in veterinary education is a vital experiential component designed to develop confident and capable veterinarians.  It is essential for preparing veterinary students for successful careers by providing diverse, real-world experiences and professional development opportunities. Work integrated learning should be an immersive experience that involves students under supervision actively participating in the workplace through hands on learning.

Why WIL?

The purpose of WIL is to: 

  • Provide real-world, hands-on experience – experiential learning
  • Allow students to apply their academic knowledge and practical skills in real workplace settings
  • Assist students to develop professional skills, skills associated with employability, and professional identity
  • Expose students to the spectrum of veterinary care through a variety of veterinary practices or clinical settings, as well as exposure to a range of career paths

 Types of WIL:

  • WIL that forms a core part of the clinical curriculum, which includes structured learning activities (e.g. tutorials, case discussions, rounds) and assessments set by the school as part of the curriculum. At SVM this WIL is undertaken at The Animal Hospital at Murdoch University (teaching hospital) or by academically supported contracted partners. 
  • Extramural WIL which allows students to broaden their experiences, is flexible and allows students to pursue areas of interest relevant to their career goals or areas in which further development is desired. Extramural WIL doesn’t involve structured or formal teaching and sits separately to the core curriculum. Extramural WIL also allows students to pursue those areas of veterinary science that are of particular interest to them.
Set up a Vet work placement

 

The updated accreditation standards set by the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council requires that each student must undertake at least 25 weeks of extramural WIL across a number of settings. At The School of Veterinary Medicine at Murdoch University this is structured as follows:

This is intended to ensure that veterinary students and graduates are familiar with the industries and community sectors they will serve. This experience occurs in the second and third year of the course.
This is intended to ensure students are provided with opportunities to become familiar with the operations of a veterinary practice, to gain skills in animal handling, patient nursing care, and to contribute as members of the veterinary support team. This experience occurs in the second and third year of the course.

This type of WIL takes place in veterinary practice settings under the supervision of a veterinarian. Several weeks may be in veterinary professional (non-clinical*) sites. It is intended that students actively participate in clinical decision-making and patient care as part of the veterinary team. This type of experience also provides additional exposure to financial decision-making in veterinary practice and relevant communication skills. This experience occurs in the fourth and fifth years of the course. 

*Professional (non-clinical) WIL placements provide opportunities for students to gain experience in veterinary workplace settings that may not directly involve animals or which are outside conventional clinical settings. Examples include administrative roles with professional bodies or government; veterinary businesses; veterinary diagnostic laboratories; veterinary public health roles; international veterinary aid projects under veterinary supervision; animal welfare organisations; and veterinary research laboratories.

The Veterinary Practice Regulations 2022 states the acts of veterinary medicine which veterinary students are authorised to carry out.

 

Need more information? Get in touch

Murdoch veterinary school

Work Integrated Learning team