Intra-mural rotations enable students to develop specific clinical skills in practical veterinary settings
CVS Delivers Almost 1,700 Weeks Of Clinical Training To Support Next Generation Of Vets
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CVS Group has delivered 1,687 weeks of intra-mural rotation training for veterinary students over the last year, significantly exceeding its target of 1,000 weeks as it continues to invest in supporting the next generation of veterinary surgeons.
The clinical placements took place across CVS' Companion Animal, Farm and Equine divisions as part of long-term relationships with UK veterinary schools. CVS' wider intra-mural rotation programme provides rotations for the Universities of Surrey, Nottingham and Bristol, spanning small animal general practice, farm and equine veterinary medicine.
Intra-mural rotations, or IMR, form part of the veterinary degree and enable students to develop specific clinical skills in practical veterinary settings. CVS' experienced veterinary colleagues also contribute to veterinary education through honorary and secondment teaching roles at UK veterinary institutions.
The 1,687 weeks delivered in 2025-26 compares with 1,094 weeks in the previous year, representing an increase of more than 50%. CVS has committed to delivering more than 1,000 weeks again during 2026-27.
Alongside university rotations, CVS provides a structured extra-mural studies (EMS) programme, enabling students to gain real-life experience within veterinary practices. More than 1,000 veterinary students in years three to five from UK veterinary schools are currently enrolled in EMS across CVS Companion Animal, Farm and Equine practices.
CVS has developed an EMS support framework based on Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Day One Competences to help students and practices structure each placement. It places health, wellbeing and professional skills alongside clinical skills, with the aim of supporting students to develop into confident and capable veterinary surgeons. Students can also access selected courses from CVS' Knowledge Hub online learning library.
Each EMS student is supported by a placement supervisor, who acts as their main point of contact and helps them set goals, create a timetable and review what they have achieved during their placement. A series of voluntary awards also enables students to gain recognition as they progress through the programme.
To make finding practical experience easier for students, CVS has also developed an online EMS booking system. Each participating CVS practice has its own page detailing the practice and available placements, enabling students to search for opportunities without individually approaching veterinary surgeries.
Mark Moreton, Director of Learning, Education and Development at CVS Group, said: "Practical experience is an essential part of becoming a veterinary surgeon, and we're incredibly proud that our practices and colleagues have provided almost 1,700 weeks of intra-mural training for veterinary students over the last year.
"But our contribution is about much more than providing placement capacity. We want students coming into our practices to have a structured and supportive experience where they can develop their clinical skills, build their confidence and also learn about the professional and wellbeing skills that will support them throughout their careers.
"Our scale means we can give students experience across a very broad range of veterinary settings, while our experienced colleagues can share their knowledge and expertise with the next generation. Ultimately, supporting veterinary students is an investment in the long-term strength of the whole profession."
CVS aims to support the veterinary professions through education, training and research, while improving access to opportunities for people entering veterinary careers. Student training forms part of its Care for our Communities sustainability programme, which includes supporting the professions and advancing veterinary knowledge.
The group's contribution to veterinary education sits alongside its wider investment in professional development and research. During 2025-26, CVS colleagues published 88 peer-reviewed papers, while the group supported two PhD research projects.
The student training figures are published in CVS Group plc’s new Sustainability Report. To view a copy of the full report visit: https://www.cvsukltd.co.uk/investor-centre/results-and-reports/ . More information about veterinary student opportunities at CVS is available through its student vets careers page: https://careers.cvsvets.com/student-vets .
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