Students’ experiences of clinic‐based learning during a final year veterinary internship programme

Abstract

This study investigated veterinary students’ experiences of clinic‐based learning (CBL) during a comprehensive final year internship programme. Open‐ended surveys (n = 93) were used to gather qualitative data about students’ conceptions of what is learned during CBL and their approaches to learning in clinics. Phenomenography was used for detailed analysis of the variation evident in students’ responses. Relationships between qualitative differences in students’ conceptions and approaches were then evaluated using quantitative statistical analysis. Links to achievement during final year were examined. Close associations were found between the quality of students’ experiences of CBL and achievement during the internship programme.

Keywords:

• higher education
• practice‐readiness
• professional autonomy
• student learning experience
• veterinary education

Acknowledgements

This study was supported by Scholarships Index funding provided by the Faculty of Veterinary Science at The University of Sydney. The project proceeded with approval from the Human Research Ethics Committee of The University of Sydney (Project No. 8025). Sincere thanks go to all the final year interns who participated in this research.